Barcelona have informed Athletic Club that no away supporters will be permitted at Saturday’s La Liga clash at the partially reopened Camp Nou. The Catalan club say safety regulations under the current licence prevent sectorised access for visiting fans, prompting an unusual restriction just days before their long-awaited homecoming.

• Barcelona restrict visiting supporters under Phase 1B licence

  Barca have told Athletic Club that they cannot allocate any away tickets for Saturday’s La Liga meeting at the newly reopened Camp Nou, citing safety limitations under the stadium’s temporary operating licence. The match marks Barca’s first competitive fixture at their historic home since May 2023, but the main headline is the unprecedented restriction placed on visiting fans as the club navigates partial-capacity regulations.

  Athletic Club confirmed the development in an official communication, stating: “FC Barcelona will not be able to send away tickets to Athletic Bilbao.” The Basque side detailed the reasons supplied by Barca, who explained that the current Phase 1B licence “does not allow for the guarantee of separation, control, and minimum protection conditions required by regulations for hosting visiting fans.” According to Barcelona, the necessary sectorisation measures are still under construction and will only be completed in the coming weeks.

  The club are reopening Camp Nou in stages after two seasons at Montjuic, with 45,401 seats authorised for this first phase. However, the reopened sections, Tribune, South Goal and Lateral stand, remain structurally incomplete, preventing the segregation of supporters. For all the excitement surrounding the return to the stadium, this regulatory hurdle has forced the Catalans club to deny Athletic’s travelling contingent an allocation.

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• The reasons behind absence of away fans

  Athletic Club relayed Barcelona’s explanation in full, highlighting that the restrictions stem from specific infrastructural limitations. "The match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at the new Spotify Camp Nou this coming Saturday will not have the usual tickets allocated to the red-and-white fans."

  The Catalan club cited two primary concerns: “Non-independent access points” and “insufficient physical sectorisation.” The statement stressed that the available entry and exit routes “do not allow for the establishment of exclusive circuits for visiting fans,” meaning cross-flow with local supporters could not be avoided.

  Furthermore, the partially rebuilt stands “do not have adequate structural elements to safely isolate and delimit the visiting sector.” These conditions prevent the implementation of a secure visiting enclosure, an obligation under La Liga and local safety regulations. 

  The Basque side also noted that the unusual measure is a direct product of the stadium’s ongoing redevelopment. With Barca yet to finish the internal circulation systems, security railings and stand separations in the Lateral and North Goal areas, both clubs have been forced to adapt. The safety explanations align with the council’s earlier assessment, which emphasised evacuation-route improvements and structural checks as conditions for granting the temporary licence.

• Partial stadium return after two seasons away

  While the away-fan ban is the key story, Saturday’s match will still be a symbolic moment for Barcelona supporters. The council’s Phase 1B approval allows 45,401 spectators to attend the fixture, the first competitive game at Camp Nou since renovation work forced a two-season relocation to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuic.

  The club has modernised the pitch access, internal circulation, handrail systems, digital ticketing gates, dressing rooms, and player tunnel as part of the reportedly massive €900 million redevelopment project. Earlier this month, 23,000 supporters attended an open training session that provided a public glimpse of the reconstructed sections.

  Initial plans had earmarked late 2024 for a partial reopening, but construction delays, safety inspections and access-route concerns pushed the timeline back. Barca even abandoned their intention to play the Joan Gamper Trophy at the stadium, instead beginning the season at the 6,000-capacity Estadi Johan Cruyff. Full completion of the redevelopment is scheduled for June 2026, after which the stadium will seat 105,000.

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  Next phases and Champions League considerations

  Barca will continue operating under reduced-capacity conditions for the remainder of the season, with digital-only tickets remaining in place as part of the safety protocol for the partially reopened Camp Nou. Member presales have already begun for domestic fixtures, but the absence of visiting fans on Saturday raises questions about how quickly the club can complete the sectorisation work required for away allocations.

  The next stage, the Phase 1C licence, aims to reopen the North Goal stand, which should provide the structural independence required for proper segregation. Until those areas are completed, away supporters may remain excluded from fixtures to ensure compliance with local regulations.

  Barca are also reportedly in dialogue with UEFA regarding the ability to host their upcoming Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt at Camp Nou. The club insist it meets the requirements, although the governing body's formal approval is still pending. With construction ongoing and safety inspections continuing throughout the season, every fixture will require coordination between the club, the council and competition organisers.

MatériaMais Notícias

Torcedores do Atlético-MG foram à loucura nas redes sociais com Gustavo Scarpa na vitória por 3 a 0 sobre o Cuiabá, pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão, e compararam o gol anotado pelo meia com Ronaldinho Gaúcho.

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Scarpa anotou o segundo gol do Atlético-MG ao bater falta rasteira, no momento em que a barreira do Cuiabá saltou, relembrando os velhos tempos de Ronaldinho Gaúcho com a camisa do Galo. O “Bruxo” ficou marcado por um gol de falta rasteiro na histórica goleada por 5 a 4 sobre o Santos.

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No mês de abril, Scarpa soma oito jogos pelo Atlético-MG, com seis gols e duas assistências. Ele foi a principal contratação do Galo para a temporada.

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O clube mineiro venceu a concorrência do Flamengo e adquiriu os direitos do meio-campista junto ao Nottingham Forest, da Inglaterra, por cinco milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 27 milhões, em valores atualizados). O contrato é válido por quatro temporada.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários dos jogos do Brasileirão

O Atlético-MG de Gustavo Scarpa volta a campo na terça-feira (30), às 21h, contra o Sport, na Arena MRV, pela partida de ida da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. Dois dias depois, o Cuiabá visita o Goiás pela mesma competição. No Brasileirão, o Galo lidera a tabela, com oito pontos, enquanto o Dourada amarga a lanterna do campeonato.

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Manchester United are building for the future under Ruben Amorim, and he now appears to have made key decisions on two of his most high-profile Old Trafford stars.

The Red Devils have made a reasonable start to the Premier League campaign and could well make a push for the European slots if they can maintain momentum, though that is something that will be challenged over the festive period due to the African Cup of Nations.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to depart next month, leaving roles to be filled in the squad during a busy schedule that is set to be fraught with intense action.

Still, Premier League sides have known the competition is part and parcel of their squad planning, making it an issue they should be able to handle without the need for mass panic.

Signings in January will be important and there is an obvious need for midfield reinforcements, especially with Casemiro drawing closer to the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the latest name on Manchester United’s list, and discussions are said to be progressing well over a potential move to work under Amorim’s stewardship in January.

Rob Edwards has signalled his desire to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making tracks, even if there could be a twist in the tale regarding the state of play on their engine room, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano delivers contract update on Casemiro and Maguire

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Amorim wants both Casemiro and Harry Maguire to stay at Manchester United, providing they reduce their wages in line with the club’s new salary structure.

He said: “My understanding is that the situation of Casemiro is a really similar situation in terms of strategy to Harry Maguire.

“Casemiro and Harry Maguire are out of contract in the summer of 2026 and for Manchester United, they are two really important players, especially now.

“We have to say congrats to Casemiro. In this video let’s focus on Casemiro, because he’s been able to change his situation at Manchester United.”

Later, he added: “So now the desire is from Man United, obviously, to continue with Casemiro, but in different conditions. So the salary he has right now is a salary that Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future, not because of Casemiro or Maguire, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

Between them, a pay packet of £540,000 per week is a major chunk of the Red Devils’ wage list, and with both edging closer to the twilight of their respective careers, it may be worth looking at younger reinforcements as their contracts look set to expire.

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Conversely, experience is vital and cannot be understated. Over the coming months, it would be a smart decision to tie down both stars if they can agree to a wage reduction.

Eddie Howe has now reportedly told Newcastle United to go and sign a Serie A midfielder who Tyneside scouts have already watched in action.

Eddie Howe delivers Nick Pope verdict after Marseille mistake

It’s been one step forward and two steps back for Newcastle this season. The Magpies defeated Manchester City in an excellent display last weekend, before picking up where they left off to take the lead against Marseille. It looked as though they were finally back on track. But that’s when it all fell apart.

Nick Pope’s moment of madness allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to equalise from wide, before the former Arsenal man was at it again to score what proved to be the eventual winner for the French hosts.

It’s not the first time that Pope has come under fire in a Newcastle shirt this season, but Howe decided to back his shot-stopper in his post-match interview, saying: “I think it’s a concern when we concede goals, regardless of who’s at fault. I think we have to look at everything with a balanced head.

“He (Pope) saved us many times. He made some really good saves against Manchester City just two days ago. That’s the life of a goalkeeper. But I’ll certainly back him.”

With Aaron Ramsdale waiting in the wings, however, it remains to be seen just how many more chances Pope will receive. Up next, Newcastle travel to the Hill Dickinson stadium for the first time to face an Everton side who just defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It’s a game that the Magpies will be desperate to win to at least make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League. Alas, it’s also one that may expose their lack of depth in midfield once again.

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It’s a fairly open secret that Howe’s targeting reinforcements in that area ahead of 2026 and reports are now claiming that he’s told the club to go and sign Serie A star Manu Kone.

Howe tells Newcastle to sign Manu Kone

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Howe has now told Newcastle to sign Kone after sending his scouts to watch the impressive AS Roma midfielder.

The midfielder would instantly add depth to the Magpies’ midfield, but Roma have already reportedly dealt those at St James’ Park a frustrating blow in pursuit of his signature. Unsurprisingly, Roma are keen to keep hold of Kone and have told Newcastle that he is not for sale in 2026.

Whether Newcastle test the waters despite Roma’s stance is the big question. Kone would certainly be worth the chase. The Frenchman was dubbed “composed” by Como scout Ben Mattinson ahead of arriving in Serie A in the summer and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

As bad as Pope: Howe must drop 4/10 Newcastle dud who made just 14 passes

Rohit Sharma made an unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli finished 74 not out to win by nine wickets after Harshit Rana’s 4 for 39 bowled Australia out for 236

Andrew McGlashan25-Oct-20251:04

Chopra sees a lot of IPL interest in Cooper Connolly

The majority of the SCG crowd got what they wanted as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, playing what will surely be their final matches in Australia, guided India to a consolation nine-wicket victory which avoided a series whitewash.Rohit, building on the fighting 73 he made in Adelaide, went to his 33rd ODI century from 105 balls, a ninth against Australia, while Kohli responded to his twin ducks to start the series with an unbeaten 74 in front of a packed stadium of 40,587, most of whom cheered their every move.The pair, who have more than 26,000 ODI runs between them, finished with an unbroken stand of 168 from 170 balls as Rohit brought the target in view with a flurry of boundaries before Kohli finished it with a delicate glide to deep third.Related

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It was a dominant performance by India after Australia slipped dramatically from 183 for 3, losing 7 for 53 to be bowled out for 236. Matt Renshaw’s maiden ODI half-century had given them a solid platform, and all the top six made at least 23, but none could convert as Harshit Rana claimed a career-best 4 for 39 while India’s trio of spinners all bowled well.Rohit and Shubman Gill gave the chase an ideal platform but, even as the openers did what the team needed, the cheers for Kohli only grew louder. Shortly after Gill had deposited Cooper Connolly for six he edged Josh Hazlewood behind and the stage was set.Kohli made his way out of the dressing room to huge cheers, but those paled compared to a few moments later when he was off the mark first ball with a flick wide of mid-on. Kohli got into the spirit of the moment with a little smile and clenched fist.Virat Kohli celebrates his first run of the series after two ducks•AFP via Getty Images

From there, it was largely the Kohli seen on so many occasions – a straight drive off Mitchell Starc was a standout – although he was a little fortunate to survive an lbw appeal against Nathan Ellis on 36 which was millimeters from being overturned on DRS.One of the highlights of Rohit’s innings was an inside-out lofted drive for six against Adam Zampa and he later added another six off the legspinner with a slog sweep. The century came in understated fashion, a gentle drive to long-off, and a gentle wave of the bat around the ground.Despite the series being wrapped up, Australia resisted resting either Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc. They ended up only bowling 11 between them – Hazlewood was again excellent – but they weren’t brought back when the result was assured, perhaps a nod to what is to come. Ellis, who had been brought in for Xavier Bartlett, endured a difficult night.Mitchell Marsh had opted to set a target when the coin fell his way, making it 18 consecutive tosses India had lost in ODIs. Marsh and Travis Head, who became the fastest Australia men’s batter to 3000 ODI runs by innings, picked up the pace during the opening ten overs with Marsh pulling Prasidh Krishna’s first ball for six in an over that cost 13.Harshit Rana took career-best figures of 4 for 39•AFP via Getty Images

Australia were beginning to motor when Head spooned a catch to backward point although the run rate at that stage of more than six over would prove deceptive. Two balls later India could have had a second wicket after a mix-up left Matt Short stranded but Gill missed the stumps.Marsh’s promising innings ended the first ball after drinks, when he gave himself room against Axar Patel and was bowled. A relatively quiet period followed as Short and Renshaw worked into their innings. Short, who made a career-best 74 in Adelaide, had given himself a base when he swept Washington Sundar to square leg where Kohli held a stinging catch to the delight of many in the crowd.Renshaw did not hit a boundary until his 33rd delivery when he pulled Sundar powerfully through the leg side but kept the scoreboard ticking over so effectively that his fifty arrived from 48 balls.Alex Carey struggled for momentum and was on 8 off 23 balls when given a life, Krishna unable to hold a tough chance running in from long-on. He and Renshaw had given Australia a good base for acceleration when the pair fell in the space of four overs.Carey was spectacularly caught by Shreyas Iyer running back from backward point, taking the ball over his shoulder and slamming into the ground which caused him significant pain. During the drinks break which followed he left the field with the physio and during India’s chase was taken to hospital for further assessment.Renshaw, who is in the contention for a place in the Test squad for the Ashes, then fell lbw to Sundar as he advanced down the pitch with the DRS confirming the ball would have taken middle and leg.In Adelaide, Connolly and Mitch Owen put together a stand that turned the game firmly in Australia’s favour but there was no repeat here. Owen, staying leg side of the ball, edged a rising delivery from Rana to slip meaning the bowlers were exposed with more than 12 overs remaining and they were bowled out with 20 deliveries unused. But what the crowd had really come to see came next.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has adamantly denied that his team have "fallen apart" despite a recent string of disappointing results, culminating in a 2-2 draw against Elche. While admitting that they "can't be happy" with their latest setback, Alonso insisted that the connection between his coaching staff and the players is "improving" and that the team spirit remains good.

Real Madrid held to dramatic draw by Elche

Madrid endured another frustrating evening as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Elche on Sunday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Los Blancos found themselves trailing twice in the match. Aleix Febas opened the scoring for Elche in the 53rd minute, only for Dean Huijsen to equalise for Real Madrid in the 78th minute.

However, Elche regained the lead through Alvaro Rodriguez just six minutes later, threatening to inflict a shock defeat on the Spanish league leaders. It took an 87th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham to rescue a point for Real Madrid, ensuring they avoided a second league defeat of the season. The result leaves Real Madrid still at the top of the La Liga table with 32 points from 13 matches, but their lead over rivals Barcelona has been cut to just one point.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAlonso insists team spirit is good despite recent setbacks

Following the match, Alonso addressed the media and faced questions about his team's recent form, which has seen them draw their last two league games. When asked if the team had crashed, Alonso was defiant in his response.

"We haven't fallen apart," Alonso insisted. "We're still competing; the context of each match is different. The result is what matters, and we're aware of that and self-critical. The spirit is good; we have to respond to adversity. This is Real Madrid. We live with criticism; we want to improve."

Despite his positive outlook on the team's spirit, Alonso acknowledged the disappointment of the result. "After a good run, we've had several results we didn't want. We know what we want; we have to keep pushing forward. We're not happy; we always want to win. We can't be. There are many games left, so we need to focus on the next one by analyzing what we did today."

Player-coach connection is 'improving'

Another key topic addressed by Alonso was the relationship between his coaching staff and the players. Amidst the recent dip in form, there have been questions about the connection within the squad. However, Alonso maintained that the relationship is strengthening over time.

"The connection is improving; we have more time and interact more, we know each other better," Alonso stated. "We're all in the same boat, we celebrate victories. We suffer if we don't win. The connection is good. We need to turn this situation around, starting with Athens."

The Madrid manager also clarified the situation regarding Vinicius Jr, who has seen reduced playing time recently and started on the bench against Elche. Alonso assured that he has open communication with the Brazilian winger and that Vinicius understands his current role.

"No, we had discussed it. We talk about it often," Alonso explained. "He understands; he knew the role he could play. We've done it before, like in Getafe. Today we're not happy, but everyone is eager to get back on track."

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AFPWhat next for Real Madrid?

Madrid will need to quickly put this disappointing result behind them as they turn their attention back to the Champions League. They face Olympiacos in Athens on Wednesday, where they will be looking to secure a victory to boost their morale and solidify their position in the group stage. Following their European commitment, they will return to La Liga action next Monday with a home fixture against Girona, who are 18th in the table. Alonso and his players will be aiming for a return to winning ways in both competitions to silence the critics and get their season back on track.

RC Strasbourg are reportedly preparing a January move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who has been frozen out under Daniel Farke and is heading towards the final months of his contract. With the 25-year-old enduring what French reports call a 'nightmare' season, the Ligue 1 club see a rare opportunity to secure a long-term No.1 before rivals across Europe make their move.

• Strasbourg identify Leeds' Meslier as January target

  Strasbourg have identified Meslier as a prime January target as they look to secure a long-term replacement for Chelsea loanee Mike Penders, who will return to London at the end of the season. The French goalkeeper has not played a single minute under Farke this campaign, falling behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow in the pecking order. His exclusion, combined with his contract expiring next summer, has opened the door for foreign clubs to negotiate freely from January.

  Reports in France describe Meslier as “having a nightmare” at Leeds following months of being frozen out and no longer viewed as part of Farke’s plans. Strasbourg believe this situation creates an ideal recruitment window, especially as they can offer the 25-year-old immediate first-choice status. Their confidence is supported by the fact that they are targeting him for next summer but are prepared to accelerate talks if a rival club attempts to strike earlier.

  Interest in Meslier is growing across Europe, with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Anderlecht and Club Brugge all having monitored his situation in recent weeks. This increasing competition has pushed Strasbourg to act quickly, as they recognise that a club in their position cannot afford to wait until the summer and risk losing him on a free. The French outfit believe their project, combined with guaranteed game time, can convince Meslier to reignite his career in Ligue 1.

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  Meslier's rapid fall at Elland Road

  Meslier’s rapid fall from being Leeds’ established No.1 to a peripheral figure has been shaped by both performance issues and a managerial shift. He was once a key presence at Elland Road, even winning the Championship Golden Glove and being named in the 2023–24 Team of the Season. However, a series of costly errors last campaign prompted Farke to seek alternatives, eventually leading to the summer arrival of Perri, whose form has kept Meslier out entirely.

  Leeds now find themselves in a difficult situation, as allowing Meslier to run down his contract risks losing an asset for nothing next summer. At the same time, his lack of appearances and declining role make it unlikely he would accept a new deal without assurances. This leaves January as a potentially decisive month, either for securing a fee or allowing him to negotiate a pre-contract abroad.

  Strasbourg’s interest fits within the broader context of their long-term rebuild under BlueCo ownership, where recruitment has focused heavily on young, high-upside profiles. A goalkeeper entering the prime of his career, with Premier League and Championship experience, aligns perfectly with their strategy. Given that Penders will depart in June, the French club are eager to stabilise the position with a long-term, high-ceiling signing.

• Multiple other clubs interested in 'frustrated' Meslier…

  Beyond his on-pitch form, Meslier is also understood to be frustrated with his lack of opportunities, particularly after being the club’s No.1 for several years. Reports state he wants to “play football again,” reflecting both the personal and professional toll of spending months on the bench. Strasbourg consider this dissatisfaction an opening, believing they can offer the stability and confidence he has lacked at Leeds.

  The competition for Meslier is expected to intensify as multiple clubs explore their goalkeeping options before the summer. Italian sides such as Inter Milan and AC Milan have monitored him due to his contractual situation, while Belgian clubs are also waiting to see whether he becomes accessible on a pre-contract basis. Strasbourg’s advantage lies in offering him an immediate starting role and a clear project, which could appeal as he seeks to revive his career.

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  Meslier more likely to leave this January than stay

  Strasbourg will attempt to open formal talks in January, hoping to secure either a pre-contract agreement or a cut-price winter transfer if Leeds allow him to leave sooner. Leeds must now decide whether to hold Meslier until summer or cash in before his value drops further. With interest growing and his future at Elland Road effectively over, a move appears increasingly inevitable in the coming months.

West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo faces a fresh concern about star winger Jarrod Bowen, with the Englishman poised to play a key role in the Hammers’ fight against relegation.

The 2025/26 campaign has plunged Bowen into the most challenging period of his West Ham career. While the 28-year-old continues delivering on an individual level, his club finds themselves in a perilous battle at the wrong end of the Premier League table that threatens to define his future.

The Hammers captain has been West Ham’s top goalscorer for four consecutive Premier League seasons, netting 47 times in that period, cementing his status as the club’s talisman since his arrival from Hull City in January 2020.

Bowen is surely a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup selection, having only missed out on two England squad inclusions since 2023, but the questions lie around his long-term future with West Ham currently in a dogfight.

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West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

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Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bowen will get real encouragement by the fact West Ham have just won back-to-back home games for the first time since last year, and the Irons are a club he absolutely adores. He put pen to paper on a long-term seven-year deal back in 2023, keeping him at the club until 2030, but those were very different times back then.

After his winner against Fiorentina in the Conference League final that year, which gifted West Ham their first major trophy since the 1980s, optimism around the London Stadium was high.

However, amid fan protests against the ownership and their steep decline in the last two years, speculation surrounding Bowen’s future is rife.

Liverpool are exploring a deal to sign Bowen ahead of 2026, with West Ham reportedly willing to consider selling their captain if they receive an ‘irresistible’ offer. The connection to Anfield isn’t new, but the circumstances have changed dramatically. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp previously described Bowen as his favourite player outside his own squad, and Bowen actually shares an agent with Reds defender Andy Robertson.

Arne Slot’s side could be keen on the 28-year-old as an heir to Mohamed Salah, but he’s also been linked with the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle.

West Ham dealt Jarrod Bowen blow as Nuno faces fresh concern

That is according to CaughtOffside, who also report the star forward’s stance on leaving West Ham in 2026.

As per their information, it isn’t good news, with Bowen looking to leave West Ham next summer and potentially compete for a Champions League club to test his own ambitions.

With 130 goal contributions in 250 appearances since joining from Hull, Bowen’s contribution at West Ham absolutely dwarfs his teammates.

The fan favourite’s departure would leave a gaping void that West Ham’s current squad lacks the quality to fill. Beyond stats, Bowen embodies leadership, consistency and the ‘West Ham way’ during very turbulent times – qualities desperately needed as the club battles a drop to the Championship.

Selling a homegrown hero who married into East London royalty and delivered European glory would also come as a major disappointment to the fanbase.

Replacing Bowen’s goals, assists, work rate and leadership would require multiple signings, and perhaps even more than that.

The task would be David Sullivan’s biggest one yet, and amid all-time high unrest over his leadership, the chairman needs to tread carefully.

There’s rain forecast throughout the day but if we get a game, expect conditions to suit spin as the game goes on

Madushka Balasuriya17-Oct-20253:12

Preview: Pakistan search for their first win

Big picture – Pakistan’s battle to stay alive

It’s that time of the tournament where the calculators come out as qualification permutations start being meted out in earnest. Heading into this game, of the two sides New Zealand are the ones with qualification for the semi-finals still in their hands; wins in their next three and they’ll be on an unassailable nine points – easier said than done, though, as India and England await after their bout with Pakistan.For Pakistan, things are a little trickier. Not only are they firmly bottom of the table with a solitary point, they also have the worst net run rate. All that said they’re still not mathematically eliminated, though with South Africa and Sri Lanka to follow after New Zealand, three wins in three would be a monumental feat. And even that would not guarantee qualification, with other results needing to go their way.But for the time being all these sides can do is focus their attention onto matters on the field. Pakistan will know that they haven’t been as bad as results suggest. Yes, their three defeats have been pretty comprehensive, but two were to pre-tournament favourites India and Australia. And against England, it was only rain that halted their push towards a first win.Related

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Fatima Sana has led from the front, picking up nine wickets across the tournament, and in her, Pakistan possess a potent weapon against most top orders – amplified by the fact that batting in Colombo has been at its most perilous in the first half of the innings. And in Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu they boast a pair of spinners that would challenge any batting line-up.Their batting, however, has let them down at this World Cup, and it’s here that New Zealand will seek to gain an advantage. New Zealand have shown glimpses of their prowess with both bat and ball across this tournament, but are yet to string it all together. They bundled out Bangladesh cheaply, but failed to consistently challenge batters in their matches against Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.On the batting front too, there have been good performances – especially from Sophie Devine – but none that have managed to blow the opposition away. These will be areas they will be desperate to improve on, and a down-on-their-luck Pakistan might be just the opposition they would be eyeing to sharpen their blades.

Form guide

New Zealand WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Pakistan LLLWL

In the spotlight – Baig and Tahuhu

Fatima Sana has been doing the business with the new ball, but her new ball partner Diana Baig has struggled to hold down the fort at the other end. Baig, to be fair, has had a fairly prolific 2025, picking up 17 wickets so far in 12 WODIs. It is, in fact, the most successful calendar year of her career, but her economy rate has been on the high side – in a series against South Africa last month she conceded 8.83 an over, and even in a dominant performance against England she went at 8.33. With their batting misfiring, Pakistan will know they can ill-afford to leak runs.Lea Tahuhu took seven wickets across New Zealand’s opening three matches at this World Cup – her only three matches in 2025, in fact – but found herself on the bench against Sri Lanka. That decision was based on Chamari Athapaththu being perceived to have a poor match-up against left-arm seamers like Bree Illing. Pakistan are one of Tahuhu’s favoured opponents, with her economy rate across 11 WODIs against them just 3.70, so expect her to be back in the XI and with a point to prove.2:14

Sawyer: ‘We’ve got to be really wary of the Pakistan attack’

Team news

Tahuhu is likely to be back in the XI, having sat out the washed-out match against Sri Lanka on tactical grounds.New Zealand XI (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze, 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Rosemary Mair, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Lea Tahuhu.Pakistan haven’t been shy about changing up their XI, particularly their batting order. But considering the washout against England, they might stick to an unchanged side.Pakistan XI (probable): 1 Omaima Sohail, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 7 Fatima Sana (capt), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Sadia Iqbal

Pitch and conditions

More of the same from Colombo as far as the weather is concerned, with rain forecast throughout the day. If we do get a game, expect the pitch to suit spin as the game goes on.

Stats and trivia

• Suzie Bates is 75 runs away from 6000 in ODIs. She is also 68 runs away from surpassing Charlotte Edwards to become the second-highest run-scorer in WODIs.
• Bates has scored 874 runs at an average of 72.83 against Pakistan, only bettered by Stafanie Taylor’s 1287.
• New Zealand hold a 15-1 win-loss record over Pakistan in WODIs, with their last defeat coming in 2017.

Quotes

“They’ve [Pakistan have] put some teams in some real tough spots, I think they had Australia 6 for 60. And then obviously the other night England was 7 for 70. So, their bowling attack is one that we’ve got to be really wary of. They’ve really challenged a couple of weeks or two of the top nations. So, yeah, been impressed in particular with their bowling.”
“We have a chance to go in[to the] semis if we win the next three matches. So maybe the scenario is open, so maybe we will win the three matches.”

While Daniel Farke is taking a lot of heat at the moment surrounding his incapabilities as a Premier League manager, the Leeds United players he keeps selecting also need to take their fair share of the blame for what is currently occurring.

Against Aston Villa last time out, Elland Road regulars such as Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon didn’t cover themselves in glory whatsoever, with the Dutchman – in particular – looking weak physically, when winning just three of his eight attempted duels.

Moreover, Sean Longstaff, who stunned earlier on in the season with a goal and assist against AFC Bournemouth, looked noticeably flat up against the likes of Youri Tielemans for the energetic away side, leading to him giving possession away a costly 13 times.

Farke also has a part to play here, considering he works with the camp week in week out in trying to pick wins up, with the German clearly unable to inspire his team to get out of their rotten slump.

Still, he wouldn’t have foreseen how poor a start Lucas Perri would have made to life in England, as the Brazilian consistently looks uncomfortable in the Premier League.

Perri's poor start at Leeds

Leeds’ arrival back in the top-flight would have been met with equal levels of excitement and trepidation from the die-hard Elland Road fanbase.

Indeed, supporters would have been understandably over the moon that their beloved side had finally jumped back up to the big time.

But, they would have been worried immediately about their goalkeeper situation up a division, with an error-prone Illan Meslier cast to one side during the promotion run-in.

Unfortunately, despite splashing out £13.9m on his services this summer, the aforementioned Perri hasn’t looked like a steady pair of gloves whatsoever since joining, with a disastrous eight goals already given up in November alone.

The ex-Lyon stopper received plenty of pelters after the Villa defeat, too, when he remained frozen to his spot for Morgan Rogers to hammer home this delightful free-kick effort.

Ex-Leeds player Jon Newsome has even gone as far as to label Perri a complete “waste of funds”, and it could be argued he’s been a complete waste of time and energy, as well, considering his steep price tag, and his billing as a top-flight capable ‘keeper that would make Meslier a worry of the past.

Yet, despite all the abuse that has come his way, he isn’t the biggest waste of time in Farke’s camp currently.

Leeds have a bigger waste than Perri

At least in Perri’s case, he doesn’t have much competition breathing down his neck, with Farke surely extremely hesitant to chuck in Meslier to a relegation dog-fight, alongside another reserve figure in Karl Darlow.

Chalkboard

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

Therefore, the hope will be that the South American can play his way out of this mess, having started his choppy Leeds career with a promising clean sheet against Newcastle United.

On the contrary, Sebastiaan Bornauw already looks resigned to a place on the periphery, owing to recurring injury issues troubling him in West Yorkshire, and the likes of Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol being other options Farke can call upon in the heart of defence.

For a modest £5.1m fee, Leeds would have been hoping that they’d hit the jackpot with the assured Belgian, who had 140 Bundesliga appearances under his belt, before making the switch to England, with former Wolfsburg sporting director Marcel Schäfer previously hailing the former German top-flight titan as a consistently “strong” presence for his team.

Across those 140 games, Bornauw would help himself to a stable, if slightly unspectacular, 27 clean sheets, meaning he would have been viewed as a handy utility signing, too, when the deal was arranged, as Leeds prepared to use their full squad to beat the drop.

Instead, he has largely been injury-ridden since swapping Germany for West Yorkshire, with just one forgettable appearance coming his way so far in the EFL Cup versus Sheffield Wednesday.

For as much as Perri has largely been calamitous, at least he has made his presence known. Whereas Bornauw looks to already be burning a significant hole in Leeds’ wage bill, for how little action he has thrown himself into, with Leeds-based content creator Lewis Deighton rightly calling the unfolding situation out as “absolutely laughable”.

Amazingly, his £45k-per-week pay packet means he is earning more than the aforementioned Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu – who earn a lesser £40k-per-week salary each – despite both figures continuing to be ever-presents in the Farke regime.

It’s very clear how much Leeds dropped the ball this summer with unconvincing signings, as the under-pressure German now potentially pays the ultimate price with his job.

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