Test captain says the players need to play more red-ball cricket to improve in Tests

Danyal Rasool03-Sep-20244:02

The anatomy of Pakistan’s fall in Tests

Pakistan’s performances in the Test series against Bangladesh have been difficult to justify, and their captain Shan Masood made little attempt to do so. Following the shock 2-0 defeat at home, he called for long-term solutions beyond superficial changes, emphasised the need for Pakistan to play more red-ball and Test cricket, and admitted his side tended to “keep making the same mistakes”.”In the batting department, and not just in this series, we need to improve in the second innings,” Masood said. “We tend to collapse quite frequently. We did well in each first innings, losing both tosses when there was weather around. We scored 448 and declared, and then 274, and when we reduced them to 26 for 6, that was a reflection of the pitch. That was the pitch we batted on and scored 274. We started well with ball and bat, but over four or five days, you need to be mentally tough throughout to make it count.”Pakistan’s tendency to fall apart as games go deep isn’t just a problem for Masood’s tenure, but it has been amplified over the last five Tests. In Melbourne and Sydney, Pakistan got themselves into promising positions before letting the game get out of hand, and let slip situations from where Bangladesh needed to break records to recover.The first Test in Rawalpindi was just the third time in history that a side declaring their first innings with six or fewer wickets down went on to lose, and Bangladesh’s 262 in the second Test is the highest total for a team that lost its first six wickets under 50 runs. Those Bangladesh recoveries, aided by Pakistan sustaining injuries to key bowlers and misfiring with the bat, led to the 2-0 result scarcely anyone predicted.Related

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Masood praised Bangladesh’s “discipline”, and said their Test experience demonstrated the value of regular red-ball cricket.”Bangladesh have two players who have played 70-90 Tests (Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahman), and Litton [Das] and Mehidy [Hasan Miraz] have played close to 40. We need the same level of red-ball exposure. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. You need experience. It’s obvious we need more Test and red-ball cricket. Whatever format you play is the format for which you’ll produce players. You can’t play more T20 cricket and get Test players. You can’t prepare for science and then sit a maths exam. If you’re being tested for maths, you study maths. To play red-ball cricket, you must play red-ball cricket.”We have to respect the opposition and Bangladesh’s discipline was superior to ours in both Tests. We have to look at ourselves and the kinds of mistakes we made this series, and we made plenty. Test cricket, in terms of fitness, whether mental or physical, lasts for four or five days. What we’ve shown this series is that’s something we need to work on.”With more Test cricket coming up, Pakistan’s players have virtually no avenue to prepare by playing red-ball cricket. Most of this squad will play the 50-over version of the newly created Champions Cup from September 12 to 29, before launching almost immediately into a three-Test series at home against England. With the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, coinciding with that series, the problems of limited red-ball cricket are unlikely to be alleviated soon.The issue of player fitness has constantly weighed on Masood and the team management, with Pakistan attributing to it some of their more contentious selection decisions. Masood said last week that the extra seamer at the cost of a spinner for the first Test was to distribute the workload more lightly among four pace bowlers. For the second Test, both leading fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were rested, and Pakistan’s three-pronged pace attack was notably bereft of pace in comparison to Bangladesh’s.Both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were rested for the second Test•AFP/Getty ImagesMasood admitted Pakistan might have been better served not resting the duo collectively. “We kept Naseem in the 12, because we might have had to play four fast bowlers, which we could have done considering the load this weather might put on the bowlers. But we chose to go with Mir Hamza for the left-arm angle we were missing with Shaheen so a lot of thought went into it. Never easy resting your two premier bowlers.”If I could do it again, maybe we would have split Naseem and Shaheen between the two Tests. You have to be fair to them. Shaheen has played a lot of cricket in the last two years. Naseem has just come back from injury; his last Test was against New Zealand in Karachi. You have to look at the overall health of players; we have lots of cricket coming up and you have to look at the whole picture.”Masood has been in Pakistan cricket long enough to know its administrators and selectors aren’t known for patience; his staccato career – 35 Tests in 11 years – exemplifies this. Appointed just five Tests ago, he may still be a new captain, but he knows he wasn’t the obvious choice at the time, and is playing to prove his place in the side as much as his leadership credentials. Having become the first Pakistan captain to lose his first five Tests, and averaging 28.60 in ten innings, he understands how quickly the walls can close in.”I am not worried for my job security,” he said. “I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team. If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my personal failure takes Pakistan to that direction, I will be content. However much time I get I’ll be grateful for and do my best.”At the moment, Pakistan have the worst of both worlds, with neither Masood nor his team able to find results that offer breathing space. After the next home series against England, Pakistan travel to South Africa, and they are currently eighth out of nine in the World Test Championship table.Masood drew hope from the positions Pakistan got themselves into, pointing to four of the five Tests played under his captaincy. “If you do something good once, it’s an encouraging sign, and then you try and repeat it. We took time to adjust in Perth, but after that, in Melbourne, Sydney, both Pindi Tests, the game was in our hands and then we let go of it. This is something we have to work on.”From encouraging signs, it’s turning into something we’re not good at and need to improve. When you back an opposition into a corner, you need to be clinical in putting that side away. Whether it’s Australia or Bangladesh, the answer as to what mistakes we’re making is the same.”

Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window already, making four signings, including three defenders and a striker on a free transfer, namely Lukas Nmecha.

Now, it seems like the Whites have moved onto a midfield target, with Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United now in their sights.

A recent report from Sky Sports suggests that Daniel Farke’s side have had a bid worth around £12m for Longstaff rejected by his boyhood club. Leeds may well go back in for the midfielder, but it’s also revealed they are now considering their options ahead of bolstering their central options.

The Yorkshire outfit might not be done there, and are said to be eying up another new addition, who could prove to be an even more important signing than Longstaff.

Leeds' next signing after Longstaff

So, it certainly seems like Leeds are doing all they can to bring in their fifth new signing of the summer to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

Once they’ve bolstered the midfield, they must move on to an even more important area; the goalkeeping department.

According to a recent report from Turkish news outlet As Marca, the Whites are lining up a move for Fenerbahce and Croatian international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The 30-year-old is reportedly the subject of a £6m bid from Leeds.

However, that does not come close to the price tag the Turkish side are holding out for. Instead, Jose Mourinho’s side want in the region of £11m to make a deal happen.

Leeds will have to be quick, with Livakovic also of interest to fellow Premier League sides Sunderland, Aston Villa, and Chelsea.

Why Livakovic would be a good signing

If there is one criticism people had for Leeds last season, which was not easy given they reached a century of Championship points, it was the lack of consistency shown by first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Well, perhaps signing a new goalkeeper in the form of Livakovic is the answer to Leeds’ struggles between the posts. The Croatian star had an impressive campaign in 2024/25 for Fenerbahce, playing 32 games across all competitions, conceding just 38 goals and keeping nine clean sheets.

He was also Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. There, he was the hero in penalty shootouts against Japan and Brazil as his side came third in the tournament. Statman Dave described him as a “big-game” player as a result of his efforts.

As for Meslier, his initial numbers last season might not suggest any goalkeeping frailties. In 39 Championship games, he conceded 27 goals and kept 21 clean sheets, which you’d be happy with at the end of a campaign.

Yet, digging a little deeper tells the full story. He made three errors leading to a goal and prevented -2.73 goals. To put that number into context, of the 50 goalkeepers who played a game in the second tier last term, only six glovemen had poorer records between the sticks.

It was undeniably a calamitous year for Meslier, which included that bizarre mistake against Sunderland. Ex-Leeds man Aidy White told BBC Radio Leeds that “they have got to drop” the Frenchman.

For that reason, Livakovic would be a better addition than Longstaff. The simple fact is that Leeds need to improve in goal, more than they do in the middle of the park where the likes of Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu are consistent figures.

A look at the underlying numbers also suggests that the Croatian number one would be a huge upgrade on Leeds’ current first-choice shot stopper.

As the stats on Sofascore show, Livakovic averages 2.5 saves compared to Meslier’s 1.7 saves per 90 minutes. The numbers also suggest that the Fenerbahce star is better with his feet, and last season averaged 5.6 accurate long balls compared to just 2.5 accurate long balls each game from the Frenchman.

Goals conceded

1.2

0.7

Saves made

2.5

1.7

Save percentage

67.8%

70.7%

Penalty save percentage

40%

25%

Accurate long balls

5.6

2.5

All the evidence suggests that Livakovic would be a far better signing than Longstaff. Whilst the Newcastle man would bring experience into the midfield, having a reliable man between the sticks is exactly what Leeds need this season.

Meslier had some poor moments last term, and bringing in Livakovic could help solve their issues and allow more consistency in goal. He may certainly end up being a better signing than Longstaff.

More exciting than Longstaff: Leeds pursuing deal for "unplayable" £20m ace

Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a star who would be an even more exciting signing than Sean Longstaff.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 10, 2025

It might sound like it, but it wouldn’t be hyperbolic to state that this summer has been one of Chelsea’s best in a very long time.

Enzo Maresca’s men came into it as Conference League champions and with Champions League football secured, only to then go and demolish Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final.

On top of the successes on the pitch, the West Londoners have been incredibly busy off it, welcoming in a host of brilliant players, including striker duo Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Yet, the Pensioners are not done there, as reports have now linked them with a goalscoring monster who is so dangerous he could be bad news for the two forwards.

Chelsea's summer business

To ensure Maresca’s side can kick on next season, the board have gone out of their way to back the manager over the last month or so.

Transfer Focus

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

On top of the £60m for Pedro and the £30m for Delap, the West Londoners splashed £48m on the dynamic Jamie Gittens, who racked up 17 goal involvements in 49 games for Borussia Dortmund last season.

However, the Blues may have saved their most audacious transfer for last, as they’re now being linked to an incredibly in-demand forward who would possibly be bad news for Pedro and Delap: Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs who admire the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

Newcastle United are currently leading the race for his signature and have seen a £70m offer rejected, but Liverpool and Manchester United are also keen on the player, alongside the Blues, per Jacobs.

In terms of how much he’d ultimately cost, reports from earlier this summer claimed that an offer of around £85m should be enough to tempt the German side into selling.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, even if it would potentially be bad news for Pedro and Delap.

Why Ekitike could be bad news for Pedro and Delap

The first thing to say is that both Delap and Pedro are incredibly talented forwards, with the former already racking up a goal and an assist in six games for the Blues and the latter doing even better, scoring three goals in three games.

However, when it comes to pure output, the pair pale in comparison to what Ekitike was able to produce last season, and that ultimately is why his arrival could be bad news for their future game time.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 23-year-old machine was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Appearances

48

30

40

Minutes

3644′

2136′

2670′

Goals

22

10

12

Assists

12

7

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.56

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

125.64′

190.71′

Likewise, the former Ipswich Town gem did well, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, but that still comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.85 games, or every 190.71 minutes.

Then, on top of his vastly superior output, the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” also has the advantage of more top-level experience.

He has made four appearances in the Champions League and 12 in the Europa League, compared to six for the Brazilian and none for the Englishman.

Ultimately, there are enough games in a season for all three to get game time, but should Chelsea sign Ekitike this summer, his outrageous ability in front of goal would surely see Pedro and Delap relegated to second and third choice, respectively.

PL rivals eyeing £100m Chelsea star; his exit could make room for Ekitike

It would be wise of Chelsea to cash in and upgrade.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

Everton’s transfer business is starting to ramp up after a slow start to the window. Carlos Alcaraz is set to join on a permanent basis following a loan spell last season, while defender Kenny Tete is looking like the next summer arrival.

David Moyes is also looking at signing a new centre-forward or two during the window. Villarreal star Thierno Barry is a player who could be close to sealing a move to Everton in the coming weeks.

These players will improve the current squad, but the newest player that Moyes is showing interest in would certainly trump them all.

Everton make enquiry for Ligue 1 sensation

With Moyes eager to bolster his first-team squad ahead of Everton’s maiden season at their new stadium, a marquee arrival would signify a statement of intent.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now made an enquiry about Lyon starlet Malick Fofana amid Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1.

This decision could see the French side selling off their finest talent, something the Toffees have taken into consideration. They initially wanted £42m for the winger, but this fee might be dropped due to their financial crisis.

As many as ten Premier League clubs want to sign the youngster, indicating that Moyes has plenty of competition.

By landing the Belgian starlet, Moyes could sign Everton a bigger talent than Iliman Ndiaye.

Why Everton must sign Malick Fofana

Like Fofana, Ndiaye was at a Ligue 1 club before moving to Everton last summer. During his first season in the Premier League, he scored nine times, showcasing his talents on the big stage.

When compared to his peers in the top flight, Ndiaye also ranked in the top 6% for successful take-ons (2.52) and in the top 12% for interceptions (0.74) per 90. If he can build on these statistics next term, Ndiaye will be one of the club’s finest players.

There is no doubt that Fofana could be a bigger talent, however. The 20-year-old scored 11 goals and grabbed six assists for Lyon last term, enjoying a stunning breakthrough season in France.

Hailed as a “game-changer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Fofana was at his best in the Europa League last season.

Indeed, when he was compared to his peers in Europe’s secondary club competition, Fofana not only ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, but the winger also ranked in the top 1% for both progressive carries (7.88) and for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) per 90 for Lyon.

These statistics prove that he is among one of the finest young wingers on the continent, hence why so many clubs are keen on signing him.

Ndiaye has shown that there is plenty of value to be had in France, impressing at the Toffees since making his switch from Ligue 1 last year.

Fofana is certainly a bigger talent than the current Everton star, especially as he has plenty of years left before he hits his peak.

He'd be unplayable with Barry: Everton register interest in £25m PL star

Everton are looking for midfield reinforcements next season

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 26, 2025

Anuj Dal led a strong Derbyshire batting display to put the home side in a commanding position on day two of the Vitality County Championship Division Two match against Glamorgan at Derby.Dal made 94 from 135 balls after Harry Came, with 84, and Wayne Madsen’s 70 put Derbyshire on course for a big first-innings total.Glamorgan spinner Ben Kellaway took his first wickets in first-class cricket, finishing with 3 for 59, while Mason Crane claimed 3 for 43 as Derbyshire were bowled out for 429, a lead of 261.Glamorgan were left with a tricky 12 overs to negotiate but they survived to close on 39 without loss, still 222 behind.It was a good day for batting with the County Ground bathed in sunshine which was a good sign for the overnight pair of Came and Madsen who proceeded in untroubled fashion to move past Glamorgan’s modest first innings.Ned Leonard again offered too much width which allowed Came to settle back into his innings by twice dispatching short balls to the point boundary.Glamorgan’s attack struggled to impose a measure of control with Madsen reaching his 50 off 88 balls and the stand was worth 130 when Came threw away the chance of a century.The opener came down the pitch to hit Kellaway back over his head but the bowler leapt to take an excellent catch at the second attempt to claim his maiden first-class wicket.He soon had a second as Madsen attempted a slog sweep but got under it and skied a simple catch to midwicket. That brought together the former Glamorgan pair of David Lloyd and Anuerin Donald, who was intent on taking the attack to the bowlers.He pulled Dan Douthwaite for six and crunched Kellaway through the covers to move to 28 from only 22 balls before a smart piece of wicketkeeping removed him two overs before lunch.Donald paddled Kellaway around the corner but Chris Cooke had anticipated the shot and moved across to take a fine catch at leg slip.Even so, it had been a productive morning for Derbyshire who led by 79 at the interval and they tightened their grip on the game in the second session.Lloyd was closing in on a half-century against his former team-mates when Crane got one to spin between bat and pad to take the off stump.Glamorgan’s hopes of wrapping up the innings quickly faded as Zak Chappell again showed how well he can bat by sharing a stand of 67 from 99 balls with Dal who straight drove Leonard for his sixth four to reach 50.By tea, the lead was over 200 but rather than give their bowlers a session to go at Glamorgan, Derbyshire batted on for another 18 overs, presumably to give Dal a chance of a century.Pat Brown stayed with him for 89 balls while another 48 runs were added but Dal fell short when he drove Crane to long-off.That left Glamorgan with an awkward period to get through and Kellaway enjoyed another landmark when he edged Chappell for four to open his account in the first-class game after three consecutive ducks.Chappell should have removed Billy Root in his next over but Donald spilled the chance at third slip and the pair stayed together to provide Glamorgan with some comfort at the end of another challenging day.

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير تفاصيل حضور محمود الخطيب رئيس الأهلي لمران فريق الكرة بعد التعادل أمس أمام إنبي، موضحًا آخر المستجدات الخاصة بحالة اللاعبين المصابين ومنهم أحمد سيد زيزو وياسر إبراهيم وإمام عاشور.

وكان الأهلي قد سقط في فخ التعادل الإيجابي أمام إنبي بهدف لمثله، في اللقاء الذي أقيم على استاد المقاولون العرب، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من بطولة الدوري.

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الخامس عشر في جدول الترتيب برصيد 6 نقاط فقط، جمعها من فوز وحيد، وثلاثة تعادلات، وهزيمة أمام بيراميدز، في واحدة من أسوأ بداياته في تاريخ المسابقة.

وقال أحمد شوبير في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة الأهلي: “الخطيب قطع إجازته وحضر مران الفريق اليوم من خارج الملعب، ولم يتحدث مع أحد من اللاعبين أو الجهاز الفني، فقط تحدث مع وليد صلاح الدين في كلام مهم”.

طالع | رابطة الأندية تخاطب اتحاد الكرة لتنفيذ طلب الأهلي الخاص بمباراة الزمالك

وأكمل: “اليوم أحمد سيد زيزو خضع لأشعة سونار على العضلة الضامة لكنها لم تُظهر الإصابة بشكل جيد، لذلك زيزو سيخضع لأشعة رنين غدًا وبعدها سيتم التشخيص الكامل للحالة وإعلان النتيجة”.

وواصل: “ياسر إبراهيم شارك في مران الفريق الجماعي اليوم بعد اكتمال شفائه في العضلة الأمامية وجاهز لمباراة الأهلي أمام سيراميكا”.

وأردف: “أيضًا عمر كمال عبد الواحد دخل المران الجماعي بعد أن أصبح لائقا، وأحمد عبد القادر يتم تأهيله وممكن يدخل قائمة مباراة سيراميكا إذا اكتملت جاهزيته، هناك قناعة تامة بوجوده”.

وزاد: “إمام عاشور كان يُعاني من قيء شديد قبل مباراة إنبي لدرجة إن الجهاز فكر في استبعاده من القائمة، لكن كعادة حماس اللاعبين أصر على التواجد وقال إنها مجرد برد في المعدة، واستجاب الجهاز لرغبته”.

وأتم: “إمام بعد المباراة الآلام زادت عليه وتم نقله للمستشفى، والدكتور أحمد جاب الله أكد وجود اشتباه بنزلة معوية وأنه سيظل في المستشفى 3 أيام تحت الملاحظة الطبية وتحديد موقفه، وإمام عاشور يبدو إنه يُعاني من مشكلة في جدار المعدة والجهاز الطبي يتابعه”.

Both semi-finals and the final have been allotted a reserve day, unlike at the men’s T20 World Cup

Shashank Kishore26-Aug-2024

Defending champions Australia will play in UAE for the first time ever on October 5, when they open their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka, the current Asia Cup champions. India, meanwhile, will open their tournament a day earlier, against New Zealand, in Dubai.Apart from India and Australia, two other sides – England and West Indies – will be featuring in a T20I on UAE shores for the first time during the 10-team event that has had to be moved out of Bangladesh owing to country-wide agitations that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led regime earlier this month. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will continue to remain as tournament hosts.Related

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The updated fixtures for the tournament were unveiled on Monday, with matches split equally across Dubai and Sharjah for the group stages. Australia will play three of their four group fixtures in Sharjah, while India play three games in Dubai.India have been drawn to play Pakistan in an afternoon game on October 6 in Dubai, while South Africa, finalists of 2022, and England will play their heavyweight Group B clash the following day in Sharjah. The marquee India vs Australia fixture, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, is slated to be held on October 13 in Sharjah.Dubai will host the first semi-final, which is also the one allotted to India should they qualify, on October 17, while Sharjah hosts the second semi-final on October 18. Dubai will host the tournament finale on October 20. Both semi-finals and the final have been allotted a reserve day, unlike at the men’s T20 World Cup in June where the semi-final involving India wasn’t allotted a reserve day.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Among the participating teams, Scotland and Sri Lanka most-recently played in the UAE during the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2024. While Sri Lanka won all six, Scotland won four out of their six games, to qualify for the tournament. All those games, however, were held at the Tolerance Oval in Abu Dhabi.Interestingly, Dubai hasn’t hosted a single women’s T20I. All teams, however, will play two warm-up fixtures each from September 28 to October 3 to acclimatise.Each side will play four group matches, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals. Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in Group A, while South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Scotland constitute Group B. The afternoon games will begin at 2pm local time, while the evening games, semi-finals and final included, will begin at 6pm.

Arsenal are willing to make a £77m bid for a “superstar” forward, who is now keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Gunners closing in on deal for Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is clearly determined to seal a move to north London, with widespread reports stating the striker has refused to turn up to Sporting CP training ahead of the new campaign, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed Arsenal is the only club he wants to sign for.

Andrea Berta has held positive talks over a deal for the centre-forward, and there is a belief that a fee is “virtually agreed”, with David Ornstein stating on Sunday evening that Arsenal are in the “final steps in negotiations” with Sporting for the striker.

However, the lack of a top striker was arguably not the only reason Mikel Arteta’s side came up short last season, with the manager also lacking depth in wide areas at times, given that Bukayo Saka spent a lot of time on the treatment table.

As such, Arsenal have set their sights on another forward, and reports from Spain have revealed they would be willing to pay around €90m (£77m) to get a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo over the line, with the player making a move to north London his first choice.

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The Brazilian has attracted interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs this summer, while Bayern Munich are also keen, but his number one choice would be to move to the Emirates Stadium.

There is also a feeling that playing under Arteta could be a good fit for the 24-year-old, given that he would be likely to receive more game time than at Real Madrid, having only featured sporadically at the Club World Cup.

"Superstar" Rodrygo could be exactly what Arsenal need

In order to compete on all fronts next season, Arsenal will need to have strength in depth in attack, and the Madrid forward would be a versatile option for Arteta, given that he is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle.

Not only that, but the Brazil international has been a regular source of goals and assists for Madrid over the past few seasons, most notably catching the eye in the Champions League during the 2024-25 campaign.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

30

6

6

Champions League

12

5

2

Supercopa

2

2

0

Copa del Rey

5

0

2

Intercontinental Cup

1

1

0

Having also been lauded as a “superstar” by Luka Modric, there is every indication that Rodrygo would be a success at the Emirates Stadium.

With the summer transfer window in full flow, Aston Villa have made just one signing so far – Yasin Ozcan.

The Turkish youngster might not be the most exciting of signings, but aged 19, he is certainly one for the future.

With Unai Emery keen on ending the club’s near 30-year wait for a major trophy next season, bringing in several high-profile players is a priority.

Players such as John McGinn and Morgan Rogers helped the club secure a place in the Europa League next season. Could Emery potentially sign someone who is a hybrid of the two this summer?

Aston Villa transfer news

Villa have been linked with their fair share of attacking players this summer. Indeed, the likes of Jack Grealish, Nicolas Jackson and even Malick Fofana have been targeted by Emery.

Transfer Focus

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

Much will depend on the funds Villa have to spend, especially as they seek to comply with Profit and Sustainability regulations throughout the summer.

According to reports in Brazil, however, the club have made contact regarding a move for Porto winger Pepe, with it said they have opened talks for the 28-year-old.

The Portuguese giants are willing to sell him this summer in order to sign other targets, and a price tag of €25m (£21m) has been set. A more than affordable figure by Emery’s standards.

Both McGinn and Rogers enjoyed plenty of success last season and by signing Pepe in the coming weeks, Villa could be landing a player who is similar to both.

Why Aston Villa must sign Pepe

Last season, McGinn registered ten goal contributions for Villa, while Rogers recorded 29 goal involvements in all competitions for the club.

This highlights how vital the pair were. Both players excel at dribbling and playing through balls during matches, supporting Ollie Watkins incredibly well.

With McGinn staring on the left at times, with Rogers operating in a more central role, will Emery manage to sign a player like them for the right flank ahead of next season?

Pepe certainly fits the mould. According to FBref, Rogers is the ninth-most comparable player to the Porto winger, while McGinn is the seventh-most comparable when taking into account their statistics from the Champions League last term.

In this competition, he ranked in the top 16% for assists per 90 (0.31), while also ranking in the top 14% for tackles (1.86) per 90.

Goals

3

Assists

2

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

Shots per game

1

In comparison, McGinn recorded 0.25 assists and made 1.23 tackles per 90, while Rogers registered 0.18 assists and 0.79 tackles per 90 in the Champions League.

It is more the manner in which all three tend to have similar playing styles which could make a move for the winger an important one.

South American football expert Tim Vickery hailed the wideman a couple of years ago, saying: “I certainly remember him as a winger with Gremio, little mosquito kind of winger, who can do either flank.”

For the sort of fee Porto are demanding, bringing Pepe to the Midlands might be an interesting piece of business indeed.

An eye for goal while being able to create chances indicates that he could shine alongside players such as McGinn and Rogers next season.

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Everton are now reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a Premier League gem as part of The Friedkin Group’s impressive plan to splash as much as £150m this summer.

Friekdin planning £150m spending spree

The Toffees have already seen a glimpse of Friedkin’s spending when they secured deals for Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz. But they may just be getting started.

As Everton enter a new era at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new owners are reportedly keen to make a statement with a spending spree that will hit the £150m-mark this summer and several targets have already entered their radar as a result.

After recently welcoming Barry and Travers, Everton have reportedly made their first offer to sign Douglas Luiz on loan with an obligation to buy from Juventus. The Brazilian endured a nightmare first season in Turin and now desperately needs a return to the Premier League just one year on from leaving Aston Villa.

It would be quite the move from Everton if they managed to win the race for the midfielder’s signature, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure at the end of last season. Luiz, meanwhile, would undoubtedly be keen to get back to his best at long last.

Luiz isn’t the only name who’s threatened to steal the headlines as of late, however. The Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

Like Luiz, the latter needs a fresh start this summer if he is to get back to his best. But even as a serial winner at The Etihad, it’s actually Grealish’s City teammate who sits top of Everton’s shortlist of targets.

Everton now prioritising McAtee move

As reported by The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, Everton are now prioritising a move to sign James McAtee as part of their £150m spending spree this summer. The midfielder was often left frustrated at Manchester City last summer, as Pep Guardiola opted for other options even as his side faced some of their worst form of his incredibly successful tenure.

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He’s on the move this summer.

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Now, in search of the game time that he requires, McAtee is likely to be on the move. And it’s not just Everton who are interested. The talented midfielder has also attracted the interest of Entracht Frankfurt and others from around European football, handing the Toffees a difficult battle to land his signature.

Previous reports have suggested that the 22-year-old will be available for just £25m, but whether competition for his arrival increases that price remains to be seen.

Praised for a “fantastic” start to 2025 by scout Jacek Kulig, McAtee could yet find himself in new surroundings by the time that the year comes to an end and the new season is well underway.