Javier Aguirre's team advanced as Group A leader with seven points
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Giménez hasn’t scored in an official match since 2023Mexico will face Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinalsCosta Rica will take on the United States in the quarterfinalsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Mexico striker Santiago Giménez voiced his frustration following a controversial VAR decision that denied him a stunning last-minute winner in 0-0 draw against Costa Rica – their final group-stage match at the 2025 Gold Cup.
“I wasn’t sure if the offside was on Quiñones or me – they said it was on me,” the AC Milan forward said. “But it wasn’t a touch, it was a deflection. I saw the replay. These are the kinds of things that happen in football. If I were the ref and saw a goal like that, I’d let it stand. But there are people who are just against football.”
Despite the frustration, Giménez acknowledged the team’s progress.
“I really wanted that goal and the three points,” he added. “Still, it’s a draw that feels like a win because we topped the group. Now it’s time to move forward—every match is a new story, and we’re focused on defending the Gold Cup title.”
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Despite scoring in Mexico’s pre-Gold Cup friendly against Switzerland – ending an almost two-year scoring drought – Giménez hadn’t netted in an official match since the 2023 Gold Cup final.
On Sunday night, he seemed to finally break that spell in stoppage time, launching a stunning overhead kick in the 94th minute after a free kick from Luis Chávez deflected off Orlando Galo. The ball landed perfectly for Giménez, who fired it past Keylor Navas. However, the goal was ultimately disallowed after the referee reviewed the play on VAR and ruled him offside.
Getty Images SportWHAT SANTIAGO GIMÉNEZ SAID
Gimenez remains content with Mexico's showing in the group stage following their 0-0 draw.
“The main goal was to finish top of the group," he said. "We need to sharpen both our starters and our substitutes. We’re a family, and we’re committed. In games like this, you need to find a way to win. But a draw works for us.”
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?
Mexico now prepare for the Gold Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Saudi Arabia next Saturday in Glendale, Arizona.
Liverpool welcome lowly Southampton to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
While the Reds will still be giddy from their incredible Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening, Arne Slot will no doubt have forced full attention back on the Premier League – there’s a 13-point title lead to defend, after all.
Alisson
Saints, marooned at the bottom of the division, were thrashed 4-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out and are all but condemned to an instantaneous return to the second tier.
Slot will expect a comprehensive victory and professional performance, but with a slender 1-0 advantage over PSG, who ran roughshod over Liverpool’s seasonal reputation at the Parc des Princes (albeit with nothing to show for it), rotation is surely a given.
Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match
Liverpool were made to work against Luis Enrique’s side, under the cosh for the vast majority, so expect alterations.
Liverpool team news
Cody Gakpo was a late exclusion on the continent, having only just returned from an ankle issue, and while there’s hope he’ll feature next week against PSG, it’s unlikely Slot – who serves the second and final match of his touchline ban – will field him from the outset this weekend.
Diogo Jota fronted Liverpool’s attack in France, flanked by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, but all three flattered to deceive and Slot may turn to off-the-bench hero Darwin Nunez, with goalscorer Harvey Elliott also waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start of the campaign.
Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton all remain sidelined.
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez
While Liverpool’s gaffer has been reluctant to field wholesale changes this season, this might be an opportunity to do just that. For example, Ryan Gravenberch looked leggy and disjointed in midweek, and should be benched for the first time in the English top flight this season.
Why Slot should drop Ryan Gravenberch
When Liverpool failed in their bid for Martin Zubimendi in August, supporters felt more than a bit of anxiety after sources revealed Liverpool would not be jumping the gun and moving for an alternative.
To be fair, the alarm was just: Jurgen Klopp had gone, and with him the most illustrious of eras for the Anfield side. But Gravenberch stepped up, with one analyst describing him as “absolutely world-class” in Slot’s new Liverpool system.
However, the 22-year-old’s newfound powers have come alongside newfound responsibilities. The Netherlands international has started every single one of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this year, only missing the defeat against PSV in the Champions League too.
1)
Virgil van Dijk
38
3,417′
2)
Mohamed Salah
40
3,396′
3)
Ryan Gravenberch
38
3,241′
4)
Alexis Mac Allister
39
2,879′
5)
Trent Alexander-Arnold
37
2,707′
Is it any wonder he’s beginning to look sapped of his early-season vigour? At PSG, Gravenberch was culpable for a dismal performance, battling hard against the host tidal waves but distinctly lacking any control and fluidity with his passing.
He will, however, be required from the outset in next week’s corresponding fixture, and with that in mind, Slot might want to bite the bullet and take this essential cog out of his machine against Southampton.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
No disrespect to the South Coast side, but a rotated Liverpool should have enough in the tank to beat off Ivan Juric’s men on Merseyside, and while Elliott may be eyeing a start in place of Liverpool’s quasi-ten Dominik Szoboszlai, there’s another midfielder who could take Gravenberch’s role in the deeper fathoms of the engine room.
The perfect Gravenberch replacement
Alexis Mac Allister has played a lot of football this season (see table above) but is one of the most industrious and stable players in Liverpool’s first team. He should start to provide a semblance of control in this likely-changed line-up.
Though he can operate as a six, Mac Allister would be better kept in his preferred box-to-box role, with another man stepping in to take Gravenberch’s place.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones celebrates
Curtis Jones has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s first team since emerging from the academy in 2019. He was one of the first to support Slot after the coach arrived in the summer, saying: ‘It’s probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of style of play.’
Slot’s genius can be found in the tactical nuances. Liverpool aren’t wholly different from the thrash-metal side of Klopp, but they are more composed, calmer and softer in phases, though devastating and electric when they do ramp up the gas.
Jones’ shift perfectly illustrates that, for such a technical midfielder, it is even crisper in possession and less energetic and erratic off the ball. His efforts this term have also yielded far more fruitful results in front of goal.
Goals
0.08
0.24
Assists
0.08
0.24
Touches
70.57
61.36
Pass completion
91.1%
93.4%
Passes attempted
59.85
51.18
Progressive passes
5.71
5.05
Shot-creating actions
2.78
2.33
Progressive carries
2.39
1.04
Successful take-ons
1.16
0.72
Ball recoveries
5.55
4.41
Tackles
2.08
2.09
Such first-class composure and accuracy on the ball bespeaks Jones’ value to this Liverpool team, and though he’s been fielded in advanced midfield areas this term, the vast majority of his career appearances have come from the very centre of midfield (146).
The 24-year-old’s movement and intelligence are facets often overlooked when assessing his worth on the European scale. Jones has also won 55% of his duels in the Premier League this term while completing a whopping 69% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.
Liverpool star Curtis Jones celebrates
Gravenberch is keen on foraying forward himself, so silky on the ball, so there’s another element to Jones’ game that may prove translatable when stepping into his Dutch teammate’s boots. Jones has even been hailed for his “perfect” distribution by Liverpool content creator Matt Addison.
Should Elliott also find himself on the starting teamsheet, he could do with a robust and dynamic anchoring point behind him to promote his playmaking prowess. Gravenberch is that player, but he’s tired, and needs recharging. The Carabao Cup final, let’s not forget, is also just one week away.
Chalkboard
This security on the ball could be exactly what Liverpool need to defeat Southampton comprehensively and allow for the rotation Slot needs to enforce ahead of such a pivotal match on Tuesday evening against PSG.
Liverpool now open talks over move to sign £66m "monster" Nunez replacement
The Reds have made the first move to sign a striker ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has his eyes on both Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes and Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi, according to reports, but he could also look to bring in another highly-rated player with the duo.
Berta targeting Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal
Earlier this week, journalist Eduardo Burgos broke news that Berta personally wants both Guimaraes and Zubimendi, not either or, to come in and bolster Mikel Arteta’s midfield ahead of next season.
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While Arsenal are struggling to finalise a deal for Zubimendi right now, with advanced talks stalling (CaughtOffside), they haven’t completely given up the chase either, and it is believed that the Gunners could strike a deal for Guimaraes for around £59 million if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.
News of Berta plotting moves for both midfielders was then backed up by reports closer to home, with GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs sharing that Guimaraes has been put forward by Arsenal’s new transfer chief as a serious option.
Arsenal’s interest in the Brazil international with Zubimendi appears pretty concrete at this stage, which comes as good news considering Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to leave when their contracts expire this summer.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Chelsea (home)
March 16th
Fulham (home)
April 1st
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Jacobs, sharing a further update on the club’s plans for what could be a record-breaking summer under Berta, says another Newcastle United star Alexander Isak remains firmly on their radar.
Arsenal may sign Alexander Isak with Guimaraes and Zubimendi
The £120,000-per-week striker has dazzled as one of the English top flight’s standout forwards this season, and despite the potential cost involved in their mooted double-swoop for Zubimendi and Guimaraes, it is believed Berta may also try to sign Isak for Arsenal alongside the pair.
“So Zubimendi is very much the Edu target, but Berta is going to be looking at Bruno Guimaraes,” said Jacobs to GiveMeSport.
“And my understanding is that Arsenal may try for both Zubimendi and Guimaraes, plus Isak or [Benjamin] Sesko.”
The Swede has scored 22 goals in just 32 appearances across all competitions, so Arsenal are well aware of his quality, but a deal for him could be too much to ask. Newcastle value their man at around £150 million, so the Gunners would need to smash their transfer record to even hope of prising Isak away from St. James’ Park.
Arteta personally wants Isak, according to other reports, but Sesko may be a much more realistic target considering the release clause in his contract.
The third umpire felt there was no conclusive evidence to rule that the bail had been dislodged by the wicketkeeper’s glove
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Jan-20230:45
‘You have to respect the third umpire’s decision’ – Gill
Hardik Pandya was dismissed in debatable circumstances in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad, with the third umpire deciding he had been bowled even though it might have been the wicketkeeper’s glove that dislodged the bails.The dismissal occurred in the 40th over of India’s innings, when Hardik tried to dab a delivery from Daryl Mitchell to deep third but checked his shot at the last moment. The off bail was dislodged as the ball passed extremely close to the stumps and the decision was referred by the on-field umpire to the TV umpire K Ananthapadmanabhan.Replays showed that wicketkeeper Tom Latham, who was standing up to the stumps, also had his gloves very close to the bails; the bails seemed to light up a fraction after the ball had passed over the top of the stumps and into Latham’s gloves.
The TV umpire checked whether Latham’s gloves were behind the stumps before he collected the ball – which they were, so it was a legal delivery – and he was satisfied that there was no conclusive evidence that the bail had been dislodged by the wicketkeeper’s gloves.Ravi Shastri, who was on commentary at the time, wasn’t convinced. “Oh, it’s been given out! Daryl Mitchell should be happy,” Shastri said. “Should really be happy, because that, if you take a look again as to where the keeper’s gloves are, where the ball is as it passes the stumps, it looked as if the ball was at least an inch, inch-and-a-half above the stumps … Ball clearly looks to be above the bail. You can see as it goes past into the gloves, there’s no red light, it’s only after that. There you go. From that angle, you can see that the gloves are closer to the bails than the ball.”Watch full replay in the UK and USA
You can watch the replay of the first ODI between India and New Zealand on ESPN Player in the UK and on ESPN+ in the USA. If you’re in the UK, you can also watch the replay on YouTube.
Hardik was dismissed for 28 off 38 balls, ending a partnership of 74 for the fifth wicket with Shubman Gill, who went on to score his maiden double-century in ODIs and lead India to a total of 349 for 8.”As a non-striker, there’s a blind spot; you can’t really tell like what happened,” Gill said at the post-match press conference. “When I was watching the replay, I didn’t think the ball hit the stumps. It’s a bit weird that the ball is hitting the bail and the bail is falling towards the crease instead of the other side but these bails are different. These are heavy bails, and these stumps are different. At the end of the day, you have to go with the third umpire and respect his decision.”
The two former MLS stars have both shared positive reactions to rumors about Weston McKennie's contract extension with the Old Lady
Meola believes McKennie deserves the new dealDoes acknowledges surprise at contract turnaround after his exileDavies highlights American midfielder's mental strengthGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Following reports that Weston McKennie is set to sign a new long-term contract with Juventus – one that could make him one of the club’s highest-paid players – Tony Meola weighed in on the move during , saying the USMNT midfielder has earned it.
“First off, good for him if the reports are true and we’re still waiting to hear some final decision on this, but it sounds like it’s getting closer,” Meola said. “I’m not so surprised based on the fact that he’s become over the course of the season one of the most important players, and he’s played everywhere outside of his normal position."
Meola acknowledged that the deal might raise eyebrows given McKennie’s past inconsistencies at Juventus, but said his performances this season justify a new contract.
“I know it looks weird on paper because he’s been kinda exiled three times from this club, but I’m happy for hi,m man, he deserves it,” Meola added. “You have to make a decision: do you want him or not? And it sounds like it’s going to be for a substantial amount of money. You look at it and go, if I can’t get another guy, a better player or a guy that’s similar—which I’m going to have to pay for—why don’t I keep the guy I have, who has been doing it year after year?”
AdvertisementWHAT CHARLIE DAVIES SAID
Former USMNT star and New England Revolution striker Charlie Davies also praised McKennie, although he emphasized how the midfielder's resilience through challenging periods has ultimately resulted in him becoming a pillar at Turin.
“I think this speaks to Weston McKennie’s maturity, resilience to rise above the occasion when things are stacked up against and his willingness to fight. What more could you ask from a player who has been in Europe his whole career and dealing with the ups and downs of trying to survive relegation, playing in the Bundesliga, coming to Juventus and taking a loan to the Premier League and that not all going well,” Davies told
“The coach getting sacked (at Leeds United), you’re coming back and dealing with different coaches and different styles all at the highest levels, playing at a World Cup, all of the above. The ins and outs of World Cup qualifying, and here he is being a pillar at one of the biggest clubs in world football. I’m so proud of him.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The extension solidifies McKennie's position as one of only a handful of American field players to establish themselves as essential contributors at traditional European powerhouses. The USMNT international arrived at Juventus in 2020 but struggled to make the first team with him being farmed out on loan multiple times. However, since his return from a spell at Leeds United in the summer of 2023, McKennie has become a key part of the squad, consistently featuring for different managers.
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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Weston McKennie will continue as a key contributor for Juventus as they push toward securing Champions League qualification for next season. currently sit in fourth place on the Serie A table with 63 points, but have AS Roma(63), Lazio(63), and Bologna(62) hot on their heels for the final Champions League place. They face Lazio next on May 9 on the road before returning home to host Udinese in the Serie A on May 17.
Already thinking about summer reinforcements, Liverpool are now reportedly ahead in the race to sign an attacking addition worth as much as £50m after he recently starred against Andrew Robertson.
Liverpool transfer news
Whilst their late 2-2 draw against Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will have left them full of frustration, Liverpool have bigger problems to solve off the pitch.
Saved by Salah: 5/10 Liverpool star suffered his worst game for Slot
Liverpool failed to overcome Everton’s physicality in the Merseyside derby.
ByAngus Sinclair Feb 13, 2025
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold seem no closer to penning new deals at the club and will all leave as free agents this summer as things stand in what would be a nightmare for those at Anfield.
For any club to lose three of their biggest stars in one summer would represent the ultimate disaster, but when those three players are among the best in the world it becomes that much worse. And if Liverpool needed any reminder of that quality, then Salah’s 22nd goal of the season to leave his crown glistening in a Ballon d’Or-worthy campaign should have given them exactly that.
As incredible as Salah has been this season, however, the reality is that the Premier League leaders are on course to lose arguably the best player in the world and must consider their options if that remains the case in the summer.
With that said, according to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now ahead in the race to sign Johan Bakayoko this summer. The PSV Eindhoven winger is reportedly worth between €50m-60m (£42m-50m) and is keen on a move to the Premier League amid serious interest from both those at Anfield and Arsenal.
PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action
A talented right-winger, Bakayoko should be among the top candidates to perform mission impossible and replace Salah at Liverpool, should the Egyptian depart at the end of the campaign.
"Explosive" Bakayoko has already passed Liverpool audition
If Liverpool were keen to witness Bakayoko’s quality for themselves then they got the close-up look they wanted when he left both Robertson and Jarell Quansah watching on from the ground as he thumped home PSV’s first in an eventual 3-2 victory.
When the summer arrives, Robertson may well be hoping to get a more formal introduction to Bakayoko rather than looking on from below as the Belgian handed him a moment to forget.
It’s not just the Liverpool left-back who has struggled up against the PSV star this season though. With 10 goals and three assists in all competitions so far this season, the 21-year-old has been a thorn in many sides and has only added credit to Ben Mattinson’s positive verdict.
The analyst praised Bakayoko’s “explosive first step” and claimed that he has an “excellent iQ”, which those in the Netherlands have certainly seen for themselves this season.
So, if that really is to be that for Salah following a historic Liverpool tenure, then Bakayoko should be among the names that the Reds turn to when the summer transfer window swings open.
Chelsea held “a lot” of January talks to sign a player who’s tipped to “become an idol” very soon, according to one side’s former president and close advisor.
Chelsea sign new midfielder for Enzo Maresca after request
The January window is now over, and Chelsea finished it by concluding a late deal for Saint-Etienne starlet Mathis Amougou at around £12 million.
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ByHenry Jackson Feb 4, 2025
Reports in the build up to that transfer suggested that Enzo Maresca was personally very keen on bringing in midfield cover for the likes of Roméo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández, prompting them to even initiate contact over signing Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo (Simon Phillips).
Brighton (away)
February 14th
Aston Villa (away)
February 22nd
Southampton (home)
February 25th
Leicester City (home)
March 9th
Arsenal (away)
March 16th
However, swooping for a player of Mainoo’s ilk proved too difficult of a deal to do in January, with Amougou arriving instead of the England international and going straight into the Chelsea first-team – despite some rumours he’d be heading to sister club Strasbourg first.
Amougou
The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and Amougou is thrilled to be at a club showing so much faith in younger players.
“I’m very happy,” said Amougou on joining Chelsea.
“It’s an honour for me to sign for such a big club like Chelsea. They believe in young players and the process they have in place to develop us is fantastic.”
Alongside Mainoo and Amougou, it is also believed by some that Chelsea held a serious interest in signing Reda Belahyane, before his move to Lazio.
Juventus' Douglas Luiz in action with Hellas Verona's Reda Belahyane.
The Moroccan was a mainstay for Hellas, with Sky transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claiming Chelsea pushed hard to sign Belahyane and held talks for him to replace Cesare Casadei in midfield.
However, other reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano also denied any interest from Chelsea in the 20-year-old, so there are real discrepancies in this story.
Hellas Verona chief Maurizio Setti reveals Chelsea talks for Belahyane
Speaking to La Lazio, as transcribed by Sport Witness, former Hellas president Maurzio Setti has moved to state that Chelsea were in fact in talks for Belahyane at one stage.
Setti, who was forced to sell his shares in the club midway through January, now acting as an advisor for the Serie A side, also says that the west Londoners were extremely keen on the former Nice midfielder and held “a lot” of negotiations.
Nice's Reda Belahyane in action with Fiorentina's Gino Infantino.Reuters/Lee Smith
“Chelsea wanted to sign him, and we talked about it a lot, but they wanted a ready player, in the end they didn’t consider him as such, worse for them, at this point better for Lazio,” said Setti.
“But there were also Marseille and Rennes, plus other important Italian teams that had appeared before. Lotito was the most convinced and fastest [in making a move happen].
“We both made a deal, Verona and Lazio, you’ll see that you’ll thank me, he’ll become an idol at Lazio and make the fans fall in love.”
It has been a busy window for Aston Villa so far this January. They have wasted no time aiming to improve their squad both in the short and long term, targeting a few new additions.
Unai Emery’s side will be hoping to build on their start to the Premier League season, which sees them sit in seventh place on 35 points.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their second goal withDiegoCarlos
Indeed, there are two long-term investments that look set to join. One of those is young Turkish defender Yasin Ozcan from Kasimpasa, as confirmed by Ben Jacobs on Tuesday. The same day, The Athletic also reported a deal for young French attacker Tidiam Gomis was close.
However, the Villans’ marquee signing so far this January has been Donyell Malen.
Malen’s move to Villa
Probably the most notable transfer in the Premier League so far this winter has been Malen’s move from Borussia Dortmund to the West Midlands. He joined Emery’s squad for a reported fee of £19m upfront and a further £2.5m in add-ons.
Interestingly, the move to Villa Park is a return to English football for the Dutch attacker. He previously played for Arsenal’s academy for two years between 2015 and 2017, joining PSV Eindhoven for £540k.
Now, as he makes his return to English shores, the progress Malen has made since he was a youngster at Hale End is clear to see. He has 39 goals and 20 assists in 139 games for Dortmund, which included a goal and assist away to Real Madrid in the Champions League this season.
The 25-year-old’s best campaign as a professional footballer came in 2020/21, for PSV, when he scored 27 times and grabbed ten assists in 45 games. Villa will be hoping he can show that kind of form when donning that famous Claret and Blue shirt.
The signing of Malen is certainly good news for the West Midlands outfit as a whole. However, the same cannot really be said for one of their players, attacker Emiliano Buendia, who now seems to be further down the pecking order.
The Aston Villa star who may now be sold
Argentine attacking midfielder Bunedia joined the Villans from Norwich City in June 2021 for £33m, which was a club-record deal at the time. However, things have not really worked out for the 28-year-old during his time at the club.
He has played 95 times in all competitions so far, finding the back of the net on ten occasions and grabbing nine assists. His finest moment in a Villans shirt came against Burnley, where he scored and assisted in a 3-1 win at Turf Moor.
Sadly, injuries have really marred the Argentine’s time at Villa Park. He missed the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. It kept him out for just short of a year, with the Villa number ten missing 56 games in that time.
It is a real shame that the former Norwich star has not been able to find his best form at Villa Park. As football statistician Statman Dave once said, he was a “genius on the ball” at Carrow Road.
His final season with the East Anglian side, in 2020/21, was extraordinary, as the Sofascore stats show. He scored and assisted 31 goals and created 18 big chances.
Stat
Number
Goals
15
Assists
16
Chances created
18
Key passes per game
3.1
Dribbles completed per game
1.6
Dribble success rate per game
62%
Duels won per game
6.9
There are reports that Buendia – who reportedly earns £100k-per-week at Villa Park – could depart the club before the transfer window slams shut at the start of February. Leeds United are believed to ‘retain an interest’ in the Argentine, which would see him reunite with former Norwich boss Daniel Farke.
Either way, it seems like the Argentine’s time at Villa Park is coming to an end. He has been a fantastic servant for the club over the past few years, but sadly it feels like the Villa faithful have never really seen his best form.
With the signing of Malen, it might well be time for Buendia to leave Villa once and for all this winter.
Bigger coup than Malen: Aston Villa remain in the race for £21m "monster"
Aston Villa could soon pick up this in-demand attacker after finally snapping up Donyell Malen.
BCCI president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to return to the cricket field nearly seven years after his last competitive game, when he plays in the second season of Legends League Cricket (LLC). Ganguly said in a post on Instagram that he was playing a “one-off charity fund-raising game” to mark 75 years of Indian independence.LLC has confirmed a total of 53 players so far, including Eoin Morgan, Virender Sehwag, Muthiah Muralidaran, Misbah-ul-Haq, Jonty Rhodes, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shane Watson, Ross Taylor and Dale Steyn.The tournament will be played from September 17 to October 8 across five cities in India, which are likely to be Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Jodhpur and one of Cuttack and Rajkot. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Pakistan players will be available once they get the required government approvals.
The first season of the league was played in January this year in Muscat between three teams – India Maharajas, World Giants and Asia Lions – and comprised seven games. Mohammad Kaif led Maharajas, Daren Sammy was the captain of Giants, and Misbah led the Lions. Giants beat Lions by 25 runs in the final to be crowned the champions.India Women fast bowler Jhulan Goswami is among the ambassadors of the league, apart from Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan. Ravi Shastri is the league commissioner and Wasim Akram the only apex council member, according to the league’s website.
Wriddhiman Saha, the India wicketkeeper, has parted ways with Bengal, the team he represented in domestic cricket, after a public fallout with a state association official. He is now a free agent, having obtained an NOC from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).”Mr Wriddhiman Saha came to CAB and in an application to President Avishek Dalmiya sought the NOC from the association,” stated an association press release. “CAB gave concurrence to the request of Mr Saha and provided the NOC to him for playing for another state. CAB also wished him the very best for his future endeavours.”It began in February, when CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das issued a statement accusing Saha of giving “all sorts of excuses” to “skip” Ranji Trophy matches. This didn’t go down well Saha, who sought an apology that wasn’t forthcoming.Related
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Pujara, Rahane, Ishant, Saha dropped for Sri Lanka Tests
Saha opts out of Bengal's Ranji squad for personal reasons
At the time, Saha had just been left out of the India Test team, with head coach Rahul Dravid having spoken to him of the possibility of not being picked in the Test squad going forward. Consequently, he pulled out of the Ranji Trophy league phase citing “personal reasons”.In May, Saha was picked in Bengal’s squad for the Ranji Trophy knockouts, but he pulled out saying his permission wasn’t sought before naming him in the squad. Saha is believed to have spoken to the CAB officials, who promised him Das’ statement wasn’t a reflection of CAB’s stance.However, Saha reiterated his stance and said that in case the dispute could not be resolved, he wanted a no-objection certificate to leave the state. With the matter being unresolved two months on, Saha finally decided to obtain an NOC.While there are murmurs over Saha possibly taking up a role as mentor-cum-player with Tripura, they remain in discussion stage with neither party willing to make a comment at the moment. Earlier, Gujarat and Baroda, who were briefly linked as Saha’s potential teams, had categorically denied initiating talks.Saha, 37, has played 122 first-class matches, scoring 6423 runs at an average of 41.98. So far, he has hit 13 centuries and 38 half-centuries. In his 40-Test career, he made 1353 runs at an average just shy of 30. The home Test series against New Zealand last December was Saha’s most-recent appearance in India colours.While his immediate international future seems bleak, Saha is still contracted to IPL champions Gujarat Titans with whom he had an impressive season, scoring 317 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 122.39.