He was West Indies’ best bowler in the second T20I against India, but the best ball he bowled wasn’t a wicket-taking one

Deivarayan Muthu09-Dec-20191:42

CPL put me on the map – Hayden Walsh

In March 2012, Hayden Walsh Jr. made his first-class debut for Windward Islands. The opportunities were few and far between there, and he also had to juggle cricket with his day job as a physical education teacher at an Antigua school. Walsh Jr. then switched allegiances to USA in 2018 and after a bumper CPL 2019, which he won with Barbados Tridents, he has broken into West Indies limited-overs sides.After doing fairly well while bowling defensively in the T20I series opener against India in Hyderabad, the 27-year-old legspinner assumed a more attacking role in the second match in Thiruvananthapuram, and showcased his variations – probably to IPL talent scouts as well.ALSO READ: Walsh Jr.’s moment of truth at 36,000 feetWalsh Jr. picked up the wickets of the big-hitting Shivam Dube and Shreyas Iyer, but his best ball of the night was one that didn’t fetch a wicket. It was one that left India captain Virat Kohli overbalanced. In the 13th over, Walsh Jr. drifted a perfectly-pitched ball in towards off stump, tricked Kohli into playing for the in-drift, but then found enough turn to nearly scratch the outside edge.In Hyderabad, too, Walsh Jr. came within touching distance of claiming Kohli’s wicket. He unleashed a slider and rushed Kohli for pace, but the batsman just about avoided dragging the ball back onto the stumps.In Thiruvananthapuram, Walsh Jr. was brought into the attack when India were 93 for 2 in ten overs, with Dube accounting for 50 of those runs in a mere 27 balls. Walsh Jr. immediately dangled a wrong ‘un that broke further away from Dube’s reach. He dared the batsman to hit against the turn and clear the long leg-side boundary. Dube didn’t hold himself back, but could only drag the ball to long-on, where Kieron Pollard lost the ball in the lights.The next ball was a wrong ‘un again, but this skidded under the swing of Dube. Walsh Jr.’s third ball was a wrong ‘un again, and Dube took the bait again, splicing a catch to extra-cover. The plans to Rishabh Pant and Iyer as well were simple: just take the ball away from their swinging arcs.Hayden Walsh completes his action•BCCI”No, no [I wasn’t intimidated bowling to Dube]. I practice a lot bowling to left-handers,” Walsh Jr. said at the post-match press conference on Sunday. “When we were in Mumbai [before the start of the series for a camp], I practiced bowling to Evin [Lewis] and Nicholas [Pooran]. I just bowled googlies that I bowled to Dube. So, I was pretty confident coming to bowl at him.”While Pant did read two of Walsh Jr’s wrong ‘uns and cracked them with the turn over extra-cover for boundaries, Iyer spooned a tossed-up legbreak to point while aiming to slog against the turn. Walsh Jr. came away with 2 for 28 in his four overs, helping West Indies pin down India to 170 for 7.”It’s been like a rollercoaster for me,” Walsh Jr. said. “As you can see, I’ve been working hard on my way to the top of international cricket. And just to be here to perform in a game is… I’m over the moon.”It was the CPL stint that propelled him back into West Indies’ radar. After Sandeep Lamichanne left Tridents and returned to the Nepal side for international duty, Walsh Jr. dashed out of the bench and scooped up 22 wickets in nine games at an average of 12.68 and an economy of 8.28, despite playing just nine games. He was also electric in the field, particularly at backward point, and it was his rocket throw that ran Pollard out in the second qualifier and denied Trinbago Knight Riders another tilt at a CPL trophy.Then, after making his international debut for West Indies against Afghanistan in India, Walsh Jr. jetted to the UAE to play in the T10 league. Having shown sparks of brilliance in his short international career, Walsh Jr. is among the 971 names to have registered for the IPL 2020 auction. He, however, downplayed his aspirations of making the IPL and said that his immediate focus was to extend his form and help West Indies win the decider in Mumbai.”Well, yeah [the auction is at the back of the mind]. But the main thing is to win this series,” he said. “The whole goal and everything for me right now is just winning this series and to help the team do their best.”Walsh Jr. also conceded that people often mistakenly think he is related to the great Courtney Walsh and joked that during his Global T20 Canada outing with Vancouver Knights earlier this year, some even referred to him as Courtney Walsh.The ultra-short boundaries at the Wankhede Stadium can spook bowlers, but if Walsh Jr. spins West Indies to a series-clinching victory, he can carve out his own identity.

The incident occurred in the 47th over when Inglis whipped off the bails when the batter ventured out of the crease before the ball was dead

Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Feb-2025

Steven Smith directs a field change•ICC/Getty Images

Australia captain Steven Smith withdrew an appeal against Noor Ahmad in the 47th over of Afghanistan’s innings, after wicketkeeper Josh Inglis whipped off the bails at the striker’s end to catch Noor out of his ground before the over was called.Noor had not been attempting a run – he had drifted out of his crease to meet batting partner Azmatullah Omarzai mid-pitch, mistakenly believing that the ball was dead. The ball is live until the umpire calls “over”, however, and umpire Alex Wharf had not yet called.Replays showed Noor to be well out of his ground, but Smith was quick to signal to the umpires that the appeal should not be considered, despite some enthusiasm from Inglis. Noor had just completed a single after Omarzai struck Nathan Ellis through midwicket and called Noor – the No. 10 batter – through, in order to keep strike for the next over.Although Afghanistan were not attempting to gain an advantage, the rules of cricket are clear. Run-outs are a viable dismissal until the ball is dead. If Smith had not withdrawn the appeal, Noor would have been ruled out, likely by third umpire Chris Gaffaney.

Noor had been on three off three balls at the time, and went to make six off eight. But of more consequence was the fact that Afghanistan would have been 248 for 9 after 47 overs had Smith not withdrawn the appeal. They were less likely to have hit the further 25 runs they managed if they had only had one wicket in hand. Noor was eventually dismissed off the last ball of the innings.Australia have in the past upheld appeals against batters ambling out of their crease, even if they were not looking to take a run. Most famously, this occurred in a Test at Lord’s against England in 2023, when Alex Carey underarmed the ball into the stumps after Jonny Bairstow had wandered down the pitch before the ball was deemed dead.Muthiah Muralidaran had also been dismissed in similar circumstances in a Test in Christchurch in 2006, when he had wandered out of the crease to congratulate Kumar Sangakkara on completing a century before the ball was dead (though that had not been at the end of an over). Brendon McCullum broke the stumps on that occasion, and captain Stephen Fleming upheld the appeal.In the 2011 Trent Bridge Test, India recalled Ian Bell to the crease after he had been run-out in similar circumstances at the stroke of tea on day three, when he ran a three and proceeded to walk down the pitch and towards the dressing rooms, before the fielder Praveen Kumar had had a chance to throw the ball in from the boundary. India captain MS Dhoni agreed to recall Bell after England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower approached him during the tea interval with this request.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is expected by some sources to sign an “exciting” 23-year-old this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting that his first transfer window at the club is set to be a “big” one.

Excitement surrounds Andrea Berta appointment at Arsenal

With Liverpool seizing a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, and Arsenal now putting the majority of their focus into a good Champions League run, attention is already turning to the summer transfer window.

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It is a significant loss for the Spaniard.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

Barring a miracle, Arsenal won’t be winning their first domestic league crown in 21 years after all, which has arguably been down to consistent injury problems suffered throughout the Gunners’ squad, including some pretty key names.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Bukayo Saka made a stunning return to the fold on Tuesday night after recovering from a hamstring injury, scoring in a 2-1 win over Fulham, but star defender Gabriel Magalahaes was hauled off in the early stages after picking up a fresh injury problem.

Arsenal’s need for strength in depth is prevalent, as Arteta suggested this week in his pre-match press conference, and the Spaniard is fully anticipating a busy first summer window following Berta’s arrival.

“We want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.

“It’s going to be a big one, and we are very excited about it.”

Some reports suggest that Berta could spend up to £300 million on seven new Arsenal signings (GiveMeSport), with co-chair Josh Kroenke expressing real excitement over the 53-year-old’s appointment.

“He understands our values and what we stand for, and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies,” said Kroenke.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process, and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”

Arsenal expected to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol

One of Berta’s goals this summer is to sign a new second-choice keeper behind David Raya, with Bournemouth loanee Neto currently a temporary solution.

Espanyol starlet Joan Garcia was heavily linked with a move to the club last summer, and Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 23-year-old even agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal at the time.

Garcia’s current release clause stands at £21 million, but this could rise to £25 million or even drop to as low as £12.5 million, depending on Espanyol’s La Liga status.

In any case, as per Sky Sports journalist David Garrido, speaking to the outlet’s ‘Back Pages’ podcast, Spanish sources fully expect Garcia to join Arsenal from Espanyol this summer after a deal fell through in 2024.

“They’re also looking at a goalkeeper,” Garrido said.

“I think people in Spain are very much expecting Joan Garcia from Espanyol to go to Arsenal too. So there’s plenty of work to be done.”

The Spaniard has been called an “exciting” young goalkeeper by members of the press, and he played a major role in Espanyol’s promotion to La Liga last season. Their persistence in targeting Garcia also highlights how Arteta must seriously rate the player.

Whilst there’s finally been a reported breakthrough in contract talks with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, rumours are now emerging that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are still interested in signing another Liverpool player.

Update on Salah and Van Dijk's Liverpool future

All season long, no matter how successful Arne Slot’s side have been, a contract cloud has threatened to rain down on their campaign. After a frustratingly long saga, however, it looks as though the Reds are finally set to tie both Van Dijk and Salah down to fresh Anfield deals, having reached a breakthrough at long last.

Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pending departure to Real Madrid will undoubtedly deal Liverpool a major blow, it’s fair to say that things could have been so much worse. For far too long, the threat of losing the so-called big three without making any profit was certainly realistic until recent updates eased that concern around Anfield.

That said, Liverpool could still be in for a summer of change under Slot. They may sit top of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that the Dutchman’s side have their weaknesses at both left-back and within their frontline – weaknesses which must be solved in the coming months.

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The Reds aren’t messing around…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

Amid links to the likes of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, the Reds will be among the sides to watch when the transfer window swings open – especially if Saudi still come calling for one particular player.

Saudi still eyeing Luis Diaz after Salah setback

Having been handed a consistent rejection by Salah and Van Dijk, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have seemingly shifted their focus towards another Anfield star. According to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, clubs in Saudi Arabia now have concrete interest in signing Luis Diaz this summer, whose Liverpool future is far from guaranteed amid a potential attacking overhaul.

As things stand, the 28-year-old has just two years left on his current deal which will see him hit 30 around the time of expiration. Given his inconsistencies at times this season and links to the likes of Isak, it remains up for debate whether Liverpool will hand Diaz a new deal or let him walk out the door this summer or when his current £55k-a-week contract expires.

Of course, when Diaz first arrived, he was seen as a player capable of replacing Sadio Mane and keeping Liverpool’s attack at a certain level. Former manager Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to describe him as “really really special”. Fast-forward three years, however, and injuries combined with inconsistency have created a frustrating spell at times.

As Slot goes in search of marking his stamp on his Liverpool side at long last, Diaz could yet find himself heading for the exit door.

While most fans dislike the international break, it was probably a welcome distraction for the Ipswich Town faithful.

Kieran McKenna’s side have played some great football at points this season but have lost their last five games in all competitions and sit in 18th place in the Premier League with just 17 points to their name.

Yet, while it’ll be a Herculean task, there is still a faint chance that the Tractor Boys could overturn the nine-point advantage Wolverhampton Wanderers have over them in 17th.

Ipswich’s recent results

Competition

Opponent

Result

Premier League

Palace

1-0 (Loss)

Premier League

Forest

4-2 (Loss)

FA Cup

Forest

1-1 (5-4 Loss on Pens)

Premier League

Man Utd

3-2 (Loss)

Premier League

Spurs

4-1 (Loss)

However, to do that, McKenna’s men need to start picking up wins, including tonight away at Bournemouth. To give his side the best chance of doing so, he should unleash Ipswich’s answer to Milos Kerkez.

Ipswich's record vs Bournemouth

Since their first encounter in September 1936, Ipswich have played Bournemouth 39 times in all competitions, winning 14, drawing 13, and losing 12.

However, while their overall record against the Cherries makes for sweet reading, the Tractor Boys have not fared so well in recent encounters.

In fact, four of their last five matches have ended in a draw, with their most recent being an away win for the south coast side earlier this season.

It was a particularly painful result for the hosts. A 21st-minute goal from Conor Chaplain gave them the lead, which they held onto until Enes Unal came off the bench to score an equaliser in the 87th minute and snatch away the chance for a first home win of the season.

Then, as if that wasn’t demoralising enough, another substitute, Dango Ouattara, ended up scoring the winner in the 95th minute.

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So, it would probably be fair to say that the Blues will be out for revenge tonight, and to make sure his side have the best chance of getting it, McKenna should unleash his answer to Kerkez.

Ipswich's answer to Kerkez

There are a few dangermen that Ipswich have to be aware of tonight, including the obvious, like Justin Kluivert, Antoine Semenyo, and Evanilson. On top of that, Kerkez is also someone who can’t be allowed to roam freely.

The Hungarian left-back has been one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League this season, racking up a tally of two goals and six assists in 29 games, which has been enough to catch the eye of top sides like Liverpool.

However, while the 21-year-old is undoubtedly someone the team will have to monitor at all times, McKenna has his own version of the ace he can unleash in Leif Davis.

The former Leeds United ace might not be getting the same level of attention from other clubs and fans, but over the last few years, he has proven himself to be a sensational attacking full-back.

For example, since moving to Portman Road, the incredible “animal,” as former manager Scott Parker dubbed him, has racked up a brilliant haul of six goals and 38 assists in 118 appearances, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.68 games.

Davis’ Ipswich record

Season

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

46

44

28

Goals

3

2

1

Assists

14

21

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.36

0.52

0.14

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Moreover, despite playing in a newly promoted team, he’s scored one goal and provided three assists in 28 games this term, which is seriously good going.

Finally, in addition to his output, the £25k-per-week ace has some impressive underlying numbers as well, with FBref placing him in the top 4% of full-backs in the Premier League for key passes, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for crosses, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Ipswich are undoubtedly going into this game as big underdogs, but with talents like Davis in the side, there is every chance they can snatch all three points and kickstart their great escape.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2025

Over the last week, Liverpool have been strongly touted with a summer move to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but would have to pay a fortune to secure his signature.

It’s been reported that the Reds are willing to pay £115m for his services, but the Magpies are demanding a staggering £150m to part ways with their star man.

Their interest in the Swedish international is hardly a surprise given his goalscoring record in 2024/25, notching 20 Premier League goals – sitting third in the top-scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

However, the fee would make the 25-year-old the Reds’ most expensive player in their history, potentially pushing them closer to sustained success under Arne Slot.

It may be too much to fork out on one player this summer, potentially delving into the market to pursue other targets, with one other talent emerging on their shortlist.

Liverpool targeting move for £70m talent

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are targeting a summer move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen in an attempt to strengthen their forward line.

The 28-year-old has registered eight goals and five assists in his 27 league appearances this campaign, sitting as the Hammers’ top scorer during 2024/25.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been interested in landing the former Hull City star, after previously registering interest in his services in the transfer market over the past few years.

However, the recent report states that Bowen would be open to a move to Anfield this summer, with the prospect of winning trophies possibly taking his career to the next level.

Graham Potter’s side have previously placed a £70m price tag on his head, with a move for the England international potentially a better deal than any transfer for Isak.

Why Bowen would be a better signing than Isak for Liverpool

Whilst there’s no denying the quality of Isak and that he would improve the centre-forward department, other areas may be in need of investment this summer.

Contracts remain up in the air with just a couple of months left on the deals of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, with none of the stars yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.

The latter is arguably the most important, especially when considering how crucial he’s been to the success endured under Slot during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield.

The Egyptian international has registered 54 combined goals and assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions, helping the side sit top of the league table.

However, the 32-year-old is currently set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with no new deal agreed between the club and the forward.

Should he depart this summer, a new winger has to be the priority over a striker, with Bowen undoubtedly a more important signing than Isak should Salah depart on a free transfer.

When comparing the West Ham star’s stats with the Egyptian’s from 2024/25, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

Bowen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Ian Wright, may have been massively outscored by Salah, but has managed to achieve the same shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his impressive nature in the final third.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

13

44

Shot-on-target accuracy

42%

42%

Pass accuracy

71%

71%

Crosses completed

3.5

1.9

Take-ons completed

1.6

1.6

Aerials won

0.3

0.3

He’s also managed to complete the same number of take-ons per 90, whilst also completing more crosses, potentially improving other players’ tallies around him – just as the 32-year-old has done on Merseyside this season.

Whilst keeping hold of Salah would undoubtedly be the preference for the supporters, Bowen has demonstrated that he has the tools to soften the blow should he depart in the coming months.

He may cost a pretty penny to prise him away from the London Stadium, but it would be a worthwhile deal, allowing Slot to kickstart the rebuild should it be needed during the off-season.

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ByTom Cunningham Apr 8, 2025

Glasgow Rangers will have all eyes on Europe over the next few days as Barry Ferguson will be aiming to lead the Gers into the semi-finals of the Europa League.

The 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao set the Ibrox side up nicely for the second leg in Spain on Thursday evening, although it will arguably be the toughest game of the season for the club.

Even if Ferguson masterminds a run to the last four or even the final, he won’t be in charge of the Glasgow side next season. A new era will begin this summer, with a permanent manager announced in the next couple of months.

It appears as though Nils Koppen is looking ahead to the future regarding potential summer signings, however, especially with Champions League qualification required to bolster the club’s finances.

The transfer business will have to be smart. Spending lavish sums of money on players isn’t a strategy that can afford to go wrong for the fourth summer in a row. That’s a certainty.

This means the Gers will have to target those who can be brought in for free or sign young talent for minimal fees, similar to the Lyall Cameron and Hamza Igamane deals.

Could this entice the Light Blues into signing Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku?

Latest on Rangers' pursuit of Kwame Poku

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Rangers are showing plenty of interest in Poku and with his contract expiring this summer, they could secure a bargain deal.

Discussing the youngster, Bailey said: “His people are in talks with a number of clubs – and yes, one of them is Birmingham. There are others, though – Crystal Palace, Millwall, Luton and Norwich among them.”

“However, the big danger is Rangers – they want him and have watched him numerous times. Talks have continued but complicated by their takeover and then new manager.”

Given the fact he would be challenging for trophies and playing European football in Scotland, a move to Rangers is certainly the most appealing on this list of clubs.

Considering the club would only have to pay a small compensation fee, plus the fact he is still only 23 years old, Poku could be a smart signing indeed ahead of next season.

Why Rangers want to sign Kwame Poku

Vaclav Cerny will return to his parent club at the end of the season after a positive loan spell, and this leaves a major gap to fill on the right wing.

Poku certainly has the required abilities to shine in Scotland. For the Posh this season, the winger has registered 22 goal contributions – 12 goals and ten assists – across just 26 matches in all competitions.

Furthermore, the youngster has also created nine big chances, averages 1.3 key passes per game and succeeds with 1.9 dribbles per game in League One this season for his club. An impressive set of statistics for the winger.

Goals

12

11

Assists

8

2

Big chances created

9

6

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

1.5

Shots per game

2.5

2.9

Goal conversion percentage

20%

14%

Poku has made one appearance for his country, all the way back in 2021, but if he keeps this form up and earns a move to a bigger side, might he return to the national team fold?

According to Transfermarkt, Poku is currently valued at €1.5m (£1.3m), although this could rise further should he perform in the Scottish Premiership or the Premier League.

While he has plenty of talent and could turn out to be an excellent signing for the Light Blues should he be tempted by a move to Scotland, Rangers have a talented starlet of their own who is worth double what Poku is valued at.

Hamza Igamane might not be at his best right now, but if developed correctly, he could be sold for millions.

Rangers have struck gold on their own sensation

Despite arriving as a relatively unknown quantity last summer, Igamane has since gone on to become one of the club’s prized assets through a string of excellent performances, most notably in Europe.

Indeed, in the Europa League group stage, he scored four goals and grabbed an assist in eight matches, including a double against Nice and a goal scored against Tottenham Hotspur.

Indeed, he scores once every 110 minutes in the competition, along with registering 1.4 shots per game and having a goal conversion rate of 31%.

Add to the fact he has netted ten Premiership goals, which included a stunning late winner against Celtic, and it is clear that the Moroccan international has endeared himself to the supporters.

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from afar due to these performances, however, leading to the suggestion that the Ibrox side will cash in on him as soon as they receive a satisfactory offer.

Following the Spurs match, it was revealed that scouts from Everton were in attendance to monitor his display.

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Toffees were plotting a move for the striker this summer, although no transfer fee was mentioned.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed Igamane late last year, saying: “Completely unpredictable, tonnes of flair and trickery. The type of player to try outrageous moves/shots just because.”

Having cost the club a mere £1.7m from AS FAR last summer, the striker has seen his value soar in just under a year since joining. According to Transfermarkt, Igamane is now worth €4m (£3.5m) after a stunning start to life for the Glasgow giants.

Indeed, this means he is worth over double the value of Poku and, with such a large scope for improvement, don’t expect this number to stay this low.

Whoever arrives at the club as the new manager this summer faces a major issue. Do they keep Igamane for another season in a bid to make him even better, thus potentially increasing his value? Or do they cash in when the first big offer comes this summer?

There are merits to both points, but the Ibrox faithful just want to see him shine over the last few games of the season.

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ByRoss Kilvington Apr 12, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League was the first time they have done the double over the Red Devils since the 1970s.

It was a win that proves how good this Wolves squad is, and next season they should be aiming for a top-half finish without a shadow of a doubt.

Vitor Pereira has worked miracles at Molineux since taking over towards the end of 2024, and if he is backed in the summer transfer window, he can take the club to the next level.

One burning question is, will Matheus Cunha be in the starting XI for the first Premier League fixture of the 2025/26 season?

Matheus Cunha’s future at Wolves is uncertain

The Brazilian may have enjoyed a wonderful season on the pitch, scoring 16 goals and grabbing four assists, but his behaviour in recent months suggests he could be sold this summer.

Cunha has clashed with supporters on social media following a post he put up on his Instagram. He even confessed that he wishes to leave in order to challenge for trophies, and if a big offer comes in, the forward may depart.

The former Atlético Madrid star only signed a new contract back in February, tying him down for another four years. A £62.5m release clause has been inserted into the deal, so whoever wants to sign him this summer will need to stump up the cash.

While losing him would be a big blow, the club sold a player in the summer of 2022 who is now worth £40m more than the Brazilian and is also starring in the Premier League.

Goals

14

Assists

4

Big chances created

12

Key passes per game

1.7

Shots per game

3.2

Goal conversion percentage

16%

Wolves must regret selling £100m-rated star

While Cunha has been stealing the limelight in Wolverhampton, a player not so far away in Nottingham has also very swiftly become one of the leading Premier League players; Morgan Gibbs-White.

Selling the playmaker for a fee in the region of £42.5m was seen as excellent business by the Old Gold initially. Indeed, he’d registered a total of just three goals and one assist in 88 matches for the club was hardly an impressive return, but the move has backfired spectacularly.

Since moving to Nottingham Forest, the Englishman has racked up 111 appearances for the club, registering 43 goal contributions – 16 goals and 27 assists – in the process.

It is no wonder he has been dubbed “sensational” by certain sections of the media for his displays and according to journalist Graeme Bailey, the attacking midfielder is now being valued at around £100m by Forest amid interest from Manchester City.

This is nearly £40m more than Cunha, and the statistics back up his high valuation. In the top flight this term, he has created eight big chances, averaged 1.6 key passes and succeeded with one dribble per game.

Furthermore, he ranks in the top 11% for goal-creating actions (0.63) and in the top 5% for passes into the final third (4.33) per 90 when compared to his positional peers this season in the top flight.

Wolves perhaps made the correct decision at the time by selling the 25-year-old, but boy, must they be rueing that decision now.

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1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 19, 2025

Manchester United are now making moves to sign an “incredible” playmaker, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd keen to add new creative midfielder

Bruno Fernandes has taken on much of the burden of creating chances for Man United this season, racking up 18 assists in all competitions, and Ruben Amorim is eager to provide the captain with more support in midfield.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is among the more audacious targets for United, having recently launched a £70m move for the Englishman, but it could be difficult to get a deal done, with Unai Emery eager to keep hold of the attacking midfielder.

A bid is also being prepared for Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue, who has caught the eye of Old Trafford chiefs with his fantastic performances for the French side this season, but once again a deal would be expensive.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear the Red Devils are dealing with serious financial difficulties, which means it could make sense to pursue a move for a low-cost attacking midfielder this summer.

According to a report from Spain, Man United are now making moves to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who scored the equalising goal for the French side in the 2-2 draw in the Europa League last week.

There is a belief that Cherki would suit Amorim’s’s system, but his impressive performances for Lyon this season mean he is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea also believed to be keen.

The Frenchman could be allowed to leave for just £20m this summer, given the difficult financial situation Lyon find themselves in, with the Ligue 1 side willing to negotiate a sale if they receive a convincing offer.

Cherki could be "incredible" signing for Man Utd

It is little wonder some top Premier League clubs are queuing up for the 21-year-old, given just how impressive he has been for Lyon this season, collecting 18 assists in all competitions, while also chipping in with 11 goals.

The “incredible” playmaker, as dubbed by journalist Julien Laurens, is showing signs he is now ready to make a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, and it is exciting news that United are making moves to secure his signature.

While Fernandes has once again been impressive for the Red Devils this term, it is clear the Portugal international needs more help, given that the only other players to have registered more than one assist are Diogo Dalot and Amad.

Cherki’s performances this season, coupled with his availability for such a low fee, indicate he could be the perfect addition to a Man United squad clearly in need of more creativity.

The brutal reality of the latter stages of the Champions League hit Aston Villa like a brick when they travelled to Paris to take on PSG on Wednesday night.

Villa, who did take the lead through Morgan Rogers, were beaten 3-1 by a dominant Paris Saint-Germain side, managed by Luis Enrique, who had some terrific individuals on display at the top end of the pitch.

The effervescent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele put on a masterclass in front of their home supporters, with all three of them involved in at least one of the three goals.

Because of the quality of the PSG attackers, several Aston Villa players endured a rough evening in France. One of those was Axel Disasi, after he was brought on at half-time.

Axel Disasi's awful performance against PSG

The versatile defender, who is a centre-back by trade, came on to replace Matty Cash at the break at right-back and was almost immediately sent to the shops for PSG’s second goal in the 49th minute.

Kvaratskhelia, who is a test for any full-back, showed unbelievable footwork to jink past the Frenchman before blasting a finish into the top corner of Emi Martinez’s near post.

In his 45 minutes on the pitch, Disasi managed two tackles, one interception, one block, and one key pass, whilst he also won half (2/4) of his ground duels, in what was a solid display outside of being brilliantly beaten by the Georgian magician.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

The 27-year-old defender, who is on loan from Chelsea, was far from the worst player on the pitch for Unai Emery, though…

Aston Villa's worst player against PSG

While Disasi struggled, it was Matty Cash who was even worse than him in the first half.

Chalkboard

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The Poland international was actually selected ahead of the Chelsea loanee to start at right-back against Kvaratskhelia and had to be withdrawn from the action at half-time after a dismal opening 45 minutes in Paris.

GOAL awarded him a player rating of just 4/10 and wrote that he was a ‘red card waiting to happen’, after his early yellow card for a foul on the former Napoli forward.

The English-born defender must be brutally binned from the starting XI by Emery after his poor showing in the opening 45 minutes, as Disasi outperformed him off the bench – despite his part in the second PSG goal.

Minutes

45

45

Pass accuracy

50%

69%

Key passes

0

1

Tackles + interceptions

3

3

Duels won

3/8

2/5

Possession lost

9x

5x

Fouls committed

4

0

As you can see in the table above, the 4/10 full-back was incredibly wasteful with the ball at his feet and offered nothing at the top end of the pitch, whilst Disasi – at least – created one chance for the team in the second half.

As mentioned by GOAL, Cash was also walking a disciplinary tightrope with four fouls committed and a yellow card to his name in the first 45 minutes, as he was forced to foul Kvaratskhelia, who got the better of him, on several occasions.

With their respective performances in mind, Emery must drop the former Nottingham Forest star from the starting line-up to bring Disasi in at right-back from the start next time out.

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ByKelan Sarson Apr 8, 2025