Captain Dawid Malan became the fifth English batter to reach 10,000 career T20 runs at the start of a superb 88 which helped his Yorkshire side achieve their first Vitality Blast win of the season at the expense of Leicestershire Foxes at Headingley.The former England left-hander hit five sixes in an opening 48-ball knock which helped his side, on the back of three North Group defeats, set the Foxes an imposing 214-target that was never threatened.Yorkshire’s 213 for seven was underpinned by Malan and his second-wicket partner Will Luxton, whose 62 off 34 balls from number three represented a maiden career fifty in this format in his ninth match. They shared 132 inside 12 overs.Leicestershire, in suffering their second defeat in five, were bowled out for 107 inside 17 overs and suffered their heaviest ever runs defeat in this format – by 106 runs. Leg-spinner Jafer Chohan claimed four for 27.Malan, aged 37, was playing his 365th career T20 game and followed Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Jason Roy and James Vince to that milestone.Yorkshire – inserted following a 30-minute rain delay – made an excellent start, reaching 65 for one after six overs of powerplay, including three successive fours for Adam Lyth against Logan van Beek and a big six over midwicket apiece for Malan and Luxton.Malan reached the 10,000-mark in style by hoisting Matt Salisbury’s seam over cover to pass the two runs he needed at the start of this fixture.Lyth feathered Roman Walker’s seam behind, leaving the White Rose at 30 for one in the fourth over, before Malan and Luxton motored.They took the score to 101 after 10 overs and beyond.Malan reached his fifty off 30 balls shortly afterwards before both he and Luxton hoisted sixes off Tom Scriven’s seam in the 13th over to notch a century stand.Luxton’s fifty was achieved off 24 balls, and he hit four sixes in all.Both then fell caught, leaving Yorkshire 177 for three at the start of the 17th over, Luxton to the left-arm spin of Liam Trevaskis and Malan to Walker.Having struggled for early control on a ground which time after time produces big totals, Leicestershire struck six times in the last 5.1 overs even though 51 runs were added in that time.Van Beek finished with three expensive wickets, while Dom Bess clobbered a late 18.The Foxes’ chase then failed to get off the ground, reduced to 20 for two at the start of the fifth over. New Zealander Will O’Rourke and fellow pacer Matt Milnes got Rishi Patel and Louis Kimber caught in the ring.Not even the presence of former Yorkshire captain Shan Masood in the visiting line-up could alter the course of this fixture.Malan brought the part-time off-spin of Lyth on immediately after the powerplay, and Masood knew he had to take a risk with the run-rate spiralling.He could only loft his first ball down long-on’s throat, and at 34 for three it was all but game over.Wickets continued to fall as Leicestershire’s task reached the impossible stage.Chohan struck twice in two balls on two occasions with his leg-spin, while Bess’s off-spin also accounted for two wickets.Chohan had Logan van Beek stumped for an innings-high 26.

All Pakistan’s games, including the semi-final and final (if they get there), will be played at neutral Colombo

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jun-2025The women’s ODI World Cup is set to kick off on September 30, with India taking on Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India’s high-profile fixture against Pakistan, at the neutral venue of R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, is set for October 5, while their match against Bangladesh is on October 26 in Bengaluru.Defending champions Australia are set to start their campaign on October 1 at Indore’s Holkar Stadium against New Zealand. The marquee clash against England – a rematch of the previous edition’s final – is set to be played on October 22 in Indore. India take on the holders on October 12 in Visakhapatnam.Pakistan, who will play all their games in Colombo in accordance with the hybrid agreement arrived at between the BCCI and the PCB, will also face Bangladesh (Oct 2), Australia (Oct 8), England (Oct 15), New Zealand (Oct 18), South Africa (Oct 21) and Sri Lanka (Oct 24).ESPNcricinfo LtdOther key fixtures for England in the league stage include South Africa in Bengaluru (Oct 3), India in Indore (Oct 19), and New Zealand (Oct 26) in Guwahati.Bangladesh, apart from playing Pakistan to start their campaign, are set to play three more matches at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Stadium while also taking on Sri Lanka in Colombo (Oct 20). South Africa, meanwhile, have games against New Zealand (Oct 6) and Australia (Oct 25) in Indore.The need for Pakistan’s World Cup games to be played at a neutral venue arose due to strained relations between India and Pakistan, and India playing their 2025 Champions Trophy matches in Dubai instead of in the host country, Pakistan. The PCB, in turn, said Pakistan would not travel to India for tournaments in the foreseeable future.The tournament will feature 28 league games followed by three knockouts, with matches spread across Bengaluru, Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Colombo. The last of these – a double-header Sunday featuring England vs New Zealand and India vs Bangladesh – is on October 26. The first semi-final is slated for either Guwahati or Colombo – depending on Pakistan’s progression – on October 29 while the second semi-final will be in Bengaluru on October 30. The final, on November 2, will be held in either Bengaluru or Colombo.India are hosting the women’s ODI World Cup for the first time since 2013. The format for the 2025 tournament will be the same as in 2022, with each of the eight teams playing the other in a round-robin format, with the top four making the semi-finals.Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka, apart from hosts India, qualified directly for the tournament. The last two spots were taken by Pakistan and Bangladesh at the qualifiers in Lahore earlier this year. The tournament will not feature West Indies, who missed out to Bangladesh on net run-rate at the qualifier.

The Minnesota Twins reportedly are moving on from a 2024 draft pick after just a few months in their organization.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan reported Thursday that the Twins released minor league catcher Derek Bender after he told opposing batters the type of pitch that was coming to the plate during a game that eliminated his team from Florida State League contention.

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins' Low-A affiliate, were battling the Lakeland Flying Tigers on Sept. 6 in the second game of a doubleheader when Bender told multiple opposing hitters the exact pitch that was coming. The Flying Tigers scored four runs in the second inning and won the game 6–0 to eliminate the Mighty Mussels from playoff contention.

Fort Myers coaches were informed of Bender's self-inflicting pitch tipping by Lakeland coaches after the game.

ESPN also reported that Bender "had told teammates he wanted the season to be over."

Bender, selected by Minnesota in the sixth round (No. 188) out of Coastal Carolina, batted .200/.273/.333 in 19 games for Fort Myers this season. He hit .320/.422/.520 with 11 homers and 63 RBIs in 60 games for the Chanticleers in his final collegiate season.

انتقد أيمن عبد العزيز، مدرب الزمالك السابق، أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب النادي الأهلي، بعد واقعة نهائي بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، وتجاهل مصافحة هشام نصر ممثل القلعة البيضاء على منصة التتويج.

وقال أيمن عبد العزيز في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “لا بد أن يكون هناك احترام، هناك فارق في العمر بين زيزو وهشام نصر، كما أن الأخير لا يُمثل نفسه بل يُمثل أكبر قلعة رياضية، لذلك فإن مصافحته ليست بالمزاج ولكن هذا من باب الاحترام”.

وتابع: “جماهير الأهلي كانت تقول شيء على زيزو وهو لاعبًا في الزمالك، والآن بعد انضمامه للأحمر أصبحوا يتحدثون عنه بشكل مختلف، جميع المدربين والمنتمين لنادي الزمالك أسوياء، الصح نقول عليه والخطأ كذلك، هذا هو الفرق بيننا وبين أي أحد”.

طالع أيضًا | عاجل | الأهلي يتقدم بشكوى ضد جماهير الزمالك بسبب زيزو ويتوجه بطلب لاتحاد الكرة

وأضاف: “نحن لسنا تبع الموجة، ولا تبع أكل عيشنا، نحن نقول الحق وما يُرضي ضمائرنا، لذلك عندما أسئل عن زيزو أقول أنه أحسن لاعب كرة في مصر، مهما كان النادي الذي يلعب له سواء الأهلي أو الزمالك، نحن نقيمه على أساس الأداء”.

واستكمل: “غير الآخرين، الذين عندما كان زيزو لاعبًا في الزمالك، كانوا يقولون عليه لاعب عادي، لكن حاليًا وهو متواجد في النادي الأهلي صنعتم له تمثال وجعلتموه إلهًا”.

واختتم: “المنتمون لـ الزمالك أسوياء، وهذا الفرق بيننا وبين الآخرين، دائمًا نقول إن زيزو أفضل لاعب في مصر إلى أن يثبت العكس، عكس الذين كانوا يُسيئون إليه وعندما انضم لهم تحول الأمر.. وهذا أمر غير طبيعي”.

Manchester United look to be on an upward trajectory under INEOS and could now submit a sizeable bid for one of the world’s best attackers in January.

Man Utd summer signings deliver again in win over Brighton

Ruben Amorim has endured his fair share of criticism since arriving at Old Trafford. However, he will now feel vindicated in his decision not to change his complex 3-4-3 system after stringing together three consecutive Premier League victories.

Brighton & Hove Albion played some fine football at times at Old Trafford on Saturday. Nevertheless, this sometimes worked to their own detriment, and the Red Devils duly capitalised on a day where Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo were unrelenting.

False dawns have been a frustration in recent years, though this time feels different. There is a togetherness that seems to have been forged after a £225 million transfer spend at the club, and Gary Neville believes Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo’s previous experience of top-flight football has helped drastically amid both making an instant impact since arriving in Manchester.

He told Sky Sports: “With Cunha and Mbeumo, the risk of those signings was removed because in the sense they had played in the Premier League before and they had the hunger to deliver at a different level.

“Mbeumo looks like he belongs. He looks hungry and that he wants to score goals. Manchester United have something to build on. Cunha and Mbeumo will win a lot of matches for Manchester United.”

While the summer arrivals take a lot of the credit, January will be just as important if Manchester United want to make a fist of continental qualification.

Amorim could raid his old club Sporting to sign Ousmane Diomande, though he may also have designs on making a headline signing at the other end of the field.

Man Utd preparing bid for Rafael Leao

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a bid in excess of £87 million to sign Rafael Leao from AC Milan, while Liverpool and Manchester City are also lurking in the background, hoping to make their move.

Talks have been initiated with his camp, and the Serie A giants are unlikely to sell for any less than what the Red Devils are keen to put forward, and the final decision will be left with him to determine whether a transfer to the Premier League would be a smart move at this stage in his career.

Starting the campaign in fine form, Leao has scored four times in his opening five appearances across all competitions. Veteran AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric described him as a “truly fantastic” asset to the Rossoneri earlier this week, and it is easy to see why when you delve into his underlying numbers.

Fotmob shows that he has placed five of his nine shots on target in Serie A this season, providing evidence that his record in front of the target stems from acute awareness of his surroundings.

Ultimately, Leao is someone who could lift Manchester United into another dimension, though it remains to be seen whether they have the financial clarity to pull off such a move in mid-season.

Amorim considering Man Utd move for £25m star who's a "joy to work with"

The Red Devils are looking to improve their squad after an upturn in fortunes.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 26, 2025

Crystal Palace have a wealth of assets of interest to some of the world’s best clubs and they could now be lining up a replacement for one star who is attracting attention.

Crystal Palace look to keep hold of Adam Wharton

When thinking of promising Premier League midfielders, Adam Wharton wouldn’t be too far down the public’s list due to his ability to dictate matches in the Eagles’ engine room.

Recently, the England international has attracted interest from Liverpool, and they are unlikely to be the only club keen on his services as he continues to thrive under Oliver Glasner in South London.

Eventually, the time may come for Wharton to move on. However, Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that he doesn’t believe that will be in the imminent future as he is settled at the club.

He stated: “It doesn’t seem he’s in any real massive rush to leave Palace right now, he’s enjoying his football and playing week in, week out in the Premier League. He has become a key man in Glasner’s side with Palace doing so well at the moment, having won the FA Cup last year and playing in Europe.

“It seems Wharton is happy with life at Selhurst Park, but his form and performances will attract interest from other clubs.”

Talks on: Crystal Palace lead Wolves to sign "finisher" who shocked Chelsea

Negotiations have been opened.

By
Charlie Smith

Oct 1, 2025

Either way, Glasner isn’t hanging around as he looks to strengthen the engine room and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher could return to Crystal Palace in January, even if he isn’t short on options from elsewhere.

Wheels are already in motion as the Eagles look to take their recruitment to new heights, and they could now be sizing up a move for another midfielder as part of a potential contingency plan.

Crystal Palace want to sign Nicolas Raskin

According to reports in Spain, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, and they feel his attributes could be suited to their deep-lying midfield role if Wharton were to depart Selhurst Park.

The Belgium international has registered a goal and four assists in 14 appearances this term across all competitions, though he was also frozen out while Russell Martin was in charge and hasn’t been able to help the Scottish Premiership outfit arrest their wretched run of form.

With his contract due to expire in 2027, there is potential for Crystal Palace to land the 24-year-old on a cut-price deal if he opts not to renew his terms at Ibrox.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen how that will play out, but Besiktas are also said to be keen on luring him to Turkey, providing competition for the Premier League high-flyers if they wish to strengthen their midfield.

Labelled “aggressive” by Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, Rangers will push for him to stay, though the Eagles will hope the lure of top-flight exposure will be enough for their target to leave Glasgow.

Manchester United are reportedly staring at a major financial headache ahead of next summer, with the club set to miss out on around £10 million ($13M) due to the scheduling of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The global showpiece event, kicking off on June 11, 2026, just 18 days after the Premier League season concludes, has thrown United's pre-season blueprint into disarray.

2026 World Cup wrecks Man Utd's plans

According to the the Red Devils had hoped to embark on another money-spinning post-season tour, similar to their lucrative visits to Malaysia and Hong Kong this summer just gone. That trip, which came right after the conclusion of the campaign, earned the club a tidy £10m windfall. But those plans are now off the table as there simply won’t be enough time between May 24 and the start of the World Cup for the club to travel, train, and recover adequately. The decision is already being described internally as a logistical nightmare, and one that could potentially have knock-on effects on both finances and fan engagement.

AdvertisementGOALFriendlies in Saudi Arabia?

Summer tours are not just about fitness, but they’re an essential revenue stream. Financial margins are tighter than ever at Old Trafford, especially after missing out on European football, and United are desperate to recoup as much as they can.  The club’s commercial department has spent the last few weeks running simulations on whether the World Cup could completely saturate football interest in the U.S. market. The final, which is scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, falls right around the time United traditionally kick off their own pre-season tours. This has led United to consider whether they should pivot towards the Middle East, another region where the club has historically drawn massive crowds and sponsorship interest. 

Talks are reportedly underway to see if a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia can be organised, which could bring in a hefty payday. There is indeed a growing appetite to return to Asia next summer, particularly after three consecutive pre-season tours in the United States as part of their £60m ($78m)-a-year deal with Snapdragon. United’s failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League cost them approximately £100m ($130.5m) in potential revenue, including a £10m penalty paid to Adidas, triggered by the performance clause in their record kit deal. That financial strain has put added pressure on the commercial and operations teams to maximise income from every opportunity, including global fan tours.

Man Utd back in form after struggles

While meetings and discussions are underway in the boardroom, things on the pitch are finally showing signs of recovery. After a shaky start that saw United win just two of their first seven games, Amorim’s men have stabilised, going four league matches unbeaten following a dramatic 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The Portuguese boss has slowly moulded United into a more cohesive, hard-working outfit by making little tweaks to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, and they are finally reaping the rewards. The team sits eighth in the table, but only two points behind second-placed Manchester City, proof that progress is being made.

"Ruben’s got a very clear idea. It’s a lot more flexible, the idea, than what people give it credit for," Jason Wilcox said in an interview on the club’s podcast. "We’ve got to start with the end in mind and understand that the game model, how Manchester United are, is really important.  

"We have to pull the jigsaw pieces together and put the jigsaw pieces together. We would love to have all the pieces in place where we can see a very clear picture, but whilst we’re building the picture, it’s even more difficult when you lose some football matches, because people start questioning things. But myself and Ruben, Omar, the ownership, we’re really clear on the direction of travel, and this is really important."

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Getty Images SportTottenham next: A chance for redemption for Amorim

Next up is a blockbuster away clash with Tottenham Hotspur, the same side that denied United silverware in last season’s Europa League final. For Amorim's men, it’s not just about revenge, but it’s about maintaining momentum in a campaign that has demanded resilience. They struggled in the early months but have finally resurrected themselves on the back of a sensational October. The Red Devils will be eager to get another three points and mount a meek title challenge before the international break sets in. 

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market in the summer of 2025 will potentially be remembered as one of their best windows in recent history.

Ruben Amorim has spent around £200m on new additions within his front three, with such additions already making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were the three signings made by the hierarchy, with the latter being the most expensive at a staggering £74m including add-ons.

The trio have already had a say in nine of their 15 Premier League goals in 2025/26 to date, as Mbeumo sits top of the Red Devils’ goalscoring charts with his total of four goals in nine outings.

Such form has led to serious doubt being cast over the futures of numerous players already within Amorim’s ranks, which could lead to numerous exits during the upcoming January window.

Players who look set to leave Man Utd in January

Over the last couple of days, rumours have been swirling over the future of multiple players, with midfielder Manuel Ugarte just one United player who could be edging closer to the exit door.

The Uruguayan international joined in a £50m transfer from PSG last summer, which led to huge expectations being placed on his shoulders to end their hunt for a new ball-winning option.

However, the 24-year-old has fallen down Amorim’s pecking order, only starting two league outings in 2025/26, leading to rumours over a winter move to join Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

He’s not the only player who appears to be moving closer to the exit door, with forward Joshua Zirkzee another Red Devil who has struggled to nail his starting role down this season.

According to CaughtOffside, the Dutchman is now “increasingly likely” to depart Old Trafford after featuring for just 82 minutes this season – only a year on from his £36m transfer to join the club.

The report states that the 24-year-old will allow the former Bologna talisman to depart in the coming months, but will be looking to recruit the majority of their investment back.

It also confirms that the player himself wants to depart to gain valuable first-team minutes to help improve his standing in the national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

However, such a decision could come with a risk, especially given the examples that have unfolded in front of Amorim’s eyes over the last couple of months.

The United star who could become this season’s Rashford

Before Amorim’s arrival at United, attacker Marcus Rashford was seen as a key member of the first-team squad, arguably being one of the most threatening options within the final third.

The England international has racked up 138 goals for the Red Devils during his nine years in the first-team, but it rapidly became apparent the 40-year-old wasn’t keen on the academy graduate.

Despite starting and scoring in the manager’s first game at Ipswich Town, the 27-year-old was excluded from first-team training – subsequently joining Aston Villa on loan for the second half of 2024/25.

Rashford registered four goals and five assists in his 17 appearances before linking up with Spanish giants Barcelona during the recent window – once again producing the goods away from Old Trafford.

He’s already notched 10 combined goals and assists in his 13 appearances, with such a decision arguably one of Amorim’s worst during his near 12-month tenure with the Red Devils.

However, he could be about to make another huge mistake in sanctioning Zirkzee’s exit, especially if the Dutchman can replicate such form before his move to England.

The 24-year-old scored 12 times and registered six assists in his 37 appearances prior to his switch to Old Trafford – even managing to impress in glimpses last campaign.

Zirkzee scored twice in Amorim’s second game in charge of the club back in December 2024, with his contributions in the clash with Everton just one example of the talent he possesses in the final third.

Other outings against Lyon and Real Sociedad in the Europa League showcased his ability to provide the goods in key moments – subsequently helping the Red Devils reach yet another European final.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

72%

Shots taken

1.8

Chances created

0.8

Dribble success

38%

Aerials won

29%

Times dispossessed

2.8

Whilst it still remains unclear what the attacker’s best position is, even describing himself as a 9.5, he still managed to rank highly in numerous areas during the club’s dismal 2024/25 season.

Zirkzee ranked in the 82nd percentile for possession regained in the final third, whilst also completing the most passes per 90 of any forward in the first-team ranks.

Such numbers showcase his tireless effort out of possession, before firing the killer pass to a teammate – subsequently allowing him to pick up two assists across all competitions.

There’s no doubt his tally of five goals in 49 appearances was way below the expectations of the supporters, but Zirkzee desperately needs to be cut some slack by the manager.

Such a year was his first in England’s top-flight, but it’s evident that the manager has made up his mind with the forward, as seen by his tally of 82 league minutes in 2025/26.

Allowing him to leave could once again come back to bite them, potentially following the same route as Rashford and thriving in Europe after departing the Red Devils.

Watch out Bruno: Man Utd's "best player this season" is a "future captain"

Manchester United’s “best player this season” could be the future captain of the club over Bruno Fernandes.

ByDan Emery Oct 28, 2025

One of the most trusted players Manchester City have had under Pep Guardiola over the years was Fernandinho. The Brazilian veteran, who is now 40 years of age, was a stalwart for City, playing 383 games for the club and winning five Premier League titles.

Of course, a lot of that success came under City’s legendary manager, Guardiola. The Brazilian played 244 games under his tutelage, skippering the side on multiple occasions and even chipping in with 12 goals and 17 assists.

Towards the end of his time at the Etihad Stadium, Fernandinho saw a drastic change in his position.

Fernandinho’s change of position at Man City

Of course, for much of his career, Fernandinho was a midfielder. In a City shirt, the former City captain tended to operate as a number six, although he did play in more advanced roles.

With that being said, 232 games came at the base of the midfield.

However, Guardiola did alter his role in the side, with the 53-cap Brazil star becoming a centre-back. That coincided with an injury for Aymeric Laporte, with City needing a dependable man at the back in his absence. In total, Fernandinho played 45 times there for City, becoming a trusted figure at the back.

Back in 2020, he spoke to Sky Sports about converting to a centre-back. He explained that “it was a little bit strange adapting” to his new role at first, due to the space in behind the back line, but eventually he “was able to do it.”

He gave a lot the credit to Guardiola for his impressive transition from midfield to defence.

He said the Spaniard “gives you the information you need about the opponent and of course about yourself,” which certainly assisted the move to defence.

Fernandinho is not the only City star who has benefited from Guardiola’s close man-management, especially when it comes to operating in a new position.

Pep’s modern-day Fernandinho

One of the real standout things about Guardiola as a manager is how adaptable he is. That could be flexibility during a game, switching up his system and showing great innovation, or asking a player to operate in a new position.

Well, someone who has reaped the benefit of that sort of adaptability is Matheus Nunes. The Portuguese international is a midfielder by trade, like Fernandinho. However, he has played plenty of times at right-back under Guardiola.

He has truly played everywhere in a City shirt, having just reached a century of games. In the 101 appearances he has made so far, 27 of those have come at right-back, more than anywhere else.

Nunes has been more productive there than in any other position on the pitch, too. He’s scored twice and assisted five from right-sided full-back. He offers a real threat, making runs into the penalty box, as this strike against Burnley earlier in the season showed.

The Portugal international, who has 16 caps for his nation, is a player whom Guardiola thinks highly of. Back in 2023, City’s manager described him as “one of the best players in the world,” which is huge praise indeed.

Well, the stats certainly show just how good a full-back Nunes has turned into. Last season, he was among the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League, for example, averaging 1.24 key passes per 90 minutes, which ranked him in the top 25% of Premier League full-backs.

Nunes vs. PL fullbacks (24/25)

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Key passes

1.24

75th

Passes into penalty area

1.4

90th

Assists

0.32

99th

Progressive carries

3.39

94th

Long passes completion %

65.4%

93rd

Stats from FBref

This is surely a move that you can put down as a success. Guardiola has certainly reinvented Nunes’ career with the positional change, making him a formidable right-back who can offer another presence in midfield and a goal threat.

Guardiola has a knack for successfully converting players’ positions, be it in a time of need or for a tactical shift, just as he did with Fernandinho. Nunes is certainly the latest success story.

Related Man City ace is "the best in the world" & Pep's finest signing since Haaland

The Manchester City star could be Pep Guardiola’s best signing since Erling Haaland.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 20, 2025

It is fair to say that the end of the summer transfer window did not go exactly to plan for Celtic in their attempts to bolster the attacking options in the squad.

Brendan Rodgers wanted to add more firepower to his frontline by bringing in a new number nine, whilst he also allowed Adam Idah to leave to sign for Swansea.

The Ireland international scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Hoops last season, per Transfermarkt, and his exit left Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada as the only natural strikers at the club.

Unfortunately, Celtic were unable to bring a new centre-forward to Parkhead on deadline day. Instead, they signed Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer the day after deadline day, and he has scored three goals for the club to date.

The Nigeria international has scored one goal from open play, along with two penalties, and missed four ‘big chances’ in six appearances so far, per Sofascore.

Celtic did make a signing on deadline day, though, as they brought Sebastian Tounekti in from Hammarby for a fee of around £5m, and he has hit the ground running in Glasgow.

Celtic have hit the jackpot with Sebastian Tounekti

Typically, crowds love to watch exciting wingers who take their man on and make things happen with the ball at their feet, because it creates excitement and gets fans off their seats.

Tounekti is that sort of winger. The Tunisia international could be described as fearless in the way that he is willing to try and try and try again to dribble past opposition defenders.

He completed five of his eight attempted dribbles and created four chances for his teammates against Kilmarnock, per Sofascore, on his debut for the club in the Scottish Premiership last month.

The 23-year-old star, who scored his first goal for the club in the League Cup against Partick Thistle, has completed 14 dribbles in five appearances for the club in the Premiership and the Europa League to date.

He has been an electric figure on the left flank for the Scottish giants with his ability to whiz past opposition full-backs with ease to get into promising positions in the final third.

Sebastian Tounekti

5

14

James Forrest

9

11

Benjamin Nygren

9

7

Daizen Maeda

9

5

Colby Donovan

4

4

As you can see in the table above, Tounekti has the most completed dribbles of any player in the Celtic squad, despite playing four fewer matches than the three players who are closest to his tally.

One thing that you may notice about that table is that summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who is a winger, does not make it into the top five at the club for completed dribbles.

That is because he has not completed a single dribble in five appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been a bit too timid with the ball at his feet so far for the Bhoys.

Whilst that suggests that he is unlikely to follow in Tounekti’s footsteps as an exciting and dynamic wing wizard, Rodgers does have another Celtic player who can get supporters off their feet with exciting wing play.

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Jota suffered an ACL injury in May against Dundee United that ruled him out of action for up to nine months, which means that the Hoops may not have him back until the second half of this season.

Once the former Rennes and Al Ittihad star does return to the field at Parkhead to play for Rodgers, though, the manager could have another Tounekti at his disposal.

Why Jota is the original Tounekti

The Portuguese starlet signed for, left, and rejoined Celtic before Tounekti arrived in Glasgow on deadline day at the start of September, but is currently on the sidelines because of his injury.

Jota produced 25 goals and 23 assists in the Premiership and European competitions across his two seasons at the club under Ange Postecoglou’s management, which attracted interest from Al Ittihad.

The electric forward joined the Saudi Pro League side for a fee of £25m in a move that was a blow for the Scottish giants, because he was their most exciting attacking outlet.

1

Jota – 1.7

Jota – 1.5

2

Tom Rogic – 1.6

Alexandro Bernabei – 1.5

3

Mikey Johnston – 1.3

Anthony Ralston – 1.0

4

Anthony Ralston – 0.9

Reo Hatate – 0.8

5

James Forrest – 0.9

Greg Taylor – 0.8

As you can see in the table above, Jota was the most prolific dribbler in the squad in both of his first two seasons at Parkhead with Postecoglou in the dugout, which shows that he was the original Tounekti.

Of course, the Portugal international returned to Celtic in the January transfer window this year, joining from Rennes, and he hit the ground running at the start of his second spell in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old star scored four goals and provided two assists in 11 Premiership appearances in the second half of last season, whilst completing 1.6 dribbles per 90, per Sofascore.

Jota, who pundit Michael Stewart described as a “game-changer” who “raises the bar”, gets fans off their seats in anticipation because he takes defenders on and makes things happen in the final third.

Along with his dribbling skills, the Portuguese talent also has the output, with his return of goals and assists, to give supporters the belief that he will score or create a goal when he gets the ball in dangerous positions.

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Therefore, Rodgers will be patiently waiting for Jota to be available for selection once again, because the manager will then have two electric and exciting wingers to select on the flank in Tounekti and the former Benfica star.