Category Uncategorized

The BCCI has adopted a closed bid auction method, and will announce the winners on Monday

Nagraj Gollapudi15-Jan-2023

The inaugural season of the WIPL is set to be held in March•BCCI

All the major Indian broadcasters, including Disney Star*, Viacom 18, Sony and Zee, will be bidding for the Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) media rights at an auction on Monday. The BCCI has adopted a closed bid auction method for the day-long event, and will announce the winner on the same day.ESPNcricinfo has learned that eight potential bidders had bought the tender document which was put on sale in December. The rights, spanning a five-year period between 2023-27, comprised three categories: linear (TV), digital and combined (TV and digital). The rights will be sold globally, including India.The BCCI has also decided not to set a base price as it wants the market to determine its value considering the WIPL is untapped territory. This is in contrast to the process it adopted when it sold the media rights for the men’s IPL last year for a record net sum of close to US$ 6 billion. Those rights were split across multiple categories and regions and were fiercely contested by multiple players with the auction exercise stretching for three days.Related

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Inaugural Women's IPL auction in February; deadline for registration January 26

The WIPL media rights are significant because they constitute the majority of the central commercial pool from which the five franchises will get 80% of their revenue. In the tender document for franchise rights, the BCCI has mentioned that it would share 80% of the commercial rights income it derives from WIPL with the teams in the first five years, 60% in the following five years, and 50% after that. In addition, the franchises will also get 80% of the money derived from the central licensing rights.Having conducted the Women’s T20 Challenge initially as an exhibition event, the BCCI last year finally decided to launch the WIPL with its inaugural edition set to be played in March. While the BCCI has not yet announced the tournament dates, it is understood that the first season, spanning 22 matches, is likely to be played between March 5 and 23.The BCCI will unveil the five WIPL franchises on January 25. The financial bids of these franchises, currently submitted in sealed envelopes, will be opened on that day. The BCCI has listed 10 cities in the bid document. So far, at least eight of the 10 men’s IPL franchises have confirmed they would be bidding for a franchise.

Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to sell a “fantastic” forward in the summer, looking to receive a fee of around £10m – £15m, and two big English clubs are interested in a move.

Tottenham eyeing attacking upgrades

It has been far from an ideal season for Tottenham, and while some of their struggles can be put down to the injury crisis they’ve endured, there is no denying they will need to strengthen in the summer if they are to start competing near the top of the table.

Spurs are looking to bring in additional depth in attack, and a report has revealed they are now eyeing a surprise £6m+ move for Villarreal striker Ayoze Perez, with the former Newcastle United man impressing in La Liga this season.

Perez is seemingly more likely to be brought in as a rotation option, but there are also indications they could pursue a move for a top striker, with it recently being revealed they are now ready to trigger the £62m striker in Matheus Cunha’s Wolves contract.

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Given that Cunha would be an expensive purchase, Tottenham may have to cash-in on some of their current players to help fund the move, and GiveMeSport are reporting they are now willing to sell Manor Solomon in the summer.

Solomon has spent the current season on loan at Leeds United, where he has impressed, with the Championship promotion-hopefuls now looking to make his stay permanent in the summer, while Everton are also said to be keen.

Spurs would be looking to receive a relatively low fee of around £10m – £15m for the Israeli, although they would still make a tidy profit, having signed him on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk back in 2023.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Manchester City (h)

February 26th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

March 9th

Fulham (a)

March 16th

Chelsea (a)

April 2nd

Southampton (h)

April 5th

Solomon needs a permanent move elsewhere

The 25-year-old’s performances in the Championship this season have been very impressive, picking up seven goals and seven assists to aid his side’s push for promotion back to the Premier League.

However, the left-winger has never managed to force his way into Postecoglou’s plans, and there may be even more competition for a starting spot next season, given that Spurs are planning to bring in some new attacking options.

As such, while journalist Adam Pope has lauded the Leeds loanee as “fantastic” for his performances this season, it is probably the right decision to sanction his departure this summer.

Tottenham can use the tidy profit they will make to fund their other transfer business, with the likes of Perez and Cunha of interest, while there have also been indications they could make a £83m offer for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens.

Will Celtic secure another strong end to this season?

On Saturday, the Hoops actually suffered just their second Premiership defeat of the season, Brendan Rodgers’ side surprisingly beaten 2-1 by Hibernian at Easter Road.

Nevertheless, the Bhoys remain 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership, with only 11 matches still to play, ahead of Aberdeen’s visit to Parkhead on Tuesday night.

This team is targeting a sixth treble in nine seasons, but they could be even stronger next season if and when a highly-rated winger returns from his loan spell down under.

How Jota is faring after re-joining Celtic

Jota’s return to Celtic in January brought with it much fanfare, rejoining the club from Stade Rennais for a reported fee of £8m, having only left to join Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League for £25m, a joint-club-record, 18 months earlier.

Less than half an hour into his second Celtic debut, the Portuguese winger marked his return by scoring against Motherwell at Fir Park, bursting into tears during his celebration, so delighted to be back “home” having endured, as he put it afterwards, countless “difficult moments” since his departure.

Meantime, following the Hoops’ 6-0 hammering of Dundee, Jota exclaimed that he was “delighted” to be back at Celtic Park.

That said, prior to the first leg against Bayern Munich, Rodgers revealed to TNT Sports that the winger “is not quite at the physical level yet”, beginning as a substitute for that Champions League tie, before then starting the draw in Bavaria six nights later.

Colloquially known as the ‘superstar from Portugal’, Jota is unquestionably a fans’ favourite, but could he face fresh competition for his place next season, from a player currently impressing out on loan?

Celtic loanee starring down under

Back in June 2023, Celtic signed winger Marco Tilio for a reported £1.5m from Melbourne City.

At the time, it was the highest fee ever paid for an A-League player, with Aussie Scout on Twitter labelling him a ‘prolific goalscorer’, pointing in the direction of this being an exciting addition.

However, during his first six months in Glasgow, Tilio made just two appearances, handed brief cameo appearances off the bench against Motherwell and Hibs, so rejoined Melbourne City on loan a year ago, remaining there for this season too.

In an interview with ESPN, Tilio admitted this was the “toughest year” of his career, describing his move to Celtic as a “dream” but admitting “pretty much from there, everything didn’t fall into place… it was taken away from me through injuries.”

Well, so far this season, the 23-year-old has made just seven appearances for the Sky Blues due to a hamstring injury, but did score a sublime opener during Saturday’s Melbourne derby, a match that ended 2-2.

So, let’s assess how he and Jota compare.

Tilio at Melbourne City vs Jota at Celtic

Statistics

Tilio

Jota

Appearances

95

90

Minutes

5,923

6,311

Goals

23

30

Minutes per goal

258

210

Assists

19

27

Shots on target %

42%

41.2%

Big chances created

23

36

Dribble success %

42.2%

51.7%

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table shows, Jota does come out on top for most metrics, albeit Tilio’s numbers in terms of shots on target percentage, big chances created and dribble success percentage are especially impressive considering he’s played fewer minutes.

He is also currently performing at a comparable level to the SPFL; Global Football Rankings believe the Scottish Premiership to be the 43rd strongest league in the world, while the A-League ranks at 52nd.

So, there is little doubting Tilio’s talent and, if he is able to stay fit, he can certainly be an asset to Rodgers’ squad, potentially rivalling Jota upon his return.

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MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de sete partidas, o Corinthians voltou a vencer o Atlético-GO. A última vez que o Timão bateu o Dragão foi no Brasileirão de 2017, por 1 a 0, no estádio Serra Dourada, com gol de Rodriguinho.

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+ GALERIA – Confira do Timão contra possíveis adversários na Copa do Brasil

Após o triunfo inédito no Antônio Accioly, por 1 a 0, Vítor Pereira destacou a entrega da equipe para superar as adversidades e conquistar a vitória que recolocou o clube alvinegro na ponta do Brasileirão.

– Jogo difícil, sabíamos que seria difícil. Difícil para preparar pelos muitos problemas que temos com jogadores importantes. Viemos com o espírito certo, sem esse espírito de equipe, não conseguiríamos os pontos. Essa forma de determinados momentos procurar jogar com qualidade em termos ofensivos, e em outros momentos, essencialmente quando os jogadores de mais qualidade técnica começam a ficar fadigados, e começam a entrar jogadores que não tem tempo de jogo, que necessitamos deles. Hoje, em um momento em que o adversário nos empurrou para trás, soubemos controlar e levamos a vitória com base nesse espírito de grupo e a força da torcida, que era o nosso objetivo – declarou o treinador na coletiva.

Ao ser questionado sobre o que pode ser feito para melhorar a atuação da equipe, Vítor disse que isso só será possível com a volta dos jogadores lesionados. Hoje, ele não contou com Fagner, João Victor, Paulinho, Ruan Oliveira, Willian e Jô, além de Maycon, suspenso. Ele ressaltou a importância dos jogadores que estiveram em campo, que souberam entender o momento para atacar e se defender.

– Melhorar? Melhorar só quando os sete jogadores que estão lesionados voltarem. Mais soluções, melhoramos automaticamente. O nosso trabalho é esse, recuperar os jogadores lesionados, jogadores importantes, e continuar a trabalhar. Quando foi possível jogar com qualidade, jogamos com qualidade, atacamos com qualidade. Quando não foi possível, defendemos com qualidade. Defender faz parte do jogo e é preciso defender com qualidade em determinados momentos do jogo. Conseguimos uma vitória importante. Alguns dos jogadores tinham pouco tempo. Precisamos de todos. Todos juntos mais a nossa torcida, vamos conseguindo vitórias e pontos. Tem que ser dessa forma, unidos, e contar com toda gente, os miúdos e os mais experientes – ponderou.

+ TABELA – Confira e simule os jogos do Corinthians no Brasileirão

Perguntado sobre a não utilização de Luan, que nem relacionado foi para o confronto contra o Atlético-GO, Vítor Pereira revelou que o camisa 7 ia ser escalado em três ocasiões, mas acabou se lesionando antes dessas oportunidades. O treinador cobrou mais entrega do meia nos treinos.

– O Luan já esteve três vezes para ser escalado, e no último momento, vai para o departamento médico. Portanto, não é da minha responsabilidade. Era para ele vir, só que no último treino, queixou-se de um problema e foi para o departamento médico. Isso aconteceu três vezes. Durante o tempo que aqui estou, tem ficado fora de muitos treinos, grande parte do tempo não trabalhou comigo. Se o Luan quiser se entregar no treino e no jogo, eu não coloco ninguém de parte. Precisamos de todos, e do Luan também. A verdade é essa – afirmou o treinador, que ainda não usou Luan desde que chegou ao Parque São Jorge.

O lusitano voltou a destacar a entrega e comprometimentos dos atletas que estiveram em campo e conquistaram os três pontos.

– Fundamentalmente, nas circunstâncias que jogamos o jogo, hoje valeu o espírito de equipe. Muitos jogadores importantes de fora. O que eu quero é valorizar o trabalho dos que estiveram em campo, trabalharam muito, um espírito de equipe muito forte. Forte também, só assim foi possível chegar aqui e levar os três pontos – concluiu Vítor Pereira.

Olly Stone and Tom Helm are in contention for debuts with England possibly looking to rejig their attack in a bid to bounce back

Matt Roller23-Sep-20221:11

Moeen: ‘My over lost the game for us, it was a gamble from my part’

England are set to make “a couple of changes” in Friday night’s third T20I against Pakistan in Karachi, as they look to manage their squad through a hectic schedule of seven games in 13 days.They made one forced change for Thursday’s ten-wicket defeat as Liam Dawson replaced Richard Gleeson, who left the field in the first T20I after experiencing “some minor discomfort”, but are likely to shuffle their pack for the third game in the series.Related

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England fielded three left-arm seamers and three spinners in the second T20I and may look to change the balance of their attack, with Olly Stone and Tom Helm in contention for debuts. David Willey has struggled in this series, leaking 85 runs in 7.3 wicketless overs, while Luke Wood found his second international appearance significantly tougher than his first.”There will be a couple of changes tomorrow, with guys coming back,” Moeen Ali, the England captain, said. “We’re not sure exactly who yet, but it’s about coming up with ideas and different ways to get wickets. That’s the crucial thing when you get a big score: if you’re taking wickets, most of the time, you’re going to win the game.”I thought we bowled well. Dawson was fantastic today and bowled four really, really good overs. [But] I thought we could have done a lot more. Nobody really bowled a bouncer, and we could have tried a few more things. But we can learn from that.”England’s changes are likely to come in their bowling attack in the first instance, with Moeen suggesting that Will Jacks – one of two fit batters on the sidelines in the first two games, along with his Oval Invincibles team-mate Jordan Cox – would have to wait his turn.”When their chance comes they’ll get a go,” Moeen said. “You don’t want to just give people games because there’s a big reputation. They have to earn their spot. Alex Hales has come in, Phil Salt is opening, Jos Buttler still has to come in. Someone like Will Jacks will wait.”He’s a brilliant player, everybody in England knows that, and I’m sure you guys will see him at some stage on this tour. We’re going to change it up a little bit throughout these next five games because we want to give players some game time and there’s a lot of guys coming back from injuries.”Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are not expected to feature before the Lahore leg of the tour but have both bowled with good pace in training and in pre-match warm-ups, while Reece Topley could also come into contention as England look to ease him back from an ankle niggle.

MatériaMais Notícias

No próximo domingo, o Náutico recebe o Cruzeiro nos Aflitos e tenta se recuperar na Série B após o revés com o Vila Nova.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

Diferente do Timbu, a Raposa está embalada e o time pernambucano terá que quebrar um longo tabu contra os mineiros.

A última vitória do Náutico em cima do Cruzeiro ocorreu em maio de 2009. Na ocasião, o duelo ocorreu pelo Campeonato Brasileiro e deu Timbu por 2 a 0.

Desde então, as equipes se enfrentaram em nove oportunidades, com cinco vitórias da Raposa e quatro empates.

Nos últimos dois anos, quando se enfrentaram pela Série B, foram três empates e uma vitória do Cruzeiro.

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This season has been a rather brutal one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Yes, Ange Postecoglou’s side are still in three cup competitions, but following last night’s defeat in the North London derby, the Lilywhites find themselves down in 13th place in the Premier League, with a whopping 11 defeats from 21 games.

There were poor performances across the board from the Australian’s side, and while summer signing Dominic Solanke was undoubtedly trying his best to make something happen for the team, he was comfortably dealt with by the hosts.

Arsenal

Away

2-1 Loss

Newcastle

Home

2-1 Loss

Wolves

Home

2-2 Draw

Forest

Away

1-0 Loss

Liverpool

Home

6-3 Loss

The former Bournemouth star has been one of the few bright spots in Spurs’ campaign thus far, but his place in the team could soon be under threat, as recent reports have linked the club with another free-scoring number nine who may well be an upgrade.

Tottenham target sublime striker

According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham will continue to target the French market this window, despite missing out on Randal Kolo Muani, and have already been offered the chance to sign LOSC Lille star Jonathan David.

Transfer Focus

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The report claims that the Canadian’s agent has offered the forward out to clubs in recent times, including the Lilywhites, which could be an offer too tempting to pass up on.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but considering his contract is set to expire this summer, and he is therefore free to sign a deal with foreign clubs this month, we wouldn’t be surprised if he was available for even less than the £20m that was reported last summer.

Daniel Levy and Co might prefer to sign David for free in the summer, but given his sensational form over the last few years and the club’s need for attacking reinforcements now, it would undoubtedly be worth splashing the cash to bring him in this month, even if his arrival could spell trouble for Solanke.

How David compares to Solanke

So, if Spurs are proactive this month and opt to bring David to the club, it would likely be with the promise of regular football, should his performances warrant it, meaning he would be in direct competition with Solanke for a starting berth up top, but who’s the better striker?

Well, when it comes to their pure output this season, it’s a comprehensive victory for the Lille ace, who, in just 29 appearances, has found the back of the net on 17 occasions and provided six assists for good measure, meaning he’s currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.26 games.

In contrast, the former Cherries star has scored 11 goals and provided six assists in as many games, which equates to a still brilliant but nonetheless worse average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games.

It’s not just this season that the New York-born phenom has been the more prolific number nine either.

Indeed, last season he racked up a simply sensational haul of 26 goals and nine assists in 47 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.34 games, and lends credence to podcast host and Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro’s claim that he’s “one of the best strikers in the world” and Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig’s description that he is a “mind-blowing” forward.

In comparison, the former Chelsea ace also had a great season on the south coast, but his tally of 21 goals and four assists in 42 games still comes out to a slightly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.

Appearances

47

42

Minutes

3615′

3553′

Goals

26

21

Assists

9

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.74

0.59

Minutes per Goal Involvement

103.28′

142.12′

Appearances

29

29

Minutes

2353′

2248′

Goals

17

11

Assists

6

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.79

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

102.30′

132.23′

Finally, while the Lilywhites’ starting striker has the experience of playing in England, the Lille poacher has the experience of playing in the Champions League, racking up a tally of seven goals and one assist in 14 appearances in Europe’s top competition.

Ultimately, Spurs have a talented striker in Solanke, but based on the last few years, it’s apparent that David is the more accomplished goalscorer, and if the club have a chance to sign him this month, they have to take it.

Real Madrid want him: Spurs heading for Bale repeat with "future £100m" ace

Spurs cannot sell the incredible talent this month.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jan 14, 2025

Australia quick Jhye Richardson is fully fit as he heads to Sri Lanka and is raring to bounce back from the disappointment of losing his Cricket Australia contract, according to his Western Australia coach Adam Voges.Richardson was arguably the unluckiest player to lose his Cricket Australia contract for the coming 12 months having taken five wickets in his last Test match innings against England in Adelaide, and having played in Australia’s last home T20I series against Sri Lanka.But an injury-interrupted summer that featured calf and shin issues prior to Christmas, with the latter ruling him out of the Boxing Test, and a serious hamstring injury which saw him miss the Sheffield Shield final, as well as the astonishing rise of Scott Boland in his absence, meant he was squeezed out of CA’s top 20 ranked players on the contract list.Prior to his hamstring injury, he was also left out of the Pakistan tour as his workload continued to be monitored due to his recent injury history.Related

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• Steven Smith's T20 role among question marks for Sri Lanka series

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• Pat Cummins rested for Sri Lanka T20Is; big guns return for white-ball leg

Richardson is in the T20I squad only for Sri Lanka and could play a part with Pat Cummins resting, although Australia may play two spinners among their four specialist bowlers if conditions suit. He has not been named in the ODI or Test squads but is in the Australia A group that is set to play two 50-over games and two four-day games in Sri Lanka.Voges has spent the last few weeks in Perth helping Richardson and WA’s other Sri Lanka tourists prepare for the limited-overs, Test and A series that begin next week. The WA and Perth Scorchers coach believes Richardson will be stung into action after a frustrating summer.”He’s going really well,” Voges told ESPNcricinfo. “He was clearly disappointed to miss out on his CA contract. But I think that’ll be a very temporary thing.”I think once we get a fully fit Jhye Richardson up and about, we saw what he did in the four Shield games that he played for us last season. He had a huge impact. He took five wickets in the last Test match that he played for Australia so I think he’ll fight his way back into the Australian teams pretty quickly.”It’s great that he’s part of the white-ball part of the Sri Lankan series and then the A series…I know that he is really disappointed about missing out but hopefully he’ll use that as a fairly big motivator to have a big 12 months coming up.”Aaron Hardie is set for his first Australia A tour•Getty Images

Meanwhile, Voges was full of praise for 23-year-old Western Australian allrounder Aaron Hardie who is set to go on his first overseas tour with the Australia A team.Hardie has only played 10 first-class games but has already made a huge impression, scoring two centuries and bagging three four-wicket hauls. He had an extraordinary Sheffield Shield final where he opened the bowling and took 3 for 54, before making a brilliant 174 not out in the second innings to help secure a draw that handed WA a drought-breaking title.”We think really highly of Aaron,” Voges said. “We think he’s a really talented young player who has performed well in the short exposure he’s had to first-class cricket.”I was really pleased to see him do well in the Shield final. He had a frustrating season last year. He had elbow surgery right on the eve of the season starting which kept him out of bowling until right at the back end of the Big Bash. For him now, it’s just about a bit of consistency and continuity and being able to play games.”As a young allrounder, the game demands a lot from you. There’ll probably be a few more of those niggles along the way but hopefully, he now can really start to put together a consistent 12 months of cricket and who knows where that’ll take him.”I think it’s great reward for him to be picked in the A squad on the back of what he did at the back end of the season. The fact that we can open the bowling with him and he’s scoring 170 batting at seven, he’s a pretty handy addition.”

Harry Kane is a player who tormented Arsenal for many years during his time at North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, scoring countless goals during his time in the Premier League.

The Englishman has scored 15 times against the Gunners in his 21 appearances, the third-most against any opposition he’s faced during his professional career.

However, many supporters thought they would have a respite period from his goalscoring exploits after his move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.

The 31-year-old would score against Mikel Arteta’s side in the Champions League last season, subsequently knocking them out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.

Over the years, Arsenal have lacked that clinical presence within the attacking third of the pitch, potentially having their own version of the Englishman who’s similar to Kane, as per FBref.

Arsenal monitoring European star ahead of January

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have been spotted scouting RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

The Gunners were previously interested in a move for the Slovenian over the summer transfer window but were unable to strike a move for the 21-year-old sensation.

However, they aren’t alone in the pursuit of the talisman, with Manchester City and Manchester United also monitoring Sesko ahead of a potential move in the coming weeks.

It’s previously been reported that he could be available for around £58m in January, with the attacker having an agreement in his current contract that he could be offloaded for such a fee.

Whilst they may face tough competition for the youngster’s signature, he would be a stellar addition given his 11 goals in 23 matches during 2024/25 – providing an upgrade on the current options at Arteta’s disposal.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Sesko would be an upgrade on Jesus

Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus has had his doubters over recent months, even being linked with a potential move back to his homeland ahead of the upcoming window.

However, in recent weeks, he’s been given an opportunity to stake his claim for the Gunners, taking his opportunity with both hands in his last couple of outings.

The 27-year-old arrived with huge expectations after his £45m move from Manchester City in the summer of 2022, but his injury issues have plagued his time at the Emirates.

Jesus has been handed two starts this week against Crystal Palace, scoring five times in the last two outings, trying to prove to the boss that he can provide the goals needed for a title challenge.

However, it may be too little too late for the attacker, with Sesko providing an upgrade on the former City ace based on his figures from the ongoing campaign.

When comparing their stats from the respective divisions, the RB Leipzig ace has dominated in numerous key areas, with the £58m fee touted for his services looking to be a potential bargain.

Games played

15

14

Goals & assists

8

2

Shot-on-target accuracy

54%

33%

Dribbles completed

48%

27%

Aerials won

2.8

1

Aerial success rate

58%

33%

The striker, who’s previously been dubbed as a “top young talent” by Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, has outscored the current Gunners star, managing to get more of his efforts on target in the process.

He’s also completed more dribbles and won more aerials, demonstrating he has the skill set needed to be the focal point in which the club has been crying out for in recent years.

The battle for the attacker may hot up over the next couple of weeks, undoubtedly becoming a man in demand after his excellent start to the campaign this time around.

However, his figures in recent months show he’s a talent that Arteta and Co simply can’t miss out on, handing the club the added boost towards the closing stages of the season to close the gap to runaway leaders Liverpool.

Saved by Jesus: Arsenal were let down by "awful" 116-touch star at Palace

Arsenal returned to form in the Premier League with a thumping win over Crystal Palace.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 21, 2024

After four straight draws in the Championship, West Bromwich Albion finally broke out of this poor run of form with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Coventry City on Wednesday night.

Subsequently, the Baggies are now occupying that final coveted playoff spot in the difficult division, knowing that their resolve in the promotion places will be significantly tested the more December drags on.

Carlos Corberan will just want more from his players in matches to come to continue tallying up victories over falling victim to more draws, with the likes of Mikey Johnston arguably needing up to their game down the left flank for the promotion hopefuls.

Johnston's return to West Brom

After an explosive loan stint last campaign, it was always going to be tricky for Johnston to return and pick back up from where he left off, after only linking back up with Corberan’s camp on a permanent deal right at the tail-end of August.

The full-throttle winger’s first spell would see him pick up a phenomenal seven strikes from 18 league contests, as his heroics enabled the Baggies to pick up a playoff position with ease, due to his devastating attacking displays turning second-tier defenders inside and out.

No such strikes like this one that was hammered home versus Queen Park Rangers last campaign have occurred this season, however, as the former Celtic man remains goalless from 16 league contests.

He has only started seven of these named games though, with Corberan hopeful that more consistent game time for the electric winger in a congested fixture period could reawaken his best for the promotion candidates.

The Spaniard will also want Fellows to reach the heights he knows he’s capable of moving forward, having started the season like a runaway train with three assists picked up from three, only to amass four after.

But, both Fellows and Johnston certainly have enough in their ongoing bank to justify their inclusions in Corberan’s main XI.

Whereas, it could be up for debate whether this soon-to-be out-of-contract face is one he should be striving to keep around, as a decision on his future becomes more paramount by the day.

Molumby's future at West Brom

A regular in the treatment room last season, Jayson Molumby will just be pleased – when thinking about his situation short-term – that he is getting way more minutes in the here and now when injury-free.

The Republic of Ireland international has started 13 contests for his playoff-chasing team so far in the Championship, with his display in the aforementioned Coventry success somewhat standing out, considering the Baggies number eight only misplaced three of his 63 passes alongside winning four duels.

Player

League games played

Contract expiry date

Semi Ajayi

12

June 2025

Kyle Bartley

14

June 2025

John Swift

19

June 2025

Jayson Molumby

17

June 2025

Grady Diangana

12

June 2025

Sourced by Transfermarkt

But, as West Brom know all too well when losing the likes of Okay Yokuslu at the end of the 2023/24 season, nobody in the Baggies ranks is irreplaceable, with a growing possibility that the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man could just walk away for nothing this summer.

This wouldn’t be the end of the world for West Brom, who made do without their Irishman for large spells of last campaign, with Corberan also well accustomed to this situation of having to be quick on his feet when losing individuals who have had their contracts run out.

Corberan certainly values his “animal” – as he’s described him in the past – which saw him win an impressive eight duels versus Sheffield United in the middle of the month, but his excessive wage could also be a stumbling block as to whether he sticks around past this coming summer.

Amazingly, his excessive £17.3k-per-week salary seems him earn just a fraction more than Josh Maja, whilst also bettering both Johnston and Fellows on weekly income too, who earn a lesser £10k-per-week and £6k-per-week respectively.

It wouldn’t be the best-case scenario for West Brom to lose another presence for zilch, but the Baggies have been here before and managed to dress their wounds appropriately, with Molumby one that might head for the exit door very soon if talks don’t speed up.

Perhaps cashing in in January would be a wiser approach, rather than risk losing him on a free next summer…

West Brom must finally ditch £7m dud who Ismael said had “everything”

West Bromwich Albion will have to consider shifting on this dud soon.

1 ByKelan Sarson Dec 12, 2024