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Tottenham are preparing for a crucial first campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, but that doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.

Player expected to join Tottenham "as soon as next week", medical scheduled

Spurs are closing in on a summer signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

The Spurs squad responsible for clinching the club’s first major trophy in nearly two decades will go down in Lilywhites folklore, though reports suggest that a few members of that side could be facing their final few weeks at the club.

Chief among them is star defender Cristian Romero, who could be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Real and Atlético Madrid this summer as both Spanish capital sides eye an audacious move for the Argentina international.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Real are expected to make an approach for Romero, according to some media sources, while others claim that Atletico have already offered Spurs around £56 million for his signature.

There is also a belief that Romero is keen on a move to Atlético in particular and will soon discuss his future with chairman Daniel Levy, so the saga surrounding his potential exit is unlikely to go away any time soon.

Meanwhile, Spurs legend Son Heung-min may also be sold before deadline day (The Telegraph), having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

The Saudi Pro League is targeting Son to join their division’s host of illustrious stars, and Levy could use this as an opportunity to raise some revenue off a player who’s arguably been on the decline this past year.

“Son would be a very valuable asset for Saudi Arabia,” said former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, to Football Insider last month.

“At 32, it’s probably the right time for him to go if Spurs are going to maximise his value. I think Tottenham won’t find a better deal if they leave it later than right now. I believe they could even get something like £40-50million for him.

“That would be incredible, and I suggest that deal could be done. It might be in everyone’s interest to get him down to Saudi Arabia this summer.”

According to journalist Jorge Nicola this week, Saudi are actually targeting another Spurs forward with Son as well.

Tottenham put Richarlison up for sale amid Galatasaray and Saudi interest

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Nicolas reports that the man in question is striker Richarlison.

The Brazil international, who cost £60 million to sign from Everton three years ago, has been called an “underrated” member of the squad during his time in London (Micah Richards), and enjoyed a real purple patch of form under Ange Postecoglou midway through the 2023/2024 season.

However, barring that flash in the pan, Richarlison has largely failed to justify his mammoth price tag, partly due to injuries.

Nicola states that Tottenham are actively looking to sell Richarlison, and have held recent exit discussions amid serious interest from Saudi, who’ve been in contact for the last month.

As well as this, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are expected to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the next few days, so Richarlison isn’t exactly short of suitors.

With a place in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad potentially at the forefront of his mind, Richarlison’s next move will be absolutely crucial.

Tottenham Hotspur’s success in Europe this campaign is evidence that they are capable of achieving incredible things, needing to build on their recent trophy lift.

The Europa League triumph ended the club’s generational wait for silverware, handing Thomas Frank the platform to build on ahead of his first season in charge.

He was appointed as the club’s new boss after Ange Postecoglou was given the boot despite beating Manchester United in Bilbao at the end of May.

However, the Premier League needs to be the main focus for the Dane, looking to push the side in the right direction and building towards a title push during his tenure in North London.

Any success he could achieve is hugely dependent on how much business the hierarchy conducts in the summer, needing to back the new boss in his quest after making the leap across the capital.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as a key target once again for Spurs, which could lead to them triggering his £68m release clause.

He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus also another potential option, with Frank evidently wanting to strengthen his options within the final third.

However, either of the options could be joined by Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, after the Brazilian was labelled as a player on their radar as per GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing an approach for the 24-year-old this summer, after he registered eight goals in the Premier League throughout 2024/25 – with his current employers demanding £50m for his signature.

It also states that the forward would be keen on a move to North London this summer, after Marco Silva’s side rejected a £32m bid from newly-promoted Leeds United last week.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo is another attacker who has appeared on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of weeks, with the Ghanaian seen as a key target this summer.

It’s been reported in recent days that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after registering 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It’s likely that Bournemouth won’t want to lose another star player after Dean Huijsen departed and Milos Kerkez moved one step closer to securing a move to join Liverpool this summer.

However, the Lilywhites remain confident over a deal for the attacker, but as previously mentioned, it would cost the hierarchy a pretty penny during the off-season.

The winger would be a superb addition; however, Frank and Co should be prioritising a move for Muniz as a result, with the striker able to fulfil a key position in the squad.

Within the current squad, the wingers contributed to 27 goals scored in the Premier League this season, but the strikers only registered 13 – highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

When comparing Muniz’s stats to those of Semenyo, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, offering the side the added threat they need in the final third.

Games played

31

37

Goals & assists

9

16

Minutes per goal

120

291

Shot on target accuracy

49%

32%

Shots on target per 90

1.8

1.1

Aerials won

52%

48%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “clinical” by one analyst, may have scored fewer goals, but has posted a better minute per goal ratio, demonstrating his finishing ability in attacking areas.

His dominance in such a department is reflected in his shot on target accuracy and his better goal per shot on target rate – taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.

Muniz has also won more of the aerials that he’s entered, handing Frank the focal point he needs if he is to be a success during his time in the role in North London.

£50m may appear to be a hefty fee for a player who’s often been an impact option, but he’s showcased that he’s capable of thriving given the stats posted this campaign.

Whilst Semenyo would be a superb signing, the need for a new striker is evident this summer, with the Fulham star potentially the perfect option to fill the void in Frank’s side.

He'd be better than Semenyo: Spurs plotting move to sign £68m "magician"

The incredibly talented attacker would be game-changing for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 23, 2025

West Bromwich Albion lost one of their key players in the January transfer window when they sold number one Alex Palmer to Ipswich for a reported £5m.

The English stopper started the first 30 matches of the Championship campaign and kept 11 clean sheets, whilst saving 74% of the shots against his goal.

Instead of dipping into the market to source a replacement for the 28-year-old star, West Brom opted to utilise Joe Wildsmith and Josh Griffiths, which did not go to plan.

Why West Brom need a new goalkeeper

Wildsmith played the first ten matches in the league after Palmer’s move to the Premier League, and conceded 0.95 more than expected based on the xG against him.

He was dropped from the side by Tony Mowbray, though, after the error for the goal above, as he failed to keep out a free-kick from Trai Hume that appeared saveable, certainly from the angle behind the goal.

Griffiths then came into the side and conceded 2.11 more goals than expected and only saved 59% of the shots against his goal in his six appearances in the Championship, conceding 1.8 goals per game on average.

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

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This shows that neither of them were able to replace Palmer’s quality or consistency in the second half of the season, which is why the Baggies should turn to reported transfer target Angus Gunn.

Why West Brom should sign Angus Gunn

SportsBoom recently reported that West Brom are one of a number of Championship clubs eyeing up the Scotland international after it was confirmed that he will be a free agent this summer.

The 29-year-old star is leaving boyhood club Norwich City at the end of his current contract, and the Baggies should swoop to secure a bargain signing.

Gunn, once dubbed “exceptional” by Joe Hart, would arrive as a proven Championship performer who could hit the ground running as an experienced signing, allowing him to nail down the number one position.

Angus Gunn (Championship)

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

30

40

34

Clean sheets

7

11

7

Save percentage

72%

69%

67%

Post-shot xG minus goals conceded

+8.2

+4.6

-3.6

Error led to goal

1

0

0

Stats via FBref & Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gunn has only made one error that directly led to a goal in his three seasons in the Championship with the Canaries since their relegation from the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign.

He has also been a net positive as a shot-stopper in that time, preventing 9.2 more goals than expected based on the post-shot xG of the shots against him, which suggests that Gunn could be an impressive operator for the Baggies if he can get back to his best after a difficult year.

The Scotland international showcased his quality against West Brom towards the end of the season, though, with this exceptional save in the clip above.

Now, Gunn could be making those kind of match-winning saves for the Baggies if the club can wrap up a bargain deal for the EFL star on a free transfer to finally replace Palmer as a quality number one option at Championship level next season.

Related West Brom pushing hard to sign POTY-winning defender who's "tough as nails"

The Baggies have set their sights on a full-back, who recently scooped up a Fans’ Player of the Year award.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 22, 2025

Everton are close to beginning their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now move a step closer to completing a free transfer for an established Premier League defender, per reports.

Everton enjoying a peaceful end to Goodison Park era

Safety was the desired result when David Moyes took over at Goodison Park, and it is fair to say the former West Ham United boss has passed his remit with flying colours since returning to Merseyside.

A run of only four losses in 15 matches across all competitions have pulled the Toffees well clear of the drop zone, with their Premier League status secure after a raft of impressive results despite a clear lack of squad depth.

Incredibly, Goodison Park will host just two more Everton matches before being consigned to history as the Blues move across town, which could pave the way for some exciting additions to enter the fold if the Friedkin Group flex their financial muscle this summer.

Nantes winger Moses Simon could be one of first arrivals of the new era for a fee in the region of £12.8 million, offering a potential solution should Jack Harrison return to Leeds United. Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg is also on Everton’s radar, illustrating the calibre of reinforcement the Toffees have in mind to kickstart a new dawn under Moyes.

Shades of Cahill: Everton chasing PL "revelation" to upgrade on Doucoure

David Moyes is looking to strengthen his Everton team in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025

Following years in the doldrums, the Blues finally appear to be on the up and have aspirations of progression once they arrive at Bramley Moore, but PSR regulations may limit their scope to spend at a lavish rate. Free transfers may be an intelligent way to attract quality while keeping the books in check, so it won’t some as a surprise to hear that Everton could utilise this mode of transfer action.

Everton make contact over Victor Lindelof move

According to CaughtOffside, Everton have made contact over a move for Manchester United star Victor Lindelof in an attempt to fend off competition from several other clubs for his signature. Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United have also registered their interest, while Inter Milan, Juventus and Benfica are lingering in the distance.

Victor Lindelof’s Manchester United record

Appearances

277

Goals

4

Assists

7

Trophies

1 EFL Cup, 1 FA Cup

After falling down the pecking order at Old Trafford, £120,000 per week earner Lindelof is set for a new challenge in the prime of his career and has no shortage of offers in his hunt for a new club. His availability on a free transfer combined with experience of the English top-flight is a lucrative commodity for sides to consider heading into next season.

Everton have several players set to see their deals expire on Merseyside and may have a void to fill in the heart of defence, making Lindelof an inexpensive solution providing they can meet his wage demands in negotiations.

England handed out four debuts on the day. While that seems exciting, an absolute commitment to youth could turn out to be detrimental to these players

Cameron Ponsonby01-Nov-2024New England, it’s just like the old England.Almost exactly a year ago, a fresh-faced England ODI side arrived in Antigua tasked with the mission of driving forward a new era of English white-ball cricket. That new era lost their first match to the West Indies by four wickets. Cut to 12 months later and this one lost by eight wickets.It would be an unfair assessment, though, to say England are going backwards. This is an incredibly exciting group of young players, all of whom individually are talented enough to either be considered England players now or England players of the future. But in Thursday’s showing, they were less than the sum of their parts.Fewer than half of them are first choice. Of the XI that took to the field against Australia for the fifth and final ODI in Bristol in September, just five from that squad are in the squad for this tour. England gave out four debuts, as all of Jordan Cox, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton and John Turner made their bows.In truth, this is closer to an England Lions white-ball tour and it is hard to hold a group that includes the likes of Cox, in just his fifth List A match, walking out at No.3 for England on debut, to one which has Joe Root, who’s played over 450 international innings, batting there.Nevertheless, in a change from the hyper-positive messaging you associate with England when on the receiving end of a chastening day of Test cricket, stand-in head coach Marcus Trescothick and stand-in captain Liam Livingstone were visibly rankled by this defeat.Before speaking to the media, they held a debrief together on the sidelines talking through the events that had contributed to their crushing eight-wicket defeat.

“[We have to] try to get into the rhythms of 50-over cricket as quickly as we can. We had four debuts and they’ll have all learnt a hell of a lot from what they experienced and hopefully they’ll come on from that.”Liam Livingstone

Individuals, including themselves, are on show here and eager to prove a point. So while the matches may soon disappear into the ether of white-ball games you forgot ever took place, that’s not the case for those involved, who are, in effect, taking part in an audition for the future.”We’ve got to get up to speed as quickly as possible,” Livingstone said. “We pride ourselves on putting in performances for England, it’s always special when you wear the Three Lions on your chest and we’re pretty disappointed with how we played.”It’s easy to point to the absence of List A cricket in the calendar as the reason for England’s inability to find the correct tempo for a wicket where 250 would’ve been competitive. But between Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Livingstone and Sam Curran, you have four players with ODI experience. Whereas, perversely, the absolute inexperience of Jacob Bethell and Mousley means they’re not completely new to the format. Bethell played in the One-Day Cup last year and has more List A matches than first-class games to his name. Mousley, on the other hand, has only made ten one-day appearances, but has a century and two fifties in that time.But while there isn’t a complete lack of experience in List A cricket, there was in the actual roles each player was being asked to perform. Of the top six, only Salt and Jacks had batted in those positions for England more than once in their careers. Everyone, collectively, was taking their stabilisers off for the first time.”[We have to] try to get into the rhythms of 50-over cricket as quickly as we can,” Livingstone said. “We had four debuts and they’ll have all learnt a hell of a lot from what they experienced and hopefully they’ll come on from that.”A pertinent question is whether England’s absolute commitment to youth could in fact be detrimental to the players they’re trying to blood in the first place.Liam Livingstone top-scored for England in the first ODI•Getty ImagesThe benefits of a blend of youth and experience is a trope so old it borders on cliche, but cliches exist for a reason. Rather than attempt to give all of Cox, Bethell and Mousley their chance in one go, could it not be better for two, or even just one of those players to be gaining their opportunity, with the addition of an experienced professional in the line-up for them to bat around. Your James Vinces, your Dawid Malans. Or even Jonny Bairstow. He is still an England contracted player for at least another year. The prodigal talents could stand on the shoulders of journeymen.Of course, a recall for the elder statesmen of off-Broadway white-ball tours can be argued to be a step backwards. And there’s no guarantee they’d be interested either. You can only call someone last minute as a second choice so often.But you’re also not meant to chuck your children into the deep end without armbands. England have now lost 12 of their last 18 ODIs. Cox spoke ahead of the tour that one of the main benefits of being in an international environment is rubbing shoulders with the best. And does picking such a young squad allow for that?”I don’t think we read conditions quite as well as we could have,” Livingstone said. “When me and Sam were in, we were on for 240-250. But unfortunately I got out at the wrong time, it fell away from that. We pride ourselves on one of our top six getting a score and unfortunately we didn’t get that.”The top six he’s referring to has four List A hundreds between them in 271 matches.There’s no disputing the talent in the group. This is an exciting team and regardless of whether they turn the series around and win, or crash and burn to a three-nil defeat, they will be fun to watch along the way.But part of the reason they’re exciting is because they’re new and we haven’t seen them before. And arguably, while they might be less fun if they slotted in some reruns of in the middle order, they may also be better off for it.

He has built a reputation of being a serial title-winner in T20 cricket and despite a successful last season is positive his best is yet to come

Deivarayan Muthu10-Oct-2022There’s a bit of R Ashwin about R Sai Kishore. The left-arm fingerspinner relishes bowling across phases and keeps upgrading his skills to get up to speed with T20 cricket.Sai Kishore broke into the Tamil Nadu side as a powerplay specialist from the TNPL, but over the last two seasons he has also fronted up to bowl at the death, something that was on display during the IPL 2022 final.Related

• Why Sai Kishore doesn't play more often for Gujarat Titans

• Ashwin is the do-it-all man this IPL

• TNPL, strong leadership mould Tamil Nadu into dominant T20 force

• Sai Kishore thrives in new role to give Tamil Nadu another shot at T20 glory

In the TNPL that followed, Sai Kishore often slid up the order for Chepauk Super Gillies as a pinch-blocker or a pinch-hitter, the same role that Ashwin performs for Rajasthan Royals. Sai Kishore has also pinch-blocked for Tamil Nadu in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, including the final against Himachal Pradesh last year.”I’ve always wanted to improve myself,” he tells ESPNcricinfo, ahead of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s starting on October 11. “If this doesn’t work, I will go to the next aspect. Upgrading myself has been my driving force – it is not just playing for India and doing well at the IPL. Part of the conscious effort to turn into a better cricketer was working on my batting and be a better team man. If I can do a job with the bat for the team, the team can play an extra bowler. That is the thought process.”In 2018, I started batting at No. 10, slowly I could score 20-25 runs, and slowly people got the confidence that he could at least play and get some runs. It is not something natural, I’ve worked hard with R Prasanna [Tamil Nadu assistant coach] but 100% I will get there [as an allrounder].”ESPNcricinfo LtdThese are still early days in Sai Kishore’s career, but he has already built a reputation of being a serial winner in T20 cricket. He has won back-to-back IPL titles, first with Chennai Super Kings and then with Gujarat Titans, back-to-back Syed Mushtaq Ali titles with Tamil Nadu and back-to-back TNPL titles with Chepauk. Sai Kishore credited Tamil Nadu’s team culture for their transformation into a dominant white-ball force.”We have grown together, and nobody takes their place or the game for granted,” he says. “Nobody is a certain starter in this XI, you have to be that good in this team, and people coming through the ranks are aware of that. People have bought into the culture of bowling for the other guy and bowling for the team. Each one of them is ready to do the dirty work for the team. As long as we continue to do that, I feel Tamil Nadu being a dominant force in white-ball cricket will continue.”When T Natarajan was unavailable through injury last season, Sai Kishore himself did the dirty job of bowling at the death. That experience served him well in the IPL 2022 final when he was called up to bowl the 16th and 18th overs. He responded with the wickets of Ashwin and Trent Boult.”Definitely the experience of bowling at the death in Syed Mushtaq Ali helped me in the IPL,” Sai Kishore says. “I’m not trying to protect myself. The bowling analysis may sometimes say expensive, but as a spinner, you need guts to bowl at the death. Okay, I could get hit, so what? If the team feels I might be the best fit in this situation, I’m willing to do it and that has given me courage and experience.”So, when I bowled at the death in the IPL final, it wasn’t like ‘why I’m bowling here?’ I’m ready for it – I’ve done it for Tamil Nadu, I’ve done it in TNPL. Hopefully, through all these experiences and through these roles, I will get better.”ESPNcricinfo LtdFor someone who bowls in the powerplay and death, Sai Kishore’s overall T20 economy rate of 5.68 is particularly striking. In fact, it is the best by an Indian – and second best globally – among bowlers who have bowled at least 900 balls in T20 cricket. Sai Kishore downplayed his numbers, suggesting it was somewhat skewed because of his limited experience in the IPL.”When a batsman hits me for sixes, I often try to minimise the damage,” he says. “Sometimes you will be bowling well, and the batsman will not take you on. At the time, you should be more fearless and go for his wicket. At that point, you shouldn’t mind giving two sixes and should go for his wicket. I usually focus on these things and by doing this, my game-awareness has improved.”I don’t classify myself as an attacking spinner or defensive spinner; I believe T20 cricket is just about playing that situation. The stats are also [that good now] because I haven’t played much international cricket or IPL cricket. It’s largely domestic cricket, but hopefully, if I can replicate it more consistently at a higher level, it would be a great thing.”

I don’t know if the last year could’ve been any better. But with experience, I can get much better and I feel my best is yet to come.R Sai Kishore

Sai Kishore believes that working with a wristspinner – Rashid Khan at Titans and M Ashwin at Tamil Nadu – has also contributed to his success.”In a way, it plays into my hands and gives me a chance too. If a wristspinner keeps it tight, I will get wickets and if I keep it tight, he will get wickets. If both of us get hit, the team will lose (laughs). It’s been a good partnership with MAsh and Rashid – they always play for the team’s plans – and it has been easy bowling in tandem with them.”During his stint with Titans, Sai Kishore also tested himself against David Miller at the nets and developed greater confidence in bowling to left-handers. Against right-handers, he has an economy rate of 5.86 and an average of 20.38 and against left-handers an economy rate of 6.60 and average of 14 (where data is available).”When you bowl to a powerful guy like Miller, you will know what to do and what not to do as a left-arm spinner,” Sai Kishore says. “Ashish Nehra [Gujarat Titans coach] and Hardik [Pandya] backed me to bowl to left-handers in the IPL, they picked me because I can bowl to everyone and not just to right-handers. Ashish Nehra gave me that confidence and that goes a long way.”In the Indian domestic circuit also, there are a lot of good players of spin and the challenge is not just restricted to left-hand batters. A lot of these batters hit the ball in different pockets of the field and maybe once you get hit, next time you draw on the previous experience and come up better. So, I just see it as a learning experience, and you have to be fearless and back yourself against him.”Winning multiple T20 titles aside, Sai Kishore has had exposure as a net bowler with the India side in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. More recently in the season-opening Duleep Trophy, he emerged as the highest wicket-taker, with 17 strikes at an average of 20.05. And now at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he will be central to Tamil Nadu’s chances of doing a three-peat.”I don’t know if the last year could’ve been any better,” Sai Kishore says. “But with experience, I can get much better and I feel my best is yet to come.”

Refusal to take a knee during England series comes across as tone-deaf given Apartheid history

Firdose Moonda24-Nov-2020You already know that South Africa’s players will not take a knee in their upcoming white-ball series against England but maybe not exactly why or how they came to that decision. And you may also wonder how a team that represents a country with a long-divisive history and a slew of racial issues have chosen not to display support for the defining global antiracist movement of the day. And you may also ask why that same team is not willing to engage in more discussion around the issue, having refused to take the question at a press engagement on Tuesday.If not South Africans, then who would be best-placed to talk about the evils of racism and its legacy, having experienced it in legal form until less than 30 years ago? Shouldn’t South Africans be at the forefront of inclusion, as promised by the rainbow nation vision?The current crop say that, at their core, they support BLM, as they showed at the exhibition 3TC match in July, which took place at the height of cricket’s engagement with the movement. All 24 players and every member of support staff including director of cricket Graeme Smith took a knee and wore an armband with the BLM logo. That, they say, was enough.Now that South Africa are taking the field as a national team for the first time since BLM resurged over the winter, they want to turn their attention to other causes. They are likely to wear black armbands to show solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and to mourn more than 20,000 South Africans who have lost their lives to coronavirus. Flags at Newlands will fly at half-mast, heeding South African president Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for five days of national mourning from November 25 to 29, a period that immediately precedes December’s 16 days of activism against GBV which takes place every year ahead of the festive season.South Africa is a complex country, with myriad, inter-related social issues and a history of violence. It came out of colonialism only to be enveloped in legalised racial segregation in the form of Apartheid. Its transition to democracy was bloodless, but it remains for many, an unsafe country: Gallup ranks it the fifth most dangerous in the world.ALSO READ: Rabada ‘100%’ in support of BLM – but SA won’t be kneelingThe legacy of inequality looms to the extent that almost three-quarters of the country’s land is owned by a minority white population and 57 people die as a result of violence every day, including a woman every three hours. In short, this is a country where there are many causes to be concerned about and racism, poverty, crime and femicide are chief among them. In 2020, you can add Covid-19 to that list.At one level, it feels as if the national team is demonstrating a degree of tone-deafness after a fractured winter in which race issues were front and centre, both globally and at home. From what we can tell, they believe they discussed race at their culture camp in the Kruger National Park, where they decided on a new team culture that involves embodying empathy, respect and belonging.That’s an internal thing, with which the general public cannot engage, so how then is the South African team going to show South Africa, whom it represents, what they are about? Not explicitly, according to Boucher: “It’s not something you have to continue to show. It’s something you have to live.”Boucher’s point is one that is being made worldwide. Despite the repeated takings of knees, such as those we have seen in the English Premier League and Formula 1, it’s debatable whether any tangible change is being achieved. There are no crowds for us to be able to gauge whether racist abuse continues towards players of colour, but just last week a tabloid newspaper ran a story about Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford which the player himself saw as a racially-profiled piece on excess, while Lewis Hamilton is still the only driver of colour on the F1 circuit. Wouldn’t it be better if instead of taking a knee, people took action? It’s even been argued that taking the knee constantly diminishes its significance. If that is what South Africa means by living, not making gestures, they could have explained it as such, although they would then leave themselves open to questions over why they are then making gestures against GBV.The actions of the Sale Sharks players, poster boys for diversity in the Springboks’ World Cup win, brought up questions about the depth of the stand against racism in sport•Getty ImagesAll we can actually deduce from that is South Africa are willing to make some gestures but not others, and they won’t say why or who has made that decision. When Kagiso Rabada was asked about it on Monday, he said it was a “team decision”, and that “Mark stated the team won’t be kneeling”, but that he remained “100%” behind the BLM movement. When Rassie van der Dussen was asked on Tuesday, CSA stepped in and said it was “drawing a line” under the BLM issue.That is significant for two reasons. First, that line may not be CSA’s to draw, but society’s. CSA needs only look at the ECB attempting to do the same thing after England stopped taking a knee in their summer – and Michael Holding’s subsequent criticism of their explanations as “flimsy” and “lame” – to understand that this is a narrative cricket cannot control.Second, van der Dussen was the first current white international to come out in support of BLM, immediately after four former white players had criticised Lungi Ngidi for asking his team-mates to join the rest of the world in “making a stand”. Van der Dussen was followed by Faf du Plessis, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius and Marizanne Kapp and all but the absent Kapp took a knee alongside others at the 3TC. Neither Boucher nor South Africa’s white-ball captain Quinton de Kock were present at that match either (for personal reasons) and neither of them have made any public statements over BLM, including explaining how the team agreed not to take a knee.LISTEN NOW: Switch Hit podcast – Gesture politics, and why cricket needs to keep talking about raceWhatever the reasons, ESPNcricinfo understands that it was not a unilateral decision and that there was a difference of opinion in the squad, with some players uncomfortable with taking a knee for religious reasons. This is something du Plessis hinted at when he posted on Instagram in July and wrote, “As a person and a Christian, I believe it’s my responsibility to strive, to treat every person I come across with the same respect and not judge them. We are all equal and loved the same way by God. There are no exceptions… The knee for me means it’s time to take action.” English rugby player Billy Vunipola touched on similar themes in explaining why he opposed the stance.Vunipola stood for his club Saracens, as did eight South African players, when the Sale Sharks took a knee in August. No reason was given for the South African players standing but the country’s sports minister Nathi Mtethwa asked the South African Rugby Union to look into the matter. No action was taken against the players. But Mthethwa has also been keeping a close eye on cricket and, though he cannot compel the team to take a knee, he could ask the question of why they do not, and he may have more luck getting an answer.Our own beliefs aside, whether they are the same or not, we can probably all agree that the act of taking a knee is one form of expression against racism. Maybe South Africa’s cricketers will show us others in the coming weeks. Maybe some of them will take a knee and some won’t (which may be divisive in its own way, but it would be honest) or maybe the gesture will quietly go away. The issue of racism will not, especially not in South Africa, and especially not yet.

استكمل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة حصصه التدريبية استعدادًا لباقي مباريات الموسم بعد لقاء أوساسونا ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وحقق برشلونة فوزًا مهمًا بثنائية نظيفة على نظيره أوساسونا في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء أمس، السبت.

واستضاف ملعب “كامب نو” مباراة برشلونة وأوساسونا ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”.

بعد هذا الفوز، زاد برشلونة من رصيد نقاطه في صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 43 نقطة، مبتعدًا عن ريال مدريد صاحب الوصافة برصيد 36 نقطة.

وتواجد فوتشيك تشيزني، حارس مرمى الفريق في تدريبات اليوم الصباحية وتدرب بشكل طبيعي ويتعافى بشكل جيد من المرض.

اقرأ أيضًا | إريك جارسيا: لاعب برشلونة يحل كل شيء معقد في الملعب

كان تشيزني قد غاب عن مباراة السبت ضد أوساسونا في اللحظات الأخيرة بسبب شعوره بـ التهاب المعدة والأمعاء.

وبرغم عودته، لا يزال من غير الواضح ما إذا كان سيتمكن من المشاركة في مباراة دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا يوم الثلاثاء المقبل بين برشلونة وجوادالاخارا.

لكن ومع ذلك، يسود تفاؤل كبير داخل غرفة الملابس للفريق الكتالوني حيث يعتقدون أنه سينضم إلى قائمة المباراة.

على الناحية الأخرى، سيكون روبرت ليفاندوفسكي جاهزًا تمامًا للمشاركة في المباراة المقبلة، إذ لم يلعب مهاجم بايرن ميونخ السابق دقيقة واحدة أمام أوساسونا بسبب معاناته من شد عضلي طفيف في أوتار الركبة.

الإصابة لم تكن خطيرة حيث كان على مقاعد البدلاء وكان سيشارك لو تطلبت المباراة ذلك لكن فليك أراحه لتجنب أي مخاطر وسيكون قرار إشراكه في تشكيل المباراة المقبلة قرارًا تكتيكيًا، وليس بسبب الإصابة.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lavished praise on a Gunners who’s done something he never expected.

Arsenal look to extend unbeaten run against Brentford

Arsenal return to the Emirates tonight seeking to rebuild momentum against Brentford following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea, where Arteta’s side failed to capitalize on their one-man advantage despite playing almost an hour against ten men.

The north Londoners have also seen their five-point lead atop the Premier League table reduced to two after Man City’s thrilling 5-4 win away to Fulham on Tuesday, so nothing but a win will do against one of the worst away teams in the division this evening.

Arteta faces selection dilemmas ahead of Brentford’s visit, with defensive concerns persisting following the unexpected absence of both first-choice centre-backs at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea 1-1 Arsenal

William Saliba suffered a training ground injury in the build up to Chelsea, compounding Gabriel Magalhaes’ absence and marking only the second occasion in 162 matches both defenders have missed simultaneously.

It could well be the third time in 163 matches against Brentford, with Saliba a doubt for tonight’s clash and Gabriel still weeks away from returning to the field.

Arsenal’s incredible unbeaten streak has now reached 17 matches across all competitions, yet Arteta demands improvements following the Chelsea stalemate. The Gunners managed just eight shots at Stamford Bridge – their lowest total in any Premier League fixture this season.

Arsenal hold new talks with Juventus star who Alonso has recommended to Real Madrid

The Gunners are ‘captivated’ by him.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 3, 2025

Leandro Trossard, who’s been in excellent form with 10 goal contributions already this term, looks set to miss the Brentford game with Havertz also suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Mikel Arteta says Merino has took him by surprise at Arsenal

Bearing this in mind, if Arteta doesn’t start Viktor Gyokeres, then makeshift number nine Mikel Merino could well be handed another chance to impress.

The Spain international has been nothing short of extraordinary in a very unfamiliar role, scoring 20 goals this calendar year for club and country, and Arteta has now had his say on the matter.

When asked by reporters whether he thought Merino could become a striker like this, Arteta admitted the 29-year-old has taken him completely by surprise.

Merino’s equaliser ensured that Arsenal’s unbeaten streak didn’t end in west London on Sunday, and the former Newcastle star has fast become a fan favourite.

2025 has been a real year to remember for the midfielder, who was one of Edu’s final signings before his departure as sporting director late last year.

Arteta can take a lot of the credit for transforming Merino into an attacking powerhouse and having the initiative to experiment with him up front, but the versatile star has seized that opportunity with both hands.

The San Diego Padres have been struggling lately and when things aren't going well for you, sometimes a little luck can be exactly what you need.

That's just what the Padres got in the bottom of the 11th inning Monday night at home against the Miami Marlins when they found a wild way to get a walk-off win.

With one out and runners on first and third, Miami's Cade Gibson threw a wild pitch that bounced away from his catcher. Nick Fortes was able to quickly get to the ball and tried to make a play at the plate but San Diego's Tyler Wade slid in safely to end the game.

Here's how that played out:

The Padres are just 3-7 in their last 10 games so maybe this type of win is just what they need to get things going in the right direction.