The MLB season is at the midway point and the top two teams from preseason remain the betting favorites. There are some new contenders making a move up the oddsboard, however.
The Dodgers remain the betting favorite at FanDuel Sportsbooks with +210 odds. They were +240 before the season began and currently have the best record in baseball at 52-31.
The Yankees, who were +900 to start the year, are now +650. They are 47-34 and lead the AL East by 1.5 games over the Tampa Bay Rays, who are one of the big movers up the oddsboard with +2500 odds at FanDuel after starting the year +5000.
The Tigers, who have the second-best record in baseball, are another big mover. They’re currently +850 at FD after opening the year at +3000.
The Phillies are tied with the Dodgers for the second-best odds at +850. They were +1000 before the season began.
The Braves are one of the biggest movers down the oddsboard. They opened at +850 but are now +4000. The Braves are 37-44 and in third place in the NL East behind the Phillies and Mets.
The Mets are +1200 after opening the year +1100. They’ve been going through a cold streak, having won just three of their last 10 games.
The Orioles are the biggest movers down the oddsboard. They opened the season at +1600 but now find themselves at +21000 after starting the year 35-46 and being in last place in the AL East.
The MLB All-Star break is July 15 and the trade deadline is July 31. Much will change in these odds between now and then and we’ll be sure to provide an update around those events. But it felt apt to take a look at the odds with most teams either at or just past the midway point of the 162-game season.
Here are the World Series odds for every team at FanDuel Sportsbook.
2025 World Series OddsLos Angeles Dodgers +210New York Yankees +650Philadelphia Phillies +850Detroit Tigers +850Houston Astros +1100New York Mets +1200Chicago Cubs +1400Tampa Bay Rays +2500Seattle Mariners +3200San Diego Padres +3300San Francisco Giants +3400Toronto Blue Jays +3700Atlanta Braves +4000Milwaukee Brewers +4400Texas Rangers +4500Boston Red Sox +6000Minnesota Twins +6000St. Louis Cardinals +6000Arizona Diamondbacks +7500Cleveland Guardians +9000Kansas City Royals +11000Cincinnati Reds +11000Baltimore Orioles +21000Los Angeles Angels +34000Colorado Rockies +50000Washington Nationals +50000Pittsburgh Pirates +50000Chicago White Sox +50000Miami Marlins +50000Athletics +50000
Lehmann played a lone hand with 96 off 126 to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce
Tristan Lavalette28-Oct-2025
Cameron Green took a sharp catch but didn’t bowl in the match•Getty Images
Cameron Green once again showed off superb athleticism in the gully but did not bowl in his return as Western Australia dominated the opening day of their Sheffield Shield match against South Australia at the WACA.After missing the India ODIs due to side soreness, all eyes were on Green with his bowling status unknown ahead of the Ashes. Even though he has been bowling in the nets, Green is set to play as a specialist batter in this match. He is likely to return to bowling in WA’s next Shield match against Queensland starting on November 11.Green did show off his impressive agility to remove Ben Manenti after quickly moving to his right and plucking the ball with his outstretched hands. He also added another catch when he hung onto a stinging blow from Jake Lehmann at extra cover to wrap up South Australia’s modest first innings of 215.Green was in visible discomfort, but did seem to shake off the pain quickly as he walked off the field.Lehmann played a lone hand with a brilliant 96 off 126 balls to lift South Australia to a total that appeared unlikely after their top-order succumbed to sharp bounce.In reply, opener Cameron Bancroft was in sparkling touch having scored just 21 runs from four previous innings this Shield season. He is unlikely to be in the Ashes frame but did issue a reminder of his talents with an unbeaten 52, while skipper Sam Whiteman finished 30 not out.South Australia quick Brendan Doggett appeared out of sorts in his return from a hamstring injury. He sprayed the new ball, with his initial three-over spell costing 16 runs although he was sharper in his subsequent four-over burst before stumps.Doggett’s only previous match this season was a One-Day Cup match against New South Wales on September 20. He is hoping to push to be a fast-bowling reserve for the Ashes having been part of the World Test Championship squad earlier this year and originally due to tour West Indies before injury struck.Jake Lehmann made 96•Getty Images
There was intrigue over the surface after difficult batting conditions in WA’s season-opening loss against New South Wales prompted some criticism. While this was not a minefield, there was sharp bounce and carry to very much feel like a traditional WACA wicket.Whiteman had no hesitation to bowl despite the sunny skies suggesting a batting-friendly opening day before expected damp weather sets in tomorrow.Whiteman was vindicated by his tall quicks who bent their backs in search of extra bounce as a slew of South Australia batters fell behind the wicket. The rattled visitors, however, did not help their cause with several tame dismissals starting with opener Conor McInerney nicking off Matt Kelly after hanging out his bat well outside off stump.After getting through the new ball, Henry Hunt and skipper Nathan McSweeney were left disappointed when they both tickled down the leg side to leave South Australia in trouble at 48 for 3.The sight of spin did not provide relief, with Corey Rocchiccioli – coming into the attack later than he likes in the 22nd over – producing rapid turn with his first delivery that had Jason Sangha playing back and nicking to slip.Having been unlucky in his opening spell, Cameron Gannon utilised his towering frame to devastating effect to remove Liam Scott and Harry Nielsen. South Australia’s hopes of mustering a competitive first innings total looked forlorn at 81 for 6 until Lehmann superbly counterattacked as batting appeared easier in the middle session.Lehmann received support from Manenti and Nathan McAndrew to frustrate WA’s push to wrap up the innings. Manenti has had a knack for making handy runs against WA but could not kick on after Green added to his highlight reel in the gully.Lehmann remained unflustered and continued to be aggressive until cutting Rocchiccioli straight to Green as he fell agonisingly short of a second Shield century this season.
احتفظ فريق الهلال السعودي بصدارة جدول ترتيب بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا بعدما استطاع الفوز على الشرطة العراقي في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم.
وواصل الهلال تألقه في دوري أبطال آسيا بفوزه على الشرطة العراقي بنتيجة 4-0، ليحصد العلامة الكاملة برصيد 15 نقطة من 5 مباريات، مسجلاً 14 هدفًا واستقبل 5 أهداف فقط.
كما سقط فريق الأهلي السعودي في فخ الهزيمة أمام منافسه الشارقة الإماراتي بنتيجة 1-0 في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما مساء اليوم ضمن لقاءات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا.
وافتُتحت مباريات الجولة الخامسة من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا أمس الإثنين، حيث فاز فريق تراكتور سازي تبريز الإيراني على ناساف كارشي الأوزبكي بهدف دون رد.
وفي مواجهة قوية، حقق الدحيل القطري انتصارًا ثمينًا خارج أرضه على اتحاد جدة السعودي بنتيجة 4-2، ليعزز موقفه في جدول ترتيب المجموعة.
طالع.. فيديو | الاتحاد السعودي يخسر برباعية أمام الدحيل في دوري أبطال آسيا
أما الأهلي الإماراتي فقد نجح في تحقيق فوز مهم على الغرافة القطري بهدفين دون مقابل في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين في السادسة مساءً بتوقيت مكة المكرمة.
بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة، تقام بنظام مرحلة الدوري من 24 فريقًا مقسمة إلى 12 لأندية الشرق ومثلهما لأندية الغرب (التي تمثل المنطقة العربية).
ويخوض كل فريق 4 مباريات على أرضه و4 مباريات خارج ملعبه، في مواجهة ثمانية أندية مختلفة، وتتأهل 8 أندية من كل منطقة (شرق وغرب) إلى دور الـ16، والذي تقام مبارياته من ذهاب وإياب، لتتأهل الأندية الفائزة إلى ربع النهائي.
واعتبارًا من دور الثمانية (ربع النهائي) تلعب مباريات البطولة بنظام التجمع (التأهل من مباراة واحدة) في دولة واحدة تم اختيار دولة السعودية لاستضافة تلك المباريات. ترتيب دوري أبطال آسيا
Liverpool are looking to retain their Premier League title and are now set to try and enact an intriguing deal at Anfield that could see a versatile star arrive.
Liverpool prepare for return to action against Man Utd
The international break may still be ongoing, but the Reds are verging towards a return to action against Manchester United in a fixture that will evoke plenty of emotions as they aim to get back on track.
Arne Slot has had to suffer an unusual sequence of three consecutive losses, though club football’s recent pause has enabled some much-needed time to reset at Anfield.
Despite a poor run of form, Michael Owen has backed Mohamed Salah to rediscover his mojo after the international break, claiming his recent displays are merely a bump in the road.
He said cited via The Mirror: “In terms of their forwards, going through them individually. Mo Salah’s obviously not going through his best of patches now, but you can never write him off. He’s still fit and healthy and injury-free and been top of his game for years. There’s no doubt, surely in anybody’s mind, that he’ll be banging him in again soon.”
However, defence could continue to be an issue for Liverpool after Ibrahima Konate pulled out of France’s squad due to a muscle problem, joining Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the Reds can recover after a bruising period. They started the campaign well, but a series of late winners masked the inconsistency in their early performances.
Either way, Liverpool are a side with character in abundance and would appeal to anyone, so it is no surprise to hear that they are now in the market to secure the signature of a premium French talent.
Liverpool vying to sign Tylel Tati
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are among a clutch of clubs eyeing FC Nantes defender Tylel Tati, who is capable of operating at the heart of the backline, left-back or as a defensive midfielder.
Known for sliding into a full-back position when the natural wide players in Nantes’ backline invert, he is a versatile presence who could resemble the style of full-backs deployed by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, given he is more of a dominant ball-winner than a wide player by trade.
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Reflected in the fact he has won 12 duels and made six interceptions this season, per Fotmob, the 17-year-old is also being eyed by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa in England.
Making his breakthrough this term, Tati has managed to add six senior appearances to his tally and is growing in stature on the field, showcasing his qualities as a rare commodity amid his existence as a left-footed central defender.
Scouts have been sent to watch the youngster by Liverpool, who have clearly been doing their work on him in the background, and he could well be the next cog in Slot’s machine if all goes to plan.
Just when Rangers supporters thought this season couldn’t get any worse for the Ibrox outfit, well it can.
On Thursday night, Russell Martin’s Gers were beaten 2-1 in a Europa League clash at Liebenauer Stadium.
Austrian champions Sturm Graz scored twice in the first half, both times thanks to some absolutely horrendous defending that left Ally McCoist on commentary speechless, while Djeidi Gassama did lash one home immediately after half time, but an equaliser was not forthcoming.
Having lost 1-0 at home to Genk last Thursday, the Light Blues have now started a UEFA Cup or Europa League group stage with back-to-back defeats for the very first time, while Martin’s team have in fact lost five successive European fixtures, conceding 14 goals and scoring only three.
Considering he has won only five matches in charge across all competitions, losing six, supporters wanted the manager gone weeks ago, but was starting Rangers’ summer flop a sackable offence in of itself?
Rangers' continued defensive issues
Credit where credit’s due, this fact comes from Rory Hamilton during his commentary on TNT Sports.
Rangers’ last clean sheet away from home came against Ross County in Dingwall on 8 December, 299 days ago and counting, a streak of 22 matches across all competitions, which equals a club record set in 1897 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne.
Failure to keep a shutout against Falkirk on Sunday would break that 128-year-old record.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland was unceremoniously dropped by interim manager Barry Ferguson last season, but has been Martin’s undisputed number one since his appointment, albeit the England international may feel he should have kept out Tomi Horvat’s opener, a shot that was pretty much straight at him, but squirmed under his body and in.
In fairness, he does have a completely chaotic defence in front of him, with deadline day signing Derek Cornelius wondering what he did to deserve landing on this sinking ship, while 19-year-old Jayden Meghoma, who was hooked at half time in Austria, is not enjoying his time in Glasgow so far much either.
With games against Brann, Roma, Braga, Ferencváros, Ludogorets Razgrad and Porto to come in this Europa League campaign, if Rangers continue to defend the way that they are, they will be crashing out in the league phase, having finished up in eighth place as recently as last season.
However, Martin has issues at the other end of the park too, making it bewildering as to why he chose the centre-forward he did.
Rangers striker yet to impress
When 49ers Enterprises completed their takeover of Rangers in the summer, they pledged to invest around £20m into the club, but how much of that has been wasted on Youssef Chermiti?
The Portuguese under-21 international joined the club from Everton on deadline day for a reported fee of £8m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons.
The Gers’ previous transfer record in the post-liquidation era is the £7.5m paid to Liverpool to secure Ryan Kent’s signature, following an impressive loan spell, with Chermiti’s fee thereby second only to the £12m splurged on Tore André Flo in 2000.
Most expensive SPFL signings before the 2025 summer window
The 21-year-old led the line in Graz, as he did for the visit of Genk a week earlier, but did not impress, as the table below documents.
Shots on target
3
2nd
Hit woodwork
1
1st
xG
0.49
3rd
Duels contested
11
5th
Duels won
5
10th
Touches
24
22nd
Sofascore rating
6
32nd
As the table notes, despite attempting four shots, of which three were on target, Chermiti was not taking these from particularly good positions, hence why his expected goals figure was as low as 0.49, an average of only 0.12 per shot.
He also lost possession eight times, as well as winning less than 50% of his duels, registering a miserly 24 touches, which is fewer than goalkeeper Jack Butland (31), as well as six less than Oliver Antman, who was hooked at half-time.
During commentary for TNT Sport, McCoist outlined his reservations about the signing, saying that he hopes that Chermiti will score 200 or even 300 goals for Rangers, and he would probably have to if he’s to justify the sky-high price-tag.
Well, first and foremost, just one goal would be a start!
He did not score a single goal in two seasons at Everton, albeit he made just 24 appearances, totalling 295 for the Toffees, meaning his last senior goal came for Sporting against Paços de Ferreira on 7 May 2023.
That same day, Todd Cantwell scored the only goal as Michael Beale’s Rangers beat Barry Robson’s Aberdeen 1-0 at Ibrox, while Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic rubber-stamped the title at Tynecastle simultaneously; a lot has changed all round!
When you’ve got a proven reliable goalscorer sat on the bench in Bojan Miovski, who was introduced at half time when it was already too late, Martin’s decision to start Chermiti, when his job is on the line, is frankly baffling.
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Eight years after his last Test, Nair stands on the brink of a comeback backed by dominant domestic and county performances
Shashank Kishore12-Jun-2025
Karun Nair scored a double-century in the first unofficial Test•PA Images via Getty Images
Karun Nair feels “very grateful and fortunate” to have another shot at Test cricket, eight years after he last played in the format.Nair, 33, strengthened his case for a return to the playing XI by scoring a double-century for India A against the England Lions in the first unofficial Test last week in Canterbury.”Feels really special,” Nair told BCCI.tv. “[I’m] Very grateful and fortunate to be able to get this opportunity again. Looking forward to grabbing this opportunity with both hands.”Related
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Nair’s return comes on the back of a mountain of runs for Vidarbha in the 2024-25 season. He made 863 runs at 53.93 in a title-winning Ranji Trophy campaign. Before that, Nair had an impressive 50-over season, hitting five hundreds in eight innings at an average of 389.50 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.At a press conference to announce the Test squad, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited Nair’s strong domestic performances and familiarity with English conditions as key reasons for his selection. Nair played ten County Championship matches across two seasons (2023-2024) for Northamptonshire, scoring 736 runs at 56.61.”Comebacks are never easy,” head coach Gautam Gambhir told the Test squad prior to their first training session. “The amount of runs you’ve got, the never-give-up attitude – it’s inspiring for the entire team. Welcome back, Karun Nair.”Wednesday marked Nair’s return to the Indian dressing room for the first time since the summer of 2018, when he spent the entire five-match series in England on the bench. His only glimmer of hope on that tour, just before the final Test at The Oval, was dashed when the selectors flew in Hanuma Vihari, who was not part of the original squad, from India and handed him a debut.2:39
Agarkar: Karun’s experience was factor in selection
At the time, Nair had played six Tests for India and had turned his maiden century into a triple-hundred. But this snub took a toll – his domestic form plummeted, runs dried up and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic left him at crossroads. Having been dropped from the Karnataka squad across formats, Nair spent an entire season on the sidelines.His comeback, in many ways, began in England in June 2023. Having made a plea to the game for a second chance, he took up a short stint with Burbage & ER Cricket Club in East Wiltshire in the minor counties, where he scored two hundreds and a half-century in eight innings.A week after he returned home, he received a phone call from a former manager asking if he was available to play in the county circuit. Nair jumped at the opportunity; a valid visa courtesy his club cricket stint allowed him to arrive almost immediately.KL Rahul, Nair’s good friend and Karnataka team-mate, spoke of how his time in England at the time had been lonely and tough.”I’ve known him for a very long time,” Rahul said. “The months he has spent here in the UK playing cricket and how hard and how lonely it was. For him to be able to do all of that and come back into the Indian team is special for him and his family, and friends like us who’ve seen his journey.”It’s very inspiring as well. Hopefully his experience and learnings from country cricket here will hold him in good stead when he plays the Test matches.”Eight years on, as Nair stands on the brink of a comeback, the reality of it still hasn’t completely sunk in.”Not sure actually,” he said of the prospect of returning to India’s starting XI. “I’ll have to experience that feeling myself, just go out there and feel it for myself. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of feelings, ones that I can’t express right now. It’ll be a surreal feeling.”
Manchester United are now on red alert over a deal for a “sensational” England midfielder, who is starting to grow frustrated at his current club.
Man Utd looking to bolster midfield options
Football FanCast recently took a look at five ways Ruben Amorim could save his job, after a disastrous start to the season, and starting Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Manuel Ugarte in central midfield made its way onto the list.
Amorim has been reluctant to give Mainoo much game time up to this point, with the 20-year-old failing to start a Premier League match this season, and Nicky Butt has suggested the youngster hasn’t been “respected” by his manager.
It remains to be seen whether the 40-year-old is willing to reintroduce the England international to the starting XI, but it is clear the manager wants to bolster his midfield options regardless, with a number of targets being identified in recent weeks.
Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have all made their way onto the shortlist, but it has now been revealed the Red Devils are also in the race for a different English midfielder.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Man United are now on red alert over a potential deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is starting to become frustrated with his situation at the Spanish club.
Gallagher, an England international, has fallen behind the likes of Koke and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order at Atletico, which could negatively impact his chances of being part of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup squad.
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The midfielder is aware that a number of clubs could be in for him this winter, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, with journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting a January move could be possible.
Bailey said: “I am told the player would dearly like to make it back into the Atletico Madrid side and that is his priority, but clubs are paying real interest to him and he is very much one to keep an eye on for January.”
Gallagher could be "sensational" signing for Man Utd
A deal for the England international may be relatively expensive, with a £45m asking price previously being touted, but he clearly has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford.
Unlike Ugarte, the former Crystal Palace man is already proven in the Premier League, making 136 appearances in the competition, during which time he amassed 18 goals and 13 assists.
As such, the 25-year-old, who has been dubbed “sensational” by journalist John Cross, is clearly capable of making an impact on the front foot, but he is also a well-rounded player, as underlined by his performance across several key metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Interceptions
1.52 (88th percentile)
Assists
0.17 (86th percentile)
Tackles
2.43 (73rd percentile)
Gallagher arguably wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, but he is a proven Premier League midfielder, who clearly gives it his all, having been lauded for his “insane” work rate by Nathan Dyer.
Arsenal have been handed a Noni Madueke injury blow as Mikel Arteta receives some news about the in-form summer signing.
Noni Madueke subbed off half-time with injury in Man City draw
The England winger’s electric start to life in north London has attracted due praise, with Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera arguably standing out as Andrea Berta’s finest purchases thus far.
Arteta has started Madueke in five out of Arsenal’s first six games in all competitions so far, and the England international has repaid that faith by terrorising full-backs with his trickery, burst of pace and initiative in the final third.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
£5m
Martin Zubimendi
£60m
Christian Norgaard
£15m
Noni Madueke
£52m
Cristhian Mosquera
£13m
Viktor Gyokeres
£55m
Eberechi Eze
£67.5m
Piero Hincapie
Loan
Just months ago, Gunners supporters were protesting the ex-Chelsea star’s arrival with a petition and ‘#NoToMadueke’ movement on social media platform X, but fast-forward to now, and those same fans are now very worried about a potential long-term injury for him.
Madueke has also shined for the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel on international duty, and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville is among the critics to admit they’ve been left surprised by the 23-year-old’s excellent performances in an Arsenal shirt.
In place of the previously injured Bukayo Saka, Madueke dazzled on the right-wing, but Arteta now faces the prospect of being without him.
The former PSV Eindhoven forward was forced off at half-time in Arsenal’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Man City on Sunday, and there are some fears that Madueke may have suffered an ACL injury.
If that were the case, he’d face months on the sidelines, but luckily for Arteta, it appears his problem isn’t as serious as that.
That being said, he’s still set for a lengthy spell out.
Arsenal dealt Noni Madueke blow as David Ornstein shares news
The reliable David Ornstein reports that Madueke avoided an ACL tear, but will be unavailable for around two months with a knee injury, putting his return date during the November international break, meaning he could play against Tottenham on November 23.
While he is yet to get off the mark in terms of goals or assists, Madueke has been without question one of Arteta’s best players of the campaign so far, so this is undoubtedly a blow for Arsenal.
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The winger was Arsenal’s most threatening player in their 1-0 loss to Liverpool prior to the last international break, before he put in a Man of the Match display against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates, whilst also impressing in the first hour of their 5-0 win over Leeds United.
Arsenal’s new £150,000-per-week star is looking like the player who expensive flop Nicolas Pepe was supposed to be, except Madueke didn’t cost a seismic £72 million to bring in.
There are some suggestions that high-ranking Chelsea chiefs held reservations over selling Madueke to Arsenal, and so far, he’s shown exactly why.
West Ham United “could move” for an “incredible” England international as a replacement for Nayef Aguerd, who may be set for an exit before the transfer deadline.
West Ham eyeing new defender after Aguerd refuses to travel
After spending the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Real Sociedad, Aguerd has come back into the fold this season, starting the opening two Premier League games, during which West Ham conceded a combined eight goals.
However, it is clear the Moroccan has little intention of remaining at the London Stadium for much longer, with the 29-year-old pushing to leave before the deadline, amid interest from the likes of Sunderland, AC Milan and AS Roma.
In fact, the Keinitra-born defender is well-known to have refused to travel to Nottingham Forest for yesterday’s Premier League clash, with the centre-back taking drastic action to try and force through an exit.
However, ExWHUEmployee has now revealed that the club could be hesitant to sanction a departure, should they be unable to find an adequate replacement in time, with Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis among the potential options.
Southampton's TaylorHarwood-Bellislooks dejected as he applauds fans after the match
The West Ham insider said: “The club have yet to confirm any bid as yet from Marseille or Sunderland and even if they did would have to make a decision as to whether it is worth accepting and whether a replacement could be lined up in time.
“The club have looked at other defenders and one we exclusively revealed at the start of the window and we still have interest in us Charlie Cresswell, ironically he plays in France for Toulouse.
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"Incredible" Harwood-Bellis could be solid Aguerd replacement
Although the Saints were relegated without putting up much of a fight last season, the 23-year-old clearly enjoyed a decent campaign on a personal level, having picked up his first cap for England, scoring on his debut against Ireland.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola also singled out his former player for high praise last season, saying: “He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently.”
With Aguerd clearly eager to leave, West Ham shouldn’t stand in his way, should a deal for Harwood-Bellis be possible, and a move wouldn’t break the bank, with a £20m price tag being touted earlier this summer.
Manchester City have now received an offer for a £90k-a-week player, who Pep Guardiola has previously described as “exceptional”.
Pep questioned after deadline day Donnarumma signing
The emphatic 4-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers to kick the season off was arguably a false start for Man City, who have since been brought back down to earth with consecutive defeats, most recently suffering a late 2-1 loss away at Brighton.
As such, Guardiola has already made the big call to bring in a new goalkeeper, with City completing the deadline day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is seemingly set to displace James Trafford in the starting XI.
There are some question marks over the signing of Donnarumma, given that the Italian isn’t regarded as a ‘Pep keeper’, as he is not well-known to be particularly impressive with the ball at his feet.
Former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel said: “Donnarumma had a really good season with PSG and was instrumental in PSG winning the Champions League. He is OK with his feet but he is not Ederson – no-one is Ederson.”
With Ederson departing to join Fenerbahce, City are back to having four goalkeepers on the books, with Marcus Bettinelli also arriving this summer, but they now have a decision to make about the future of Stefan Ortega.
That is because a report from Sporx (via Sport Witness) has revealed that Trabzonspor have made a bid for Ortega, with the Turkish Süper Lig side keen to bring in a new goalkeeper before their transfer window comes to a close.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola consolesStefanOrtega
Ortega is not the only option available to the Turkish side, however, with it being revealed they have also been offered the opportunity to sign Manchester United’s Andre Onana, who is seemingly being forced out following the arrival of Senne Lammens.
"Exceptional" Ortega should be allowed to move on
Following Donnarumma’s arrival, the £90k-a-week goalkeeper is unlikely to have any opportunities, with Trafford ahead of him in the pecking order, while Bettinelli is also on the books in the case of a real emergency.
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As such, Man City should sanction the 32-year-old’s departure, despite the fact he has impressed at times in a City shirt, with Guardiola saying in the 2022/23 campaign: “The way he’s played in Carabao Cup and FA Cup so far. Even in the Champions League when he played against Dortmund.
“We were qualified but fighting for the first position. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. Exceptional.”
The German has been at the Etihad Stadium for two Premier League title triumphs, and famously played a pivotal role in the 2023-24 campaign, producing a crucial save to deny Son Heung-min in the penultimate game of the season.
That said, Pep is now well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, so there is no reason to stand in Ortega’s way if more clubs come calling.