Left-arm spinner had retired last year citing racial discrimination
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Apr-2025Cricket Scotland says it has reached an “amicable resolution” with its former player Hamza Tahir, who had alleged he was the victim of racial discrimination when announcing his retirement from international cricket last year.Tahir, a left-arm spinner who made a total of 49 appearances across ODIs and T20Is, announced in June 2024 that he would be pursuing an unfair dismissal case after losing his Cricket Scotland contract earlier that year.Speaking at the time at a press conference in Edinburgh, alongside another former Scotland player Majid Haq as well as anti-racism campaigners, Tahir claimed he had to “work twice as hard to be on the same level as others” within the international set-up, adding that “enough was enough”.Tahir’s retirement followed separate complaints by Majid and another former Scotland player Qasim Sheikh, whose allegations in 2022 prompted an independent review, Changing the Boundaries. This listed 448 examples of racism and discrimination within cricket in Scotland, while finding the governance and leadership of cricket in the country to be institutionally racist.The findings of that report, however, have since been queried, with only five incidents detailed within the report progressing to disciplinary measures.In a statement, Cricket Scotland acknowledged Tahir’s claims of unfair treatment, adding: “Both parties are pleased to confirm that a claim of unfair dismissal has now been brought to an amicable resolution.””In a demonstration of positive action, Cricket Scotland and Hamza Tahir have agreed to work together to show their collective commitment to improve player equality and ensure there is no place for discrimination in Scottish cricket.”There will be no further comment made by either party on this matter.”
Everton felt the excitement as they waved goodbye to Goodison Park and geared up for a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, led once again by David Moyes.
But that excitement has been tempered by a frustrating summer transfer window, with the Premier League season now up and running and Everton still in need of a few more faces.
The Toffees were defeated at Leeds United in their season opener, and while the likes of off-the-bench debutants Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry illustrated the start of a new-look Everton, there’s no question that the performance was flat, and that it’s imperative that something is done before the closure of the transfer window.
Everton hunting more signings
Everton’s one-goal defeat at Elland Road left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear that the club need more sparkle going forward.
Grealish will be billed as one of the principal providers in that regard, but the Blues could do with a few more signings to assist the England international.
Though Everton need right-siders and perhaps another forward too, Moyes is considering a move that would bolster his central ranks, and he’s peering over the edge of the Premier League and into the Championship.
Well, according to Football Insider, Everton are now working on a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, though they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough
A move to Ipswich Town has already fallen through for the English talent, with a £20m fee agreed between the clubs, but personal terms proving insurmountable at the negotiating table.
What Hayden Hackney would bring to Everton
Hackney has completed 116 appearances for Middlesbrough since graduating from the club’s youth academy, establishing himself as one of the maestros of England’s second tier.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
An all-action player, Hackney is calm and composed when against the ball and sharp and intelligent when in possession, with his natural-born creativity allowing him to influence from the deeper fathoms of the midfield.
Last season, he started 43 times in the Championship, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
Such vast ground-covering performances would add much to Moyes’ Everton side, and the Boro star might even prove the perfect midfield partner to restore Grealish to his one-time level, having been untouchable during that final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21.
Matches (starts)
26 (24)
Goals
6
Assists
10
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.7)
Big chances missed
4
Pass completion
83%
Big chances created
14
Key passes*
3.2
Dribbles*
2.5
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
Total duels (won)*
8.9 (61%)
It was a truly remarkable year from the Three Lions star, one that saw him earn his record-breaking move to Pep Guardiola’s brood. However, Grealish has lost his sparkle over the past few years in Manchester and could rekindle that flame on Merseyside.
Everton aren’t blessed with the same depth of technical quality as Man City, but the Birmingham-born forward should have greater freedom to roam and make things happen, and with Hackney playing in balls from behind, the chances of a fluent system are only increased.
Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match
As per data from FBref, Hackney ranked among the top 5% of midfielders in the Championship last season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.
There’s no question that he bears the range of passing and the athleticism to add a dimension to Everton’s midfield, thus providing the fleet-footed Grealish with a constant supply line from which he can work his magic in and around the penalty area.
Hailed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick for his “immense” performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the 2023/24 season, Hackney has spent plenty of time developing his skills in the Championship and is surely now ready to take the leap forward into the Premier League.
His long, calculated passing puts him in a different category from Everton’s current midfield crop, and he would be the perfect kind of deep-lying playmaker to restore Grealish’s X-factor and ensure the Toffees make it a successful and exciting season.
Their new Stones: TFG begin talks to sign "special" £26m star for Everton
Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.
تأهل الفريق الأول لكرة اليد رجال بالنادي الاهلي، لربع نهائي بطولة إفريقيا للأندية أبطال الدوري، بالعلامة الكاملة، بعدما فاز على البوليس الرواندي، بنتيجة 55 – 20، في المباراة التي جمعت الفريقين اليوم الخميس، بختام مرحلة المجموعات من البطولة الإفريقية.
وأقيمت المباراة داخل صالة محمد الخامس، وقدم الأهلي مباراة مميزة واصل خلالها مستواه الجيد منذ بداية البطولة، ونجح في إنهاء الشوط الأول متقدمًا بنتيجة 31 – 10، قبل أن يواصل هيمنته على أحداث المباراة في الشوط الثاني ويفوز بنتيجة 55 – 20.
طالع.. رسمياً | مدرب يد الأهلي يرحل عن القلعة الحمراء إلى فرنسا
بهذا الفوز تأهل الأهلي لربع النهائي بالعلامة الكاملة، بعدما حقق 4 انتصارات متتالية على ميكيلي 70 الإثيوبي بنتيجة كبيرة 41 – 11، وعلى ريد ستار الإيفواري بنتيجة 29- 12، وعلى شبيبة كينشاسا الكونغولي الديمقراطي بنتيجة 29 – 19، واليوم على البوليس الرواندي بنتيجة 55 – 20.
وتضم بعثة رجال يد الأهلي المشاركة في بطولة إفريقيا بالمغرب كلًا من: إبراهيم المصري وعبد العزيز إيهاب وعمر خالد “كاستيلو” ومحسن رمضان وسيف هاني “فوكس” وياسر سيف وعمر سامي ونبيل شريف ومحمد مجدي ومحمد عماد “أوكا” ومعاذ عزب وأحمد عوض الله ومحمد صلاح ومحمد هشام”مودي” والتشيكي ستانيسلاڤ كاسباريك والبولندي توماش جيوبالا وحراس المرمى عبد الرحمن حميد ومحمد إبراهيم وعبد الرحمن طه.
ويضم الجهاز الفني لرجال يد الأهلي كلًا من وياسر لبيب رئيس جهاز كرة اليد، وديفيد ديفيز مديرًا فنيًا، وهاني النجدي مدير الفريق، ومحمد إبراهيم مدربًا عامًا، ومحمد أبو زيد إداري الفريق، وڤينيو لوسيرت مدرب الحراس، ومصطفى ناجي طبيب الفريق، وعمرو محمد إخصائي لياقة طبية، وعبد الله حسن إخصائي إصابات.
Tottenham have held fresh talks to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this week, which are believed to be heading in a very positive direction, and the player himself is extremely eager to swap London clubs.
The 27-year-old has already agreed personal terms to join Spurs, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he directly informed the Eagles of his wish to play in Lilywhite by transfer deadline day on September 1.
After Spurs made an offer of £60m including add-ons, it is believed that Tottenham started creeping towards a full agreement for Eze. There were still details to hash out, like payment structure, and Palace are apparently holding off on giving their full green-light as they look to sign a replacement for the England international first (Miguel Delaney).
However, Eze’s move to Spurs is currently far more likely than not to happen.
Now, the former QPR star is seriously on the verge of a move to N17.
Ben Jacobs, among other reliable media sources, has revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached between Tottenham and Palace for Eze, but the Eagles still need to find a replacement before allowing the player to leave.
Before Tottenham agreed the finances of this deal, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri revealed just how keen Eze is on a transfer to Tottenham.
Eberechi Eze's threat to Crystal Palace as he looks to force Tottenham move
According to Tavolieri, the player has never been closer to joining.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates scoring their first goal before it is disallowed after a VAR review
The attacking midfielder and James Maddison’s potential replacement is apparently so desperate to make the move that he’s been pressuring Selhurst Park chiefs to approve it, going as far as to make a stern threat over the weekend.
As per the Sky reporter, Eze threatened not to play for Palace in their 0-0 draw against Chelsea, but eventually rescinded this when Steve Parish personally gave the player assurances that his transfer wouldn’t be delayed.
Eze also held a discussion with Oliver Glasner on Sunday morning to confirm his place in the starting line-up, but the situation is clear; Eze is clamoring for a switch to Spurs.
Once/if Palace and Tottenham agree a full deal and the paperwork is signed, Eze has approved a five-year contract in north London, and there is reason for supporters to get excited by this potential arrival.
The forward bagged a brilliant 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Palace last season, including their FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, with Eze averaging more shots, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than all of his teammates in the top flight.
Celtic and Brendan Rodgers still have plenty of work to do in the market before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.
When asked about what the Hoops need to do, Rodgers said: “I think it’s bringing goals to the squad. Especially when you score four goals, it seems like you’re okay. But we lost an important player in Kyogo [Furuhashi] in January. He brought us a lot of goals. We lost Nicolas Kuhn. He brought us a lot of goals. Matt O’Riley even last summer.
“So even though we scored a lot of goals last season, we still want more. And our ambition is to have more. So I think all across the front areas, we have to be active in order to give us that depth we need.”
This suggests that the Scottish Premiership champions will be looking to add more attacking players to their squad, which is backed up by their reported interest in Go Ahead Eagles forward Jakob Breum.
However, the Hoops should also be looking for reinforcements in the middle of the park in the coming weeks, as they look a little light in the number six department.
Why Celtic need to sign another number six
Callum McGregor, the captain, is currently the only player in the squad who you would describe as a natural number six, a tempo-setter who can sit at the base of the midfield to dictate play and screen in front of the back four.
Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Paulo Bernardo are the manager’s other options in the middle of the park, and they are all more traditional number eight or number ten types, who want to be all-action and pushing forward to get involved in attacks on a regular basis during games.
Callum McGregor
McGregor is the player who sets the standards, as the captain, and really drives the style of play for Rodgers with his fantastic ability to be a metronome in midfield.
Pass accuracy
94%
1st
Passes attempted per game
80
1st
Passes made per game
74
1st
Least possessions lost per game
6.9
1st
Accurate long passes per game
1.4
2nd
As you can see in the table above, no midfielder in the squad is as effective or efficient as a passer than the former Scotland international, which is why he is the starting number six for Celtic.
However, there is no depth behind the 32-year-old star in that position, which is why it should come as good news that the Hoops are looking at another option for that role.
Celtic eyeing up Premier League starlet
According to TEAMtalk, Rodgers is ‘planning’ a raid to sign Liverpool central midfielder Stefan Bajcetic to bolster his Celtic squad before the end of the summer window.
The report claims that the Spanish youngster has emerged as a target for the Scottish Premiership champions, who are looking for more reinforcements in the coming weeks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that Liverpool, who won the Premier League last season, are willing to sanction an exit for the 20-year-old talent, and that they would be willing to explore a loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.
However, TEAMtalk explains that the potential valuation of that permanent option could make it a difficult deal for Celtic to do, as they do not want to go overboard on their budget, which makes this a difficult deal for them to get over the line.
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
If the Hoops are able to reach an agreement with Arne Slot’s side to bring Bajcetic to Parkhead, though, they could have a McGregor clone on their hands.
Why Celtic should sign Stefan Bajcetic
The 20-year-old starlet could come in as the perfect understudy to the Celtic captain as a natural number six who can step in and play when the Scottish ace needs a rest, with a view to him eventually taking over as the starter in the future.
At the age of 20, Bajcetic is 12 years younger than McGregor and could be the future for the Hoops, as a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to grow and develop, whilst the skipper is in the latter stages of his career.
Stefan Bajcetic and Jurgen Klopp
In terms of how he would fit in from a stylistic perspective, the Liverpool youngster would also be an ideal signing because he was the most comparable player to McGregor, statistically, in the Champions League last season, as per FBref.
The chart above backs that up, as they appear to excel in similar areas of the game in and out of possession, as Bajcetic caught the eye whilst on loan at RB Salzburg in the first half of the season.
During his time in the Austrian Bundesliga, the Liverpool youngster showcased his potential as a number six who can dictate games as a passer, whilst also being strong out of possession.
Passes made
41.55
Top 19%
Pass accuracy
81.8%
Top 27%
Accurate long passes
3.08
Top 17%
Tackles made
1.91
Top 16%
Duels won
8.37
Top 7%
Duel success rate
62%
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, he ranked highly among midfielders in areas of the game that a number six needs to excel at, in terms of setting the tempo with passes and winning his duels in front of the back four.
As you would expect at the age of 20, Bajcetic is not the finished article, as shown by his pass accuracy of 81.8%, compared to McGregor’s 94% in the Premiership, but he has time on his hands to develop.
Celtic'sCallumMcGregor
Journalist Leanne Prescott once claimed that it was “staggering” how in control Liverpool looked with the Spaniard at the base of their midfield, which further backs up the belief that he could come in as the perfect understudy to the Celtic captain.
Giakoumakis repeat: Celtic are in "talks" to sign "exciting" £7m forward
Celtic are reportedly in talks to sign a £7m-rated star who could be a Giorgos Giakoumakis repeat.
1 ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025
Bajcetic is a McGregor clone in the making with his qualities in and out of possession in the number six position, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to the squad this summer.
Aston Villa are now “ready to make a move” for a “special” £60m star, with Unai Emery believed to be a “big fan”, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed.
Aston Villa eyeing striker amid Watkins uncertainty
Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that Villa have held talks over selling Ollie Watkins to Manchester United, and with the Englishman keen on a move to Old Trafford, Emery may need to bring in a replacement this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is on the shortlist as a potential heir to Watkins, while the Villans have also set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, having made initial contact over a deal for the striker earlier this week.
There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jackson, with O’Rourke revealing that Emery is a huge admirer of his former player, and the Football Insider report states the ex-Villarreal man could jump at the move.
O’Rourke said: “Unai Emery remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, so it’s no surprise that Villa are in the market for him.
“We know Villa need reinforcements in attack – they still haven’t really replaced Jhon Duran – and Jackson’s future’s is up in the air at Chelsea as well.
“If he does become available before the end of the window, there’s no doubt that Aston Villa will be one of those clubs ready to make a move for him, because Unai Emery is a huge fan of his.”
The Chelsea forward is thought to be unsettled by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.
NSWE now prepared for bidding war to sign "underrated" star for Aston Villa
The Villans could light a fire in the transfer market.
BySean Markus Clifford Jul 18, 2025 Jackson could be "special" signing for Aston Villa
A deal for the Senegalese striker is unlikely to be cheap, with previous reports suggesting the Blues could hold out for £60m, but there are signs he could be an exciting signing for Villa this summer.
While the arrivals of Delap and Pedro suggest Enzo Maresca doesn’t fully trust the 24-year-old, he has maintained a solid goal and assist record since his arrival in the Premier League.
Nicolas Jackson
Journalist Rahman Osman was also left impressed by the improvements the Chelsea ace made to his game last season.
Jackson could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, but if possible, the manager should also hold onto Watkins, given that the England international has amassed a very impressive 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 games since arriving at Villa Park.
Stalemate ensues at Chester-le-Street after lengthy rain delays
ECB Reporters Network29-Sep-2024
Jack Leaning made 84 to share the honours with Durham•Getty Images
Kent 353 for 8 dec (Leaning 84, Evison 77, Denly 63) drew with Durham 360 (Lees 144, Bedingham 66, Parkinson 6-109)Excellent knocks from Jack Leaning, Joe Denly and Joey Evison steered already-relegated Kent to a creditable draw in their rain-affected Vitality County Championship clash at Durham.Leaning and Denly led a good Kent batting performance, something that has been all too rare this season, and secured a draw on day four at the Seat Unique Riverside with some good batting with the tail from Evison.Leaning and Denly came together after an early wicket for the hosts and combined for a partnership worth 124, with Kent finishing on 353 for eight as the captain’s shook hands at 4:20pm.The draw gives Kent a good end to a disappointing season, with the county finishing bottom of Division One and as a result they will be playing in Division Two in 2025, where they will be targeting an instant return to the top tier.Meanwhile for Durham, they have secured a mid-table finish in their first Division One season for eight years and there’s plenty of positives for the North East county to take from their first season back amongst the elite, most notably the emergence of youngsters Ben McKinney, James Minto and Daniel Hogg. They will look to close the gap to the top of the table next season, with Will Rhodes, Sam Conners and Emilio Gay all joining permanently for the next campaign.In addition to that, depending on the schedule in 2025, they could also have England Test skipper Ben Stokes to call upon, he was spotted continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury at Chester-le-Street as he targets a return from injury for the Pakistan Test series.Kent resumed on 96 for three after an eventful third day at Chester-le-Street, with skipper Leaning and nightwatchman Jas Singh at the crease.Singh did his job and didn’t last long with him feathering a Bas de Leede ball down the legside to Ollie Robinson in the second over of the day.Leaning played a lovely straight drive from the bowling of de Leede to get himself going on day four.Denly looked in good touch and played a lovely cut shot on the offside for four as the former England man halted the hosts’ push for wickets along with his captain.Leaning then reached his fifty from 108 balls to give the already-relegated visitors some hope of picking up a creditable draw in the North East.At the other end Denly continued to find the boundary, with the experienced right-hander whipping a Chemar Holder delivery through mid-wicket for four.Durham had a chance to get Denly out as he played an aerial shot off the bowling of Minto, but Callum Parkinson dropped it at fine leg. It was a drop that the hosts would later regret as Denly reached his half-century, which came from 82 balls and included five fours.The visitors reached lunch without further loss and Leaning hit the first ball after the break through mid-wicket for four.Parkinson then dropped Denly again after he failed to take a tricky return catch off his own bowling. However, it was third time lucky for the left-arm spinner as he got Denly caught and bowled for 63.Leaning then quickly followed him into the pavilion for an excellent 84 after he pulled a de Leede delivery straight to Minto on the legside boundary.Evison came to the crease and swung some momentum back to the visitors, with the all-rounder carving a Hogg delivery to the offside boundary and he then pummelled a Parkinson ball down the ground for six.Marcus O’Riordan then departed after he edged a Hogg delivery to Colin Ackermann at slip for three.Evison continued to motor alongside Grant Stewart as they took Kent past the follow-on target, but Stewart departed for 40 just after tea, handing Holder his first wicket of the match.Evison reached his fifty from 67 balls and saw out the draw for the visitors alongside Matt Parkinson.
Leeds United will be doing plenty of deals in the next couple of months in an attempt to build a squad that can avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League.
The Whites have already made one new signing to bolster Daniel Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch, as Lukas Nmecha has agreed a deal to join the club on a free transfer from Wolfsburg at the start of next month.
He only scored three goals in 19 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2024/25 campaign, and has only scored eight league goals in the last three seasons combined.
This does not suggest that Nmecha is likely to be the go-to centre-forward option from the start for the West Yorkshire outfit, but the former Germany international could provide experienced back-up to the other number nines in the squad.
The 26-year-old star will not be the last striker to arrive at Elland Road this summer, though, as reporter Graham Smyth claimed that the club are still looking for another addition in that position.
This could spell bad news for 21-year-old marksman Mateo Joseph’s future in West Yorkshire, amid speculation that he could move on ahead of next season.
Why Mateo Joseph could leave Leeds
The Spain U21 international is reportedly being eyed up by several clubs, as GIVEMESPORT recently claimed that Birmingham, Strasbourg, and Real Betis are all keen on securing his signature.
This suggests that there will be no shortage of suitors for the Whites academy graduate if Farke decides that he will not be a part of his plans for the Premier League season, which will kick off with a clash against Everton on the first Monday Night Football of the campaign.
Joseph has now had a taste of first-team football, with 61 Championship outings and four goals in the last two seasons, and should be wanting to play regular minutes next term to continue his development.
The Spanish youngster only scored three goals in 39 matches for Leeds in the second tier during the 2024/25 campaign, but did put up some promising underlying numbers.
24/25 Championship
Mateo Joseph per 90
Percentile rank vs forwards
Non-penalty xG
0.36
Top 29%
Shots total
2.73
Top 11%
Shots on target
1.05
Top 17%
Non-penalty goals
0.21
Bottom 34%
xAG
0.13
Top 20%
Assists
0.21
Top 6%
Shot-creating actions
2.31
Top 20%
Touches in the opposition’s box
5.25
Top 10%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Joseph ranked highly among his positional peers when it came to getting into high-quality shooting positions and creating chances for others, but his finishing let him down.
A loan move away from Leeds to play regularly and hone his skills next term could be the ideal next step for him, whilst Leeds are eyeing up a striker who could be an upgrade on him in the short term.
Leeds plotting move for new striker
According to TEAMtalk, the Championship champions are eyeing up further forward additions after the signing of Nmecha, and Besiktas striker Semih Kilicsoy is one of the players they are plotting a move for.
The Turkish attacker and Fulham centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz are both said to be targets for the West Yorkshire outfit, as they look to improve Farke’s options in the final third.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
TEAMtalk adds that Leeds are moving forward in deals to sign Muniz, Kilicsoy, and USG’s Noah Sadiki, with the Besiktas whiz said to be available for a fee of £18m.
The outlet claims that the Whites have extensively scouted the Turkey U21 international and view him as a versatile star with potential who would come in as a long-term signing for Farke.
If Leeds can get an £18m deal over the line to sign the 19-year-old forward during the summer transfer window then they could have an immediate upgrade on both Nmecha and Joseph for next season.
Why Leeds should sign Semih Kilicsoy
There are many reasons why signing the teenage marksman from Besiktas makes a lot of sense for Leeds, including his age profile. At 19, he has many years left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which means that the striker could grow in value over time.
Semih Kilicsoy for Besiktas.
It also means that he may not demand to be the first-choice number nine week-in-week-out in the Premier League straight away, and be happy to be a versatile bench option at first, which would allow the Whites to also sign a more experienced striker, such as Muniz.
Kilicsoy’s performances for Besiktas in the last two seasons also suggest that he would offer more quality in front of goal than both Nmecha and Joseph in the top-flight.
The Turkish attacker, who was once hailed as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored 15 goals and provided nine assists in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons combined for his club side.
Joseph managed seven goals and four assists for Leeds in all competitions, and Nmecha racked up five goals and zero assists in that same time, which immediately suggests that the teenage star has more to offer the team at the top end of the pitch.
24/25 (per 90)
Kilicsoy (Super Lig)
Joseph (Championship)
Goals
0.21
0.21
xG on target
0.35
0.35
xA
0.13
0.10
Assists
0.14
0.21
Dribbles completed
2.49
0.78
Dribble success rate
57%
42%
Fouls won
2.00
1.29
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Kilicsoy offered more quality at the top end of the pitch than Joseph this season, with more goals and xA combined per 90, along with far more success in dribbling past opposition players.
Impressively, the teenage attacker managed 0.59 goals and 0.21 assists per 90 in the Super Lig in the previous campaign, when he managed 11 goals and four assists in the division, whilst Joseph scored one goal in 22 league games for Leeds that term.
Therefore, Kilicsoy could be a very exciting signing for Leeds as a young forward who has shown that he has the potential to make a big impact as both a scorer and a creator of goals, even more so than Joseph and Nmecha have in recent years.
Better than Aaronson: Leeds submit bid to sign £21m Sadiki alternative
Leeds are looking at signing a new midfielder this summer
By
Joe Nuttall
Jun 17, 2025
This is why Leeds must press ahead with a deal to sign the £18m-rated centre-forward before the start of the Premier League season to bolster their attacking options.
Manchester United aren’t acting like a team who languished their way toward a 15th-placed Premier League finish last season, moving purposefully in the transfer market as they are.
Defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League proved the final nail in the coffin, severing the last hopes of salvaging something from a rotten year, closing the door on a campaign on the continent in 2025/26.
But Ruben Amorim has a plan, and INEOS are showcasing the club’s unbreakable transfer pull, having signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a deal worth £62.5m.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates
Amorim has his work cut out, all right, but this new policy of identifying Premier League-proven product might just pay dividends in the long run.
Let’s have a look at how they sealed the Brazilian star’s signature.
Why Matheus Cunha joined Man Utd
It’s remarkable to see that top players are still drawn to the Theatre of Dreams even when Man United are in the deepest throes of their decline, and Cunha is the perfect representation of that fact.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunha
Sure, United activated his release clause, but the 26-year-old was also coveted by Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom will play in the Champions League next season. Aston Villa had also expressed an interest.
If Amorim can get the Red Devils back to a position of strength, just imagine the kind of success the outfit could have in the transfer market with a strategy far away from the scattergun approach of the past decade.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhain action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Cook
Signing players who have showcased their quality consistently in the Premier League seems to be a track that United are heading down, for Cunha’s not the only one driving a deal toward Old Trafford from another part of the country this summer.
Man Utd's next transfer expected 'soon'
According to reports in Italy, Manchester United have already agreed personal terms with Bryan Mbeumo, although negotiations continue with Brentford as to the structure of the financial package.
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Saying that, United are willing to pay £63m plus add-ons to sign the goalscoring winger, who has been expected to leave the Gtech Community Stadium for several months now. The final details with Brentford still need to be defined but it’s reported that an agreement is ‘expected soon’.
Tottenham Hotspur’s appointment of Thomas Frank has renewed Spurs’ hope that they could hijack the deal, but the player’s preference is to sign for the Red Devils in spite of their lack of European football.
How Bryan Mbeumo will improve Man Utd
Last season, Mbeumo bagged 20 goals across 38 Premier League matches, with Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland the only players to outscore him.
A tenacious forward with a fixed winning mentality, he’s exactly what Amorim needs to turn the ship around. Indeed, the Cameroon international has been hailed for his “technique and work ethic” by journalist Henry Winter.
This is further represented through his underlying data; not just a goalscorer, the 25-year-old ranked among the top 9% of positional peers in the Premier League last term for crosses, the top 10% for clearances and the top 20% for touches in the defensive third per 90, as per FBref.
That latter metric, in particular, highlights Mbeumo’s willingness to drop deep and help the Bees in transition.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
This vibrant range of qualities actually led the data-driven site to draw Cunha up as one of his most comparable players.
Cunha is a maverick, stylish on the ball and happy to step up and make things happen when no one else seems willing to. Man United need some of that.
When looking at the forwards’ respective top-flight campaigns, you begin to see exactly why United have been so desperate to secure these deals, with the players partnered on the flanks sure to add a whole lot to a frontline that has been lacking.
Matches (starts)
33 (29)
38 (38)
Goals
15
20
Assists
6
7
Shots (on target)*
3.3 (1.3)
2.2 (1.1)
Big chances missed
2
9
Pass completion
79%
74%
Big chances created
13
17
Key passes*
1.8
1.8
Dribbles*
1.8
1.4
Ball recoveries*
3.8
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
1.7
1.7
Duels won*
5.5
4.7
As you can see from the table above, they are not all that dissimilar, Cunha and Mbeumo. In fact, with the forwards, favouring the left and right flanks respectively, both proven in the Premier League to be high-level goalscorers with creative flair and defensive application, it looks the perfect way to dynamise Amorim’s frontline.
The centre-forward picked to settle in the middle of the exciting stars will be a lucky man indeed. Though the Red Devils have faced countless disappointments after first finding such excitement in a big-money acquisition, INEOS have focused on two players capable of lifting the club’s attacking quality to a top level.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
They will add goals, they will create, and they will improve the overarching fluency of a fallen giant. It’s unlikely to be a surprise that Mbuemo and Cunha are two Premier League forwards with similarly dynamic skill sets, tailor-made for a place in Amorim’s vision, a vision which has not yet been sighted properly on English shores.
While many supporters will understandably reserve judgment until the 2025/26 campaign is well and truly up and running, Mbuemo is a superstar, “unplayable” on his day, as was noted by Frank last season after scoring a hat-trick against Newcastle.
With a like-minded player in Cunha mirroring him on the other side, Amorim’s team are well poised for a much-needed resurgence.
Their best signing since Bruno: £40m target now wants to join Man Utd
Manchester United could be about to make another superb signing in this summer window.
Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.
Newcastle United's search for reinforcements
Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.
Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.
Newcastle United managerEddieHoweapplauds fans after the match
He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.
“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”
That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.
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Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.
Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.
Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.
The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.
Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Shots
47
Shots on target
20
Chances created
30
Completed dribbles
29
Aerial duels won
42
Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.
Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.
Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.