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The win boosted West Indies’ net run rate to 1.154 and they’re now on the top of Group B table

Madushka Balasuriya06-Oct-2024West Indies romped to a six-wicket victory over Scotland to secure their first win of the T20 World Cup in Dubai with 50 balls to spare. The win boosted their net run rate to 1.154 and they’re now on the top of Group B table. The result leaves Scotland with two defeats in as many games, though the margin of defeat could prove even more dire to their qualification chances.Qiana Joseph’s 31 off 18 spearheaded what was a middling chase, before Deandra Dottin (28 off 15) and Chinelle Henry (18 off 10) finished the game off in haste. It was a win set up by the bowlers, as West Indies restricted Scotland to 99 for 8.Henry was named Player of the Match for her burst at the top of Scotland’s innings which yielded figures of 1 for 10, before her boundary-laden knock ensured a brisk victory.Scotland were simply second-best in all the areas that mattered with only Kathryn Bryce and Ailsa Lister with any innings of note. With the ball, meanwhile, they picked up wickets and caught much better than their opponents but were unable to stem the flow of runs – the most crucial factor when aiming to defend such a low total.West Indies dominate the powerplayScotland were 25 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, but it might have been much worse if not for West Indies’ profligacy in their catching. While the now infamous ‘ring of fire’ floodlights can be partially to blame, three chances of varying difficulty were spilt in the opening six overs.Thankfully for the West Indies, Henry was putting on a clinic in swing bowling to make sure Scotland weren’t able to capitalise on their multiple lifelines.In her first over she had Sarah Bryce edging high to first slip, where Hayley Matthews could only palm over and she followed that up with two consecutive maidens – including a wicket maiden, where she had Bryce completely foxed by an outswinger that rattled her off stump.Spinners throttle run flow Kathryn survived a tight lbw decision while Lister was dropped twice. They put these second chances to good use in stitching together a 46-run third-wicket stand. However at no point were either afforded easy runs.Afy Fletcher celebrates a wicket•Getty ImagesTheir stand saw just one boundary scored, with both players forced to find the gaps and run hard between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking along.It looked as if a platform might have been set for a late launch, but then the wickets began to fall. Afy Fletcher dismissed Lister and Priyanaz Chatterji in consecutive deliveries in the 13th over, before removing Kathryn in her next over. Scotland stumbled to 76 for five at the end of 15 overs, and they managed only a further 23 runs in the remaining five overs, as the West Indies refused to give an inch.The Qiana Joseph experimentIf this tournament has shown anything, it’s not to judge a total or a pitch until both sides have batted. The other thing is that finding quick runs at the death is exceedingly difficult. Taking both these factors into account, West Indies opted to promote Qiana Joseph up the order after Stafanie Taylor had fallen early.Joseph’s intent was clear from the get-go, swinging and missing at a series of deliveries off Bryce. But with such a low target, each blow had an exponential impact. In all, she struck three fours and a six, but her 18-ball stay had seen as much as 31% of the target wiped off.Dottin does the jobWhen Joseph fell, West Indies still needed 41 runs for victory, and the prevailing mood was that one or two more wickets might have made the going a little trickier, particularly as Scotland were catching well.But Dottin the veteran showed she could carry on her recent franchise form, as she made light work of what might have been a banana skin of a finish. Her 15 deliveries in the middle brought with it two sixes and fours apiece, as West Indies sealed a win.

Earlier, O’Rourke completed his five-for as Sri Lanka folded for 305 in their first innings

Madushka Balasuriya19-Sep-2024Partnerships were the name of the game as New Zealand strung together several of significance to come within 50 runs of Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 305 at stumps on day two in Galle.There were breezy fifties from Tom Latham and Kane Williamson, and Rachin Ravindra also put forward an aggressive cameo. By the time an extended final session ended 15 minutes early due to bad light, there were more names on that list, as Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell had put together an unbeaten stand of 59 off 105. Theirs was the fourth 50-plus stand of the innings on a day that belonged almost in totality to the visitors.All this happened despite a rain-curtailed morning session during which only 15 minutes of play were possible. But that was all it took for New Zealand to pick up the remaining three Sri Lanka wickets.Related

Latham's sweeping success shows NZ will not get bogged down on turning tracks

Sri Lanka’s best moments of the day were just that – moments – as their bowlers struggled to put together any periods of concerted pressure. Despite the surface offering turn, none of the four spinners used by the hosts were able to find consistent lines and lengths – either due to the strong breeze across the stadium or the New Zealand batters’ proactiveness in using their feet as well as a variety of sweeps.The hosts were also unable to build on any of the wickets to fall, with each new batter settling in quickly. Only a burst from Dhananjaya de Silva, when he dismissed Williamson and Ravindra in the space of two overs, offered a glimmer of Sri Lankan dominance, but that hope was snuffed out quickly by Mitchell and Blundell.Kusal Mendis took an excellent catch to send back Kane Williamson•Associated PressThe rest of the spinners’ figures told a story. Prabath Jayasuriya toiled for 31 overs for figures of 99 for 1, easily his worst in Galle thus far, while Ramesh Mendis’ 17 overs went for 69 and brought a solitary scalp. Kamindu Mendis was used only for one over that went for eight.Earlier in the day, it was Latham and Williamson who proved to be Sri Lanka’s tormentors. Latham, in particular, provided the blueprint during his 111-ball 70, both with his footwork and, more potently, prolific use of the sweep and reverse sweep.While Devon Conway never really looked anywhere close to his flowing best, labouring his way to 17 off 59 deliveries, Latham was more than making up for it at the other end. This ensured a solid opening stand of 63, one brought to an end against the run of play – and upon review – with Conway missing one from Ramesh Mendis that straightened after pitching.Instead of bringing Sri Lanka back into proceedings, the wicket only hastened New Zealand’s advancement as Williamson easily matched Latham’s urgency. Within his first 14 deliveries, the former captain had cut, pulled and lofted two boundaries and a six, and while that rate of scoring was never going to be maintained, the Sri Lanka spinners’ wayward lines allied with expert manoeuvring from both Williamson and Latham meant dot balls were rarely strung together.Daryl Mitchell attempts a reverse sweep, a shot New Zealand’s batters used quite often against spin•Associated PressThat Sri Lanka eventually broke the 73-run stand, which took only 120 balls, was down to the batter’s error more than the bowlers’ effectiveness, as Latham’s most potent weapon – the sweep – became his undoing, when he top-edged to backward square leg off Jayasuriya at the stroke of tea.There was no respite for Sri Lanka in the final session either, as Ravindra managed to further up the ante over the course of a 48-ball 39. His expert use of the depth of the crease also meant any error in length was punished square of the wicket on either side.The Williamson-Ravindra stand of 51 took just 84 deliveries, and were it not for a piece of brilliance from wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis – leaping forward past the stumps to hold on to a leading edge of Williamson – it was hard to see where a breakthrough might have come from. Ravindra himself fell shortly after, leaving an arm ball that clattered into his off stump and punching his bat in disgust on the way back to the dressing room. But Sri Lanka’s joy was short-lived as Mitchell and Blundell negotiated safely whatever was thrown at them, including a period of short-ball barrages from Asitha Fernando.During the heavily rain-affected morning session, William O’Rourke starred once more, adding two further wickets to his overnight tally, to end with figures of 5 for 55 as Sri Lanka were bowled out adding just three runs to their overnight total.

After officially announcing the arrival of Lucas Perri, Leeds United have reportedly launched an improved bid in an attempt to sign their eighth fresh face of the window.

Perri: Leeds move a “great opportunity”

When assessing his squad following promotion last season, a new goalkeeper would have been among Daniel Farke’s top priorities following the struggles that Ilan Meslier faced.

As such, names such as Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic were both mentioned in the early stages of the transfer window, only for both goalkeepers to seal moves to Brentford and Bournemouth respectively. But that didn’t end Leeds’ search, as they quickly turned their focus towards Perri, who has now been signed and delivered.

After putting pen to paper, the former Lyon shot-stopper told the official club website: “It was a really exciting moment for me. I was really, really glad that the club showed interest. It was incredible. To sign here I am very, very happy.

“From the videos I saw the goal celebrations, especially this last game of the season, which was an away game, and saw the parade for the Championship title and the atmosphere at Elland Road.

“I watched the Premier League since I was really young and to see all the goalkeepers that have been in the Premier League that have been successful in the Premier League, they were incredible goalkeepers.

“I think it is a great challenge for me, a great opportunity, and I am really happy and focused to be my best version here. I want to feel the atmosphere, to see the fans and the stadium. I think it will be an incredible opportunity and an incredible stadium to play in.”

Meanwhile, with another priority signing now ticked off the list, the 49ers have now set their sights on securing a talented attacking reinforcement.

Leeds launch "improved" Paixao offer

According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have now launched an “improved” offer to sign Igor Paixao from Feyenoord this summer.

Elland Road chiefs are now pushing to secure a deal as soon as possible, with reports suggesting that Feyenoord are demanding as much as £35m to sell their star winger.

Negotiations may not be about to get any simpler, however. As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, the Whites are ready to pay £28m, but have been unable to come to an agreement to sign Feyenoord’s South American winger.

£35m may seem like a steep valuation, but a closer look at Paixao’s numbers suggest that he would more than pay that back in the form of goal involvements next season.

If the Brazilian completes a move and goes on to replicate his Feyenoord form at Elland Road, then Farke would instantly have a new leading talisman at his disposal.

Leeds initiate talks with "outstanding" star who "will" leave his club

The Whites face competition for his signature.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Praised for his “insane” ball-striking ability by analyst Ben Mattinson, Paixor managed 37 goal involvements last season and could now be joining a Leeds side which already ended their promotion campaign on 95 goals.

Hansi Flick has decided to rest Frenkie de Jong for the Valencia clash after the Netherlands international arrived at the club with Gluteal discomfort

De Jong sidelined with gluteal discomfortCoach prioritises Champions League fixtureGavi's knee issue further complicates matters Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

De Jong has returned to Barca after leaving the Netherlands national team camp with a gluteal injury. According to , the 28-year-old did not train with the squad and has been ruled out for the upcoming La Liga match against Valencia. The midfielder reportedly picked up the injury in Netherland's clash against Poland and the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has already sent a medical report to the club. Flick's decision to rest De Jong is a strategic one, aimed at having him in peak condition for the important Champions League match against Newcastle.

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Flick's side are facing a midfield selection crisis early in the season. With De Jong's injury and the lingering issues surrounding Gavi, the Blaugrana's midfield depth are being tested. This situation has forced the coach to rely on other players, such as Marc Casado and Pedri, to form the crucial midfield partnership.

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Gavi has suffered a new injury blow with persistent discomfort in his right knee, the same one that was affected by a torn ACL in 2023. As a result, Barca's medical team have decided to give the midfielder a three-week period for conservative treatment to see if the pain subsides on its own. Otherwise, a surgical intervention might be necessary. 

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

With De Jong next set to feature against the Magpies and Gavi returning in October should he avoid surgery, Barca's midfield will have to rely on Casado and Pedri in their absence. Barca will be facing Valencia next in the league before travelling to St. James' Park to face Newcastle in their opening fixture of the Champions League on September 18.

Despite already securing the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, there’s still a huge lingering sense of disappointment at Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White emerged as a key target for Thomas Frank’s side, as the Dane looks to improve the forward options at his disposal in North London.

The hierarchy even went to the length of triggering his £60m release clause, leading to Fabrizio Romano confirming he was set for a medical at the club.

However, his move has now been cancelled after Nottingham Forest lodged an appeal for an illegal approach, resulting in the 25-year-old signing a record-breaking contract with his current employers.

As a result, missing out on his signature has seen other targets being considered for the number ten role, with Frank evidently wanting to improve such a position ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Despite having James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already on the books at Spurs, other attacking options are being considered to provide depth within the final third.

The likes of James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Jack Grealish have been touted with moves to North London, still remaining on their shortlist despite interest elsewhere.

They’re not the only ones currently in their sights, leading to Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey being named as another target, according to TBR Football.

They claim that the Lilywhites are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old forward, who could be able to depart Villa Park if an acceptable offer is presented this summer.

The report also states that Unai Emery’s side are currently demanding a £40m fee to part ways with the academy graduate who’s notched 14 Premier League goals in his career to date.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

There’s no denying that, given the work conducted for Gibbs-White’s signature this summer, that the Forest star was the number one target to strengthen their squad.

Frank has previously stated his admiration for the England international, likely being gutted to miss out on his services after the hierarchy demonstrated their ambition, given years of inactivity in the market.

£60m in today’s market would’ve been an excellent price tag for a player of his quality, but if the club are to be successful next campaign, they will need to rapidly move on to other targets.

Such a situation has seen Ramsey emerge as a key target for Frank’s side, potentially allowing them to forget about the disappointment currently being felt in North London.

However, any move for the Villa star would allow the club to land their own version of the Forest star, potentially replicating a deal that saw the 25-year-old move to the City Ground.

Ramsey could join the Lilywhites for a similar fee as Gibbs-White did a couple of years ago, whilst also moving away from his boyhood club in order to further his career.

The similarities are there for all to see, but when delving into their underlying figures from 2024/25, the Villa academy graduate has managed to better the former target in various areas, arguably being a better addition for Frank’s side.

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

4

15

Pass accuracy

85%

78%

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.3

Take-on success

54%

40%

Progressive carries

3.4

2.2

Carries into opposition box

1.2

0.4

Tackles won

0.9

0.7

Blocks made

1.3

0.5

Ramsey, who’s been dubbed “ridiculous” by Squawka, managed to complete more passes, registering more into the opposition box per 90 last season, arguably being a more creative option for the Lilywhites.

The number ten role also requires individual brilliance, something which the 24-year-old possesses, as seen by his higher tallies of take-ons completed and carries into the opposition’s box per 90.

Whilst the attacking role requires talent with the ball, it also comes with the demands of being effective out of possession, something which the Villa gem has demonstrated, winning more tackles per 90, potentially being a superb all-round option within the current Spurs side.

He may not provide the immediate excitement like a deal for Gibbs-White did, but Ramsey is a hugely talented player who could add further quality to the current first team squad in North London.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could even surpass the levels produced by the Reds’ talent, potentially seeing the disappointment of missing out on his signature become a blessing in disguise.

Big Solanke upgrade: Spurs exploring deal to sign £26m "monster"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a deal to sign a new striker who would be an upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

ByDan Emery Jul 27, 2025

Australia quick signs for Blast but could feature across formats

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2024Somerset have agreed a return for Australia quick Riley Meredith next year. Meredith, 28, will be available for the Vitality Blast, as well as potentially in the County Championship and One-Day Cup, depending on the structure of the season.Meredith enjoyed a successful first spell in county cricket during the summer, his 14 wickets in the Blast helping defending champions Somerset reach Finals Day – although he was unable to play in the knockout stages after being called up by Australia. He also picked up six wickets in three One-Day Cup appearances.”I really enjoyed my time with Somerset this year and I’m looking forward to coming back to England next summer,” Meredith said. “We played some good cricket, and it was nice to be able to play a part in some good wins. Hopefully, we can go on to lift some silverware in 2025.”Somerset’s director of cricket, Andy Hurry, said. “We were all extremely impressed with how Riley performed on the field and by how he seamlessly he fitted into the group.”He showed that he is a world-class performer, and he brought something a little different to our already outstanding attack. He bowled with genuine pace and aggression and will once again be a valuable addition to our squad next summer.”

Wolves’ summer window has been one marked by exodus. Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri have joined Manchester clubs, and long-standing players like Nélson Semedo and Pablo Sarabia have also left on free transfers.

These departures have led to some pundits talking about Wolves in terms of Premier League relegation candidates, but the board are making moves to ensure they survive the drop.

Underrated striker Jorgen Strand Larsen’s time at the club has been made permanent, and he has arrived alongside his Celta Vigo teammate Fer Lopez for a combined £43.3 million. These signings will go some way in securing the club’s future, but Vitor Pereira is looking to further deepen their roster by bringing in a versatile player who can support the team across the pitch.

Pereira working to bring in versatile Tchatchoua

Ben Jacobs has shared on X that Wolves have approached Hellas Verona over the signing of Jackson Tchatchoua “with club-to-club talks active”. The Cameroon international spent most of his early career in the Belgian league before joining Verona last summer. He is seen as one of a number of targets that Wolves are currently exploring.

Verona paid just under £2.6 million for Tchatchoua last summer and are looking to make a hefty profit on him already. Fabrizio Romano reported that Nottingham Forest had previously been interested, and there were other reports of a £10 million offer from the Reds, though nothing materialised.

Tchatchoua doesn’t look like a replacement for one specific player, as during his time for Hella Verona, he has been utilised in six different positions, including right and left back, on both sides of the midfield and further up as a left or right winger. He could fit comfortably in any of the roles that were previously occupied by Ait-Nouri, Sarabia or Semedo.

Tchatchoua's versatility and his drawbacks

The phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” may come to some apprehensive fans’ minds when hearing of a player who can play in six different positions. With Tchatchoua, there may be some merit to this fear.

When looking at his stats in comparison to similar profile players, there are very few categories where he stands out, and in most metrics, he is middle of the pack. Where he does shine is in his dribbling, his winning of possession high up the pitch and in not letting players past him.

However, he struggles in terms of pass accuracy (where he was in the bottom third of players in Europe last term) and touches per 90 (where he was in the bottom 5 per cent of players). These are some worrying results that indicate he is not a confident player with the ball, but with his previously mentioned ability to win the ball and dribble, he will get Wolves further up the pitch with his directness.

While he may not specialise in any position and has some areas of weakness, he should do a competent job wherever Pereira puts him, and with the high volume of games teams now face, he may become an invaluable addition to the squad.

Christian Eriksen has headed to the Bundesliga, signing with Wolfsburg on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract.

Free agent joins WolfsburgLeverkusen links ended by swift Wolfsburg moveEx-United star joins Kane in GermanyFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Danish international, a free agent since leaving United in June, has followed his former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane to the Bundesliga. The 33-year-old, who previously starred for Spurs and Inter, had been heavily linked with Bayer Leverkusen, especially following the arrival of Kasper Hjulmand, his former Denmark coach.

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For Eriksen, this move represents a fresh chapter, from his near-fatal cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 to his inspirational return at Brentford and United, the playmaker has consistently defied the odds. Joining Wolfsburg marks his first-ever spell in German football, a league renowned for its tactical intensity and physical demands.

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Reports in Germany suggested that Leverkusen were frontrunners for Eriksen, with Hjulmand keen to reunite with his trusted playmaker. English media outlets even hinted that a Leverkusen deal was close. However, Wolfsburg acted quickly, arranging travel from Odense to Braunschweig for Eriksen to secure the midfielder. Eriksen has been maintaining fitness with Malmo in Sweden following his United exit. His form at Old Trafford last season showed flashes of quality, as he netted five goals and made six assists in 35 appearances.

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WHAT NEXT FOR WOLFSBURG & ERIKSEN?

For Wolfsburg, Eriksen's arrival not only boosts their midfield options but also raises their profile in the Bundesliga. It remains to be seen if he is thrown into the mix when the German side host Koln on Saturday.

This is the automatic next step after the ECB sanctioned him for his action two days ago. The BCB also said Shakib will soon appear for reassessment to have his action cleared

Mohammad Isam15-Dec-2024Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in all competitions run by ICC-approved national federations, both domestic and international, the BCB said in a statement on Sunday. Shakib had been suspended from bowling by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for an illegal action, and this, the BCB said, was the automatic next step. The board also said Shakib will soon appear for reassessment at an accredited testing centre in an effort to have his action cleared and his suspension lifted.Shakib failed an independent assessment of his action at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing centre in the UK, earlier this month, after being reported for a suspect action during an English county cricket match in September. This prompted the ECB’s action, and, in accordance with clause 11.3 of the ICC’s regulations for illegal bowling actions, when a national federation suspends a player from bowling in its domestic competitions, the suspension is automatically recognised and enforced by the ICC in international cricket and by all national cricket federations in their respective domestic competitions. This applies immediately, upon receipt of the official notice, without the need for further formalities.”The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been informed that national team allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As a result, Shakib is also suspended from bowling in domestic cricket competitions outside Bangladesh and in international cricket,” the BCB statement said.Related

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“Should the results of this [reassessment] analysis clear his action, Shakib will be permitted to bowl in international cricket and in domestic cricket competitions under the jurisdiction of all national cricket federations.”For now Shakib can play as a batter in all forms of domestic and international cricket.This caps an extraordinary year for the feted Bangladesh allrounder, whose international career is already in a state of limbo stemming from his role as a Member of Parliament in the now-overturned Awami League government after protests in which several hundred civilians – mostly university students – were killed in July and August. He is effectively retired from Tests and T20Is; his wish of a farewell Test at home in Dhaka was thwarted by protesting students.Shakib is still an active player in ODIs but he wasn’t picked for the Afghanistan and West Indies series in the past four weeks. He is currently playing in the Lanka T10 competition. Shakib did not bowl in the last two matches for Galle Marvels, including the one played on Sunday evening.

After eight seasons outside the luxuries of the Premier League, it’s fair to say Sunderland returned with a bang against West Ham United.

The first half played out as a tense 0-0 affair, before the Black Cats then suddenly burst into life as Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard, and Wilson Isidor all found the back of the net in quick succession to hand Regis Le Bris’ underdogs a glorious 3-0 win.

Off the back of such an impressive victory, Sunderland find themselves just below top spot in the Premier League on goal difference, owing to Manchester City’s slightly more emphatic 4-0 success.

The aim will be to continue to put wins on the board to ensure a heartbreaking relegation doesn’t happen, with more signings looking to be in the pipeline, too, in order to help matters on the pitch.

Sunderland explore move for £30m star

Sunderland really have been one of the big spenders in the Premier League this summer, despite their newly promoted status.

£141.5m has been splashed out in total on 12 brand new signings, with the Black Cats adding former Bayer Leverkusen right-back Nordi Mukele to their camp just after the resounding triumph over the Hammers for £9.5m.

More cash could soon be spent on landing Getafe attacker Christantus Uche, with both Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen on the Nigerian forward, on top of Le Bris’ outfit further taking a fancy to this new £30m target to upgrade their options up top.

Indeed, it had been reported that Sunderland had lodged a £27m bid for Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu. An update from BBC Sport confirms that the Wearside club is exploring a possible move for the standout Foxes winger, but a move may well prove to be tricky to get over the line, owing to his pricey valuation, which is now allegedly closer to £30m.

That means any move for the Ghanaian to join the Stadium of Light ranks would match their record transfer fee for Habib Diarra.

It could well be deemed a gamble worth exploring, with a potential here for Sunderland to pick up their next Amad Diallo if Fatawu goes on to be as tricky and effective as the Ivorian was all those years ago donning the famous red and white stripes.

How Fatawu could be Sunderland's next Amad

Amad would never get to grace the Stadium of Light turf in the Premier League.

Instead, he proved to be a dangerous spark throughout his loan stint in the Championship for the Wearside outfit, with Sunderland fans still possessing a fondness for the slick 23-year-old two years on from his explosive stint at the club.

14 goals and four assists would fall into Amad’s lap from 42 memorable appearances for the Black Cats, with his game then taken to that next level back at parent employers Manchester United, leaving him with a healthy haul of 14 goals and 12 assists for the Red Devils from 65 outings.

Fatawu will hope he can become as established in the Premier League if a move to Sunderland does manage to get off the ground, having already been dubbed “unplayable” for his heroics in the EFL by scout Jacek Kulig.

Games played

40

Goals scored

6

Assists

13

Big chances missed

0

Big chances created

32

Total duels won*

6.1

During Leicester’s title-winning exploits under Enzo Maresca, Fatawu would routinely light up the Championship – in a similar rampaging fashion to Amad on Wearside – with the right-sided winger accumulating a ridiculous 19 goal contributions from 40 clashes.

Staggeringly, 32 big chances would also be created from those contests, with the 21-year-old always on the front foot, wanting to make openings happen, much like his fellow left-footer Amad always looked to dazzle and please supporters when situated at Sunderland.

The next big stride Fatawu will have to make is translating this jaw-dropping Championship form over to the Premier League regularly, having managed to amass two assists at the level last campaign, before a cruciate ligament nightmare took over.

Sunderland might well be the best place for him to explode into life even more, based on their gung-ho performance against the Hammers, with the opportunity there for him to emerge as the next exciting young talent on the right flank, in the mould of Amad before him.

Moreover, their glittering track record with up-and-coming gems coming good is also in their favour here, as another major buy looks to be completed by the ambitious, top-flight newcomers in the nick of time.

An Adingra repeat: Sunderland submit huge bid to sign "unplayable" star

Sunderland aren’t done just yet with their excessive summer spending.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 19, 2025