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The exploits of the eight Indian players at the Women’s Big Bash League this week

Annesha Ghosh29-Oct-20211:39

Sophie Molineux: ‘To have Harmanpreet Kaur standing at mid-off is pretty handy’

Jemimah Rodrigues
A new week brought two new opening partners and a maiden WBBL fifty for Melbourne Renegades opener Rodrigues, who smashed a scintillating 75 not out, the third-highest score of the season, to sink Sydney Thunder. Having made 33, 14, and 13 in her three previous appearances, Rodrigues reached her half-century in 37 balls, adding 84 for the opening stand with Josephine Dooley. Shuffling across her crease, sweeping with ease, and often making room to free her arms, Rodrigues struck nine fours in her 56-ball knock, propelling Renegades to a winning total of 142 in a fixture that saw four Indians locked in a battle of one-upmanship.Related

• Indians at the WBBL: Shafali Verma blows hot and cold, and Poonam Yadav rediscovers her mojo

Harmanpreet Kaur
A batter historically susceptible to lbw owing to the iffy nature of her front-foot defense, Renegades’ in-form No. 4, Harmanpreet, was trapped in front in a copybook dismissal, having added just three in a 14-run stand with Rodrigues against Thunder. Failure with the bat, however, didn’t deter the allrounder from making an impact on the game, for she knocked the wind out of Thunder’s innings by bowling set batter Smriti Mandhana in a critical phase of their chase and also helped effect the run-out of the middle-order batter Anika Learoyd.That Renegades had won their previous game was also down to Harmanpreet’s all-round brilliance. Her 4-0-17-2 against Sydney Sixers included the wickets of Ashleigh Gardner and Alyssa Healy. She was involved in the dismissal of Shafali Verma as well. And when it was her turn to bat, she capitalised on a lifeline received when she was 20 and pummeled back-to-back sixes in the 17th over to seal Renegades’ 119 chase.Player of the Match Harmanpreet Kaur has a light moment with her India team-mates Radha Yadav (L) and Jemimah Rodrigues (R)•Sarah Reed/Getty ImagesSmriti Mandhana
Three single-digit scores preceded a maiden half-century in Thunder colours for Mandhana even as the defending champions remained winless after five matches this season. Early dismissals to pace meant the opener had to depart for 9 and 3 in chases against Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars, before a change of personal fortunes came about, in Thunder’s quest of 143 against Renegades. Though her 44-ball 64 featured an array of trademark lofted shots and a deceptively effortless assortment of pulls, it wasn’t quite enough as her team fell short by nine runs.Deepti SharmaThunder shunted Deepti between Nos. 5 and 8, and she responded with a run-a-ball 20 against Scorchers, 44 not-out off 48 against Stars (a personal best at WBBL), and an unbeaten 10-ball 23 against Renegades. In all three innings, Deepti was either the side’s top-scorer or second most successful batter, but in the absence of sustained support at the other end, her efforts often went in vain. With the ball, the offspin-bowling allrounder picked up two wickets in her three outings this week.Richa Ghosh top-scored for Hobart Hurricanes•Getty ImagesRicha GhoshSlotted below her designated position throughout the opening week, Hurricanes batter Ghosh made 4 and 24 not out at No. 5 and 22 at No. 6. The highest of those scores came in a chase of 145 against Stars. Four fours, including the match-sealing one, underpinned her 16-ball innings. With 119 runs in six innings at an average of 23.80, she holds the eighth position on the highest run-scorers list, three places below Rodrigues.Ghosh also had her first brush with the gloves in the WBBL this week, stepping in for the injured Rachel Priest one over into Heat’s chase, and picking up a smart, low catch to dismiss opener Georgia Redmayne.Poonam Yadav
The wristspinner remained wicketless in her two outings this week. In the rain-curtailed 11-overs-a-side contest against Adelaide Strikers, she leaked 19 off just two overs, 13 of which were plundered by Dane van Niekerk alone. Two days later, Poonam, operating in two spells outside the powerplay, kept the leash on the Hurricanes with 11 dots in 3.4 overs that cost only 16. But the final two deliveries of her spell sullied her figures a touch as Ruth Johnston carted her for a six and a four.Radha Yadav
In Sixers’ only completed game of the week, against Renegades, Radha could have forced the opposition into a tough spot even in a chase of 119 if Healy had not botched a stumping. Harmanpreet, the eventual match-winner, was enticed out of her crease by a flighted delivery in the 16th over but the wicketkeeper failed to collect it cleanly. One ball later, Radha took a return catch to dismiss Courtney Webb and finished with 1 for 12 off two overs. She also helped effect the run out of Rodrigues with a throw from the deep.Shafali Verma
Sixers opener Shafali stumbled to a second straight duck in the WBBL as her oscillation between two extremes continued this week. Her scores so far in the tournament: 0, 0, 57 and 8.

West Ham are expected to make an offer to sign one striker who’s ready to green-light an immediate January exit, according to reports this week.

West Ham target new striker in January

The east Londoners have identified recruiting a forward as one of their primary objectives for the January window as Nuno Espírito Santo battles to steer the club away from relegation.

Currently languishing in 18th with just 10 points from 15 Premier League games, the Hammers have managed a meagre 17 goals this season — the fourth-lowest amount in the top flight.

Callum Wilson’s recent form has been a major positive, but with 2024 summer flop Niclas Füllkrug expected to depart, West Ham quite simply need another option up top.

The German international has mustered just three goals in 29 appearances across all competitions whilst battling persistent injury problems since his move from Borussia Dortmund last year.

Niclas Füllkrug is set to leave the London Stadium in January following his lacklustre stint in England, so West Ham are believed to be looking at strikers to replace him.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Brighton 1-1 West Ham

His lacklustre displays indicate a mutual desire for separation, with Hamburg and Stuttgart reportedly monitoring his availability for a potential Bundesliga return.

West Ham have compiled an extensive shortlist of potential striker targets spanning multiple leagues.

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Santiago Gimenez remains under consideration at the London Stadium, despite his struggles at AC Milan following his January 2025 move from Feyenoord, with intermediaries actively offering the Mexican international to multiple clubs.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has also been linked with a move to Rush Green, while it is believed that West Ham are big fans of Union Saint-Gilloise forward Promise David too.

Now, as per Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio striker Taty Castellanos is another forward attracting their interest.

West Ham bid expected for Lazio striker Taty Castellanos

West Ham were linked with a move for the Argentine all the way back in 2022 during his time at New York City in the MLS, and that fondness for Castellanos hasn’t gone away.

According to Il Messaggero, Lazio are actively anticipating an offer worth between £22-26 million from West Ham for the 27-year-old forward.

Lazio desperately need funds to avoid another transfer ban as they continue battling severe financial difficulties.

Crucially, the report indicates Castellanos is prepared to join West Ham, or any other suitor, “straight away” as he looks to greenlight an exit from Rome next month.

The striker’s growing dissatisfaction with life under Maurizio Sarri at Lazio, particularly struggling to adapt to his manager’s tactical approach, means he’s quite keen to leave.

His desire for regular football stems from World Cup ambitions with Argentina, making a January departure increasingly attractive.

Castellanos would apparently give immediate approval to any Premier League approach, though La Liga clubs are also monitoring developments.

West Ham initially registered their interest during the summer transfer window when they made preliminary enquiries about the forward’s availability, with Nuno identifying striker reinforcements as his main January priority.

Lazio have already identified Atlético Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori as a potential replacement, and the Italy international has told his representatives to explore opportunities within Serie A.

This preparation could prove instrumental in facilitating Castellanos’s London switch, with the clubs potentially willing to conduct business once suitable alternatives are secured.

Shohei Ohtani had a monster game on Thursday night as the Los Angeles Dodgers blew out the Athletics 19-2 at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani hit home runs in back-to-back innings to move into a tie for the league lead during the victory. If there was a bright spot for the A's, it may be that they found someone who can effectively deal with the three-time MVP at the plate: backup catcher Jhonny Pereda.

Trailing by 14 heading into the 8th, Pereda took the mound to try and save the arms in the bullpen. Ohtani came to the plate with two runners on and no outs. Pereda threw four straight fastballs that were clocked between 62 and 68 MPH. After Ohtani took three pitches and fouled one off Pereda reached back and threw an 89 MPH four-seam fastball.

Everything that happened after that was amazing.

First Pereda flinched as he saw Ohtani swing the bat. Ohtani grimaced knowing he had chased one up and out of the zone and missed. The knowledge that he had been struck out by a position player probably didn't help. Pereda tried to stay cool, but couldn't hide his smile. Then he threw the ball over the dugout so that he could keep the ball forever.

Pereda, 29, made his MLB debut last season with the Miami Marlins. He's 6-for-32 with a double and RBI this season with the Athletics. Whatever else he does as a big leaguer, he'll always be able to say he struck out one of the best hitters in the history of the game. And he's got the souvenir to prove it.

Leeds United have made an approach to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, alongside two other Premier League clubs, and a January move could now be possible.

A lack of goals has been an issue for Leeds so far this season, having scored just ten Premier League goals, the joint-second lowest figure in the top flight, with Danny Murphy bemoaning their lack of quality attacking options back in September.

Murphy said: “I think the biggest problem for Burnley and Leeds is firepower. I agree with what we talked about earlier. I think all the newly promoted sides doing well is great for the Premier League.

“I’d like to see them all stay up, actually. But I don’t think it’ll be the case.

Since then, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has continued to struggle in front of goal, having found the back just once in nine league outings, although Daniel Farke will be glad Lukas Nmecha scored his first goal from open play at the weekend, albeit in a 3-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

As a result of that loss, the Whites are just one point above the relegation zone, sitting in 16th place, and it has been revealed they have now made an approach to sign a new forward ahead of the January transfer window.

Leeds make contact to sign Gonzalo Plata

According to journalist Fabricio Lopes (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now made contact to sign Flamengo winger Gonzalo Plata, and the Brazilian club could be willing to sanction a move in the January transfer window.

Indeed, Flamengo have become increasingly frustrated with Plata, given that he went to a nightclub before an important match, which means they will now be open to offers this winter, although there could be competition for his signature.

AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United have also made enquiries over a deal for the Flamengo star, who remains under contract until June 2029, putting his current employers in a strong negotiating position.

There may be some concerns over the 25-year-old’s off-field issues, but he certainly has plenty of ability, having been lauded as “exceptional” by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this year.

The Ecuadorian is established at international level, having scored eight goals in 45 appearances for his national side, while the versatile attacker, who is also capable of playing at centre-forward, has also chipped in with 17 goal contributions in 63 appearances for Flamengo.

Leeds may need a fresh injection of quality in attack if they are to avoid the drop, given that not a single one of their players has scored over two goals this season.

Leeds’ top scorers

Number of goals

Joe Rodon

2

Lukas Nmecha

2

Noah Okofor

2

Sean Longstaff

1

Brenden Aaronson

1

Anton Stach

1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

1

That said, it would be a risk to sign Plata, given that the Ecuador international is unproven in the Premier League, and wasn’t exactly prolific in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A, netting four goals in 24 outings.

Leeds identify Brendan Rodgers as Daniel Farke replacement Leeds could replace Farke with FA Cup winner who once went 62 games unbeaten

Leeds United could end their Daniel Farke misery by going after this world-class upgrade.

1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 10, 2025

Wolves now see Rob Edwards as a leading choice to replace Vitor Pereira as manager, having failed to bring Gary O’Neil back to the club.

Pereira was relieved of his duties over the weekend, following a dreadful start to the season that sees Wanderers sit bottom of the Premier League table, with Jeff Shi confirming the decision.

“Vitor and his team worked tirelessly for Wolves and helped guide us through a challenging period last season, for which we are grateful. Unfortunately, the start to this season has been a disappointment and, despite our strong desire to give the head coach time and matches to find an improvement, we have reached a point where we must make a change. We thank Vitor and his staff for their efforts and wish them the very best for the future.”

O’Neil had emerged as a front-runner to replace Pereira, but the former Wolves manager has now reportedly decided against a return to Molineux, feeling it isn’t the right time.

Meanwhile, former Wanderers striker Robbie Keane is another name who has been thrown into the mix, and now a key update has emerged regarding Middlesbrough manager Edwards taking charge.

Edwards speaks out about taking Wolves job

Speaking to BBC Radio Tees, Edwards didn’t rule out taking over as Wolves manager, but admitted his focus is on his current club at the moment.

“I can understand it with my links to the club but my full focus is on this job here, which is a brilliant job, and trying to turn things around for a really big game against Leicester. It’s hard for me to comment on speculation and anything other than Middlesbrough. We’ve done a decent job so far, and all I care about is trying to win tomorrow.”

Journalist Ben Jacobs has added that Edwards is high on Wolves’ wishlist after O’Neil’s snub and has a release clause in his Boro contract, with the Old Gold looking to ‘try and line up a replacement for Pereira before the Chelsea game’.

Edwards is an impressive young manager who already knows Wolves well, not only spending four years there as a player, but also having a brief spell in interim charge back in 2016.

The 42-year-old famously guided Luton Town into the Premier League from the Championship, which was a special achievement, and he has been hailed by journalist Mark Ogden for his “ultra-positive” approach.

Middlesbrough

14

1.79

Luton Town

103

1.18

Watford

11

1.27

Forest Green

53

1.75

England Under-16s

1

0.00

Wolves Under-23s

34

1.76

Telford United

42

1.26

While Edwards will clearly be focusing on guiding Middlesbrough into the top flight, the lure of Wolves could be great for him, both in terms of returning to the club and also getting another Premier League job.

He is still a relatively young manager, so there is some risk in Wanderers appointing him, at a time when a more experienced head who knows how to get out of trouble arguably makes more sense.

Better than O'Neil: Wolves looking to hire "insanely talented" English boss

Wolves are reportedly keen on a manager who would be a better option than Gary O’Neil.

ByDan Emery Nov 3, 2025

But if those high up at the club feel that the 3-4-2-1-playing Edwards is the right man to get Wolves out of this current mess, they need to be trusted, with age only a number and the Englishman already impressing so much in his managerial career.

Robbie Keane in talks with Wolves as Steven Gerrard gives clarity on future

Lamine Yamal is ignoring his latest comparisons to Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, with the teenage wonderkid pointing out that the Argentine GOAT has “scored 1000s of goals” that are similar to the strike he recorded against Club Brugge. Yamal delivered another moment of magic in that Champions League contest, but is reluctant to liken himself to an all-time great.

• Barcelona No.10: Yamal does iconic jersey justice

  Yamal’s dancing feet were on full display as he illuminated a continental clash in Belgium. He was unable to inspire Barca to victory, as an entertaining encounter finished 3-3, but he did register the most impressive goal of the game.

  The 18-year-old was able to glide past defenders on the edge of the box, play a quick one-two with Fermin Lopez, and roll the ball into the bottom corner. Said effort conjured up memories of Messi dancing his way past opponents while donning Barcelona’s iconic No.10 jersey.

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• Messi comparisons: Why Yamal is avoiding that debate

  Yamal has been compared to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner since stepping out of the fabled La Masia academy system. He is also left-footed, but has always sought to distance himself from a debate that he is not yet worthy of dominating.

  He told reporters when discussing his latest Messi-esque effort for Barca: “I can't compare myself with Messi. He's scored thousands of goals like that. I have to make my own way and hope to score many more goals like that. I try to do the best I can. The move went really quick and Fermín's left me with the ball with a nice flick. I have controlled it and finished it.”

• Ballon d'Or winner: Yamal tipped to reach the top

  Yamal has previously said of building his own legacy in world football, rather than claiming a share of Messi’s: “I’ve always tried to forge my own path. Of course, Messi is the greatest player in history for me, without a doubt. He’s left-footed, and so am I. He played for Barcelona, and I play for Barcelona. He played as a right winger, and so do I. We definitely have a lot in common, and that’s okay. I just want to carve my own path.

  “He wrote his legendary story, and I hope to have a successful career like his. But more importantly, I want to play football my way, to write my own story, and to make people remember the name Lamine Yamal.”

  He is expected to become an icon in his own right, with former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit suggesting that the youngster could go on to eclipse Messi’s record-breaking haul of Golden Balls.

  The Frenchman told : “I think the Ballon d’Or is his main reason for wanting the number 10, he is already thinking about it, he is a tremendous footballer. I can’t name a player that has been as impressive as him at his age, every time he touches the ball something happens. You’d think he was 28 and in his prime.

  “He dribbles past players like it’s the PlayStation and he makes defenders look like cones, he has such a high ceiling, he could become even better than Messi. Messi won eight Ballons d’Or, Yamal will have motivation to go even further, he’s a joy to watch.”

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• Getty
  

  Injury frustration: Yamal recovered from untimely knock

  Yamal has seen his 2025-26 campaign disrupted by injury, with an untimely knock being picked up while on international duty with Spain. He sat out seven games for club and country as a result, but appears to be fit and firing at present.

  He has claimed that a lot of “lies” were told during his enforced spell on the sidelines, with Barca managing his fitness carefully, with full focus now locked on delivering match-altering goals and assists.

  Defending Liga champions Barcelona need him to do that on a regular basis, as they chase down Clasico rivals Real Madrid in another battle for domestic supremacy in Spain, with Hansi Flick’s side set to reach another international break after travelling to Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for a “fantastic” midfielder, as they believe he would be a perfect fit for the Premier League.

Spurs looking to sign new midfielder amid Bissouma uncertainty

Yves Bissouma was widely expected to leave Tottenham during the summer transfer window, given the central midfielder’s well-documented fall-out with Thomas Frank, but the Malian ultimately remained at N17 following an injury blow.

Since then, Bissouma has managed to return to action, but he was recently stretchered off after being on the receiving end of a heavy challenge during Mali’s 4-1 victory over Madagascar in World Cup qualifying.

It remains to be seen whether the north Londoners are able to get the midfielder off the books in the January transfer window, but it doesn’t seem like he stands much chance of getting back in the side, given the fantastic start Joao Palhinha has made.

With an average SofaScore match rating of 7.21 in the Premier League, Palhinha is ranked as Spurs’ joint-second best-performing player so far this season, which suggests bringing in a new defensive midfielder will not be necessary anytime soon.

However, Tottenham have now joined the race for a central midfielder, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have taken an interest in FC Porto’s Victor Froholdt, who is also being targeted by Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Atletico Madrid.

The Lilywhites believe Froholdt’s energy and physical attributes mean he is perfect for the Premier League, and with Porto open to offers, a move could be possible in 2026, although any deal is likely to be on the expensive side.

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The Portuguese club are looking to receive a fee of around €50m – €60m (£43m – £52m), with the race for the midfielder’s signature heating up following several scouting missions.

"Fantastic" Froholdt impressing for club and country

The Danish maestro, who is represented by the same agent as Frank, only arrived at FC Porto in the summer, joining from FC Copenhagen, but scout Jacek Kulig has been left very impressed by the way he has adjusted to life in the Liga Portugal.

Not only has the 19-year-old caught the eye for Porto, but he has also impressed for Denmark in the current international break, chipping in with one goal and two assists across games against Belarus and Greece.

It is still very early days for Froholdt, with the youngster yet to prove himself in a major European league, but if he continues to develop at his current rate, Tottenham should undoubtedly consider a move in 2026.

Conrad does not think Klaasen’s decision was prompted by his pronouncement that the players needed to prioritise the national duty over T20 leagues

Firdose Moonda03-Jun-2025

Heinrich Klaasen, 33, retired from internationals on Monday•ICC/Getty Images

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has expressed his “disappointment” over the international retirement of Heinrich Klaasen but played down suggestions of a rift between them. Klaasen, who announced his retirement from international cricket yesterday, stepped down from Tests in January 2024 – 11 months into Conrad’s tenure as red-ball coach and after being dropped from the South Africa side following a poor series against West Indies.Conrad does not think Klaasen’s decision was prompted by his pronouncement that South Africa’s best players need to be more available for bilateral series than leagues, but confirmed he has yet to have a conversation with Klaasen about his reasons.”Obviously, if you lose a player of the calibre of Heinrich Klaasen, you’d be disappointed,” Conrad told the media at South Africa’s warm-up match against Zimbabwe at Arundel. “But if that’s the narrative that you want to espouse, that I’m the common factor, then be my guest. I haven’t even had a conversation with Heinrich. He turned down the contract long before I was even a thought in the white-ball space. It’s really unfortunate that we lose a player of his calibre. He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best, among the white ball middle-order batters.”Related

How much of a loss are Pooran's and Klaasen's retirements to international cricket?

Heinrich Klaasen retires from international cricket

Conrad confident SA players will prioritise national duty over T20 leagues

Klaasen not in SA central contracts list

Conrad was confirmed as South Africa’s all-format coach in May, a month after Klaasen was not included on CSA’s central contract list, even as a white-ball-only player.At the time, CSA said discussions with Klaasen were ongoing. Klaasen is signed to play in both MLC and the Hundred, which take place in July and August, at the same time as South Africa are due to play a T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe and a white-ball series in Australia. Klaasen is understood to be wedded to those deals and would have opted out of South Africa’s tours, which Conrad is leaving little room for, as he expects players to put national duty first.Shukri Conrad has asked for his players to prioritise bilaterals over T20 leagues•Themba Hadebe/Associated Press

“I’d be disappointed if it [Klaasen retiring to favour leagues] was, because we didn’t have a conversation,” Conrad said. “I think if guys pre-signed deals prior to me coming on board, I certainly wasn’t going to come in there and say, ‘Well, you have got to withdraw from whatever you pre-signed.’ So without us ever having a conversation, I’d be disappointed if that was why he retired. From the little bit I know, I know Heinrich from way back when he was at the academy, kept in the academy sides when I was the coach. I’d be very surprised if he was as short-sighted as that. I think he’s obviously got really good reasons for why he’s retired, and we’ve got to respect that.”An example of Conrad’s flexibility will be seen later in the year when David Miller, who is on a white-ball-only contract, will miss the Zimbabwe or Australia tours. “He has signed at the Hundred and but he’s going to come and tour England with us,” Conrad said.He also indicated some players will be given conditioning breaks during the year, which could impact both their league and international availability. “Some guys are going to have a break during MLC and not get selected because of the break that we feel they need,” Conrad said. “People maybe got it slightly wrong in that they probably felt that I’m imposing these things on the players. It’s far from it. The only thing I said, and I’ll keep saying it, is when South Africa plays, we want our best players available. And I’m not changing my stance on that, I think the players respect that. Conversations will be had, we’ll work it out for players, plan their year, and then everybody will be good to go and happy with the arrangements.”All that does not mean the door is closed on Klaasen, who was expected to be a key player for South Africa’s T20 World Cup campaign next year and possibly even the home ODI World Cup in 2027. Conrad left matters open to discussion in future.”Once the dust has settled and I manage to have a conversation and sit down with Klaasie, then we’ll try and see,” Conrad said. “I don’t know what his future plans are. For now, we have got to respect his decision, and I’m sure he’s done it for good reasons.”

After a heartbreaking loss in the Champions League final against Arsenal last season, Barcelona have made it their mission to regain the European crown as they kicked off the new campaign with a thumping 7-1 win over Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati contributed with an assist while Alexia Putellas scored the opening goal of the match.

• AFP
  

  Barca make stunning start to their Champions League campaign

  Putellas opened the scoring for the Catalan giants in the fourth minute before Ewa Pajor doubled the lead by scoring the first of her two goals in the game. Esmee Brugts then took the hosts' tally to three before Bayern struck back courtesy of Klara Buhl's goal. Salma Paralluelo then made it 4-1 at the stroke of half-time. Pajor secured her second of the evening at the start of the second half, while Claudia Pina completed the rout with two late strikes.

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• Putellas and Bonmati shine for Barca

  Bonmati, who is fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or for the third consecutive year, contributed with an assist in the victory, while fellow midfielder Putellas scored the opening goal and came up with two assists of her own. Both are likely to be in contention for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barcelona maintain perfect beginning to 2025-26

  Barcelona have begun the 2025-26 campaign in perfect form as they have won all seven of their matches across all competitions. They have scored a whopping 38 times already and have only leaked two goals.

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• Top of the table clash up next for Barcelona

  Fresh from beating Bayern, Barcelona will now prepare for a mouth-watering clash against title rivals Atletico Madrid in Liga F this weekend.

Newcastle United’s summer business looked very different compared to recent years.

After seasons of navigating the tightrope of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Magpies were finally able to spend again, but only after some tough lessons in financial housekeeping.

The arrival of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69m, which paved the way for Alexander Isak’s British-record £125m move to Liverpool, was the headline act of the window.

Yoane Wissa eventually followed in a £55m deal, capping off a remarkable string of forward moves in the window, while Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale and Anthony Elanga added depth elsewhere.

It was a refreshing change from the three previous windows, in which Newcastle made no first-team signings.

Last summer was especially fraught: the club scrambled to raise funds, reluctantly selling players like Jankuba Minteh, and even entertaining moves for Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Now, with greater stability, Eddie Howe has the squad refreshed and ready for another assault on both the Premier League and Champions League.

But this financial strain has already shaped the careers of some local talents.

Elliot Anderson was one of the unfortunate casualties of last year’s PSR storm, and his career trajectory offers an intriguing comparison to the Magpies’ latest homegrown star.

Elliot Anderson: The one that got away

Born in Whitley Bay and a product of the Newcastle academy, Anderson was supposed to be one of the players to lead the club into a new era.

His versatility and box-to-box energy made him a valuable squad member, but his sale to Nottingham Forest in 2024 highlighted the brutal reality of PSR.

The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move the other way, was not desired by either player or club, but pure profit from academy graduates was too valuable to ignore.

It echoed Aston Villa’s decision to part with Jacob Ramsey this summer – a player they desperately wanted to keep, but whose sale ensured compliance.

For Anderson, though, the move has proved a blessing as he has gone on to become a first-team regular at Forest.

Last season, he made 37 league appearances, scoring twice and providing six assists.

His all-action style and adaptability earned him his first senior England call-up, having previously represented Scotland at youth level.

In a recent World Cup qualifier against Andorra, he started in midfield and drew widespread praise.

The underlying numbers emphasise Anderson’s growth.

He ranks in the 88th percentile compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists per 90 (0.19), 77th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.07), and 89th percentile for successful take-ons (1.18).

Defensively, he is just as impactful: 3.07 tackles (88th percentile) and 2.40 clearances (87th percentile) per 90 show his ability to press and recover.

Anderson has carved out an impressive Premier League profile at Forest, but Newcastle may already be brewing an even bigger star at home.

The Magpies' rising star

At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley has become the brightest prospect on Tyneside.

A product of Newcastle’s youth system, Miley has already played 49 times for the first team, including appearances in the Champions League.

Miley was linked with loans to Crystal Palace and Ipswich this summer, but Newcastle blocked any exit after early-season injuries to Joelinton, Tonali and Joe Willock.

That decision reflects his growing importance. As Bruno Guimaraes put it, “Miley is massive, he’s a star.”

His profile is that of a modern box-to-box midfielder: technically gifted, press-resistant, and intelligent in possession.

With a precise first touch, excellent passing range, and an ability to dictate tempo, Miley is already showing signs of becoming Newcastle’s long-term midfield conductor.

His market value, as per Transfermarkt, has soared to £20m, and he is beginning to feature for England’s U21s.

The data comparison with Anderson highlights why Miley may have a higher ceiling and has been noted as the “next young English superstar” by pundit Pat Nevin.

Matches Played

14

37

Minutes Played

313

2,728

Goals

1

2

Progressive Carries

2

52

Progressive Passes

17

143

His pass completion stands at 88.0%, compared to Anderson’s 78.3%.

He averages more completed passes per 90 (48.0 to 35.8) and slightly more progressive passes (4.86 to 4.72). Defensively, he excels too: four tackles per 90 versus Anderson’s 3.04.

While Anderson leads in progressive carries (1.72 to Miley’s 0.57) and shot-creating actions (2.87 to 1.15), Miley’s calmness and precision make him a more reliable figure in possession.

His game is built less on dribbling bursts and more on orchestrating play, ensuring balance between attack and defence.

With almost 50 senior appearances under his belt before turning 20, Miley is developing in a way Anderson never quite could at Newcastle.

Surrounded by elite midfielders like Guimaraes and Tonali, he has the perfect environment to refine his craft.

If Anderson is proof of what can be achieved after leaving Tyneside, Miley may be the one who makes it all the way at St James’ Park.

For Newcastle, ensuring his development could be just as important as their headline signings in shaping the club’s long-term future.

PIF have already signed Newcastle's new Elliot Anderson and he's "terrific"

Eddie Howe will hope he has his own Elliot Anderson now at Newcastle United in this terrific talent.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2025