They might be lagging behind their rivals in the market at the moment, but it feels like things are finally starting to pick up for Arsenal.

The Premier League runners-up look set to secure the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga for just £5m in the coming days, and more exciting than that, Martin Zubimendi’s move is finally almost wrapped up.

Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s side continue to see themselves linked with the utterly superb Rodrygo, who could be a serious needle-mover in attack.

And now, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are linked with a Premier League star who would be a dream teammate for the Real Madrid winger.

Arsenal plotting attack overhaul

The sagas around Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres might be what’s being talked about most regarding Arsenal this summer, but just behind them, the links to Rodrygo have been exciting fans.

Transfer Focus

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

While the first links to the Brazilian winger originated last year, the more substantive stories started to spring up early last month, with some claiming that approaches had been made and fees of around £85m being banded about.

In recent days, the supposed fee needed to secure the former Santos gem has dropped ever so slightly to anywhere from £70m in some cases to £77m in others, and for a Champions League winner who’s racked up 25 goal involvements in 52 games this season, that doesn’t seem too bad.

In short, it’s hard to imagine Rodrygo joining Arteta’s side this summer and not making a massive difference next season, especially if the North Londoners are also keen on Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, the Crystal Palace star is eager to leave the South London outfit, and his camp has been in discussions with several teams, including Arsenal.

However, there are two potential obstacles to this deal, the first being his £68m release clause and the second being the fact that the player supposedly wants to join Tottenham Hotspur.

With that said, the Gunners have shown a willingness to spend big in the past, and if they went all out for the Englishman and showed him where he’d fit in, we don’t doubt they could hijack the Lilywhites’ potential deal. After all, they will be challenging on all fronts again next year.

It will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but it’s one Arsenal should be fighting to get done, as Eze would be an excellent addition to the squad and a dream teammate for Rodrygo.

Why Eze would be an excellent teammate for Rodrygo

Fundamentally, the primary reason Eze would be a dream teammate for Rodrygo is the same reason why Bukayo Saka and whoever leads the line for Arsenal next season will also love playing with him: his output.

In 43 appearances for Palace this season, totalling 3303 minutes, the Englishman was able to amass a brilliant haul of 14 goals and 11 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

Just imagine how dangerous the Real Madrid star could be with someone as adept at scoring and creating chances behind him in the number ten position.

It would surely send his own goal and assist numbers soaring.

Additionally, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, would be a serious upgrade on Martin Odegaard, who was only able to score six goals and provide 12 assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3447 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games, or every 191.5 minutes.

Appearances

43

45

Minutes

3303′

3447′

Goals

14

6

Assists

11

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.4

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

191.5′

Furthermore, on top of being a reliable source of goals and assists, the former QPR star is also a player who tends to favour the left-hand side of midfield – as we can see in his heatmap for this season – so he’d be playing reasonably close to the Brazilian and therefore could form an even closer partnership with him – to the benefit of both.

Ultimately, Rodrygo would be a game-changing signing for Arsenal this summer, but if Arteta and Co want to help extract even more out of him – and the rest of the attack, for that matter – they should be looking to bring in Eze as well.

The new Saliba: Arsenal schedule talks to sign "exceptional" £43m star

The incredible youngster could turn into something truly special at Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Tottenham have some key transfer decisions to make in the build up to Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge, and chairman Daniel Levy could orchestrate the departures of some noteworthy names.

Related Levy spends £200m+ on new signings: AI predicts Tottenham's 2025/26 line-up

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Posts 7 ByCharlie Smith Jun 28, 2025

Spurs are fresh off the back of a much-needed end to an otherwise dismal campaign on the domestic front, winning the Europa League final in late May after breaking their record for most Premier League defeats in a single season.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

It was a mixed 2024/2025 to say the least, but their first major trophy in 17 years has gifted Frank something precious to build upon with his brand-new squad that he cannot wait to work with.

“The feeling of being the new head coach is extraordinary,” said Frank during his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“I’m really looking forward to this massive challenge together with a lot of good people. I only heard good stuff about all the people here, the training ground, the players, good squad, exciting, massive club, I think massive potential, so just super, super excited.”

However, as recent reports suggest, the 51-year-old may not be able to keep hold of every star player before deadline day on September 1.

Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Spurs, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, and Levy has reportedly placed a £50 million price tag on the South Korean’s head as he considers taking advantage of this limited window to sell him for a profit.

Meanwhile, Frank will also be wary of Atlético Madrid’s serious interest in Cristian Romero, which has already been confirmed by Diego Simeone himself.

The Argentine played a key role in Tottenham’s journey to the Europa League podium, and was awarded Player of the Tournament for his string of standout performances, but Frank apparently faces the real possibility of being without his star defender next season.

Tottenham reach "agreement in principle" to sell Cristian Romero

That is according to journalist Fernando Czyz, via Doble Amarilla, who makes a bold claim that Tottenham have reached an “agreement in principle” to sell Romero to Atlético for around £56 million, including add-ons.

The 27-year-old’s exit from N17 is described as closer than ever before, following positive talks over the weekend, and negotiations will apparently continue this week with an expectation that the transfer will eventually be finalised.

This information is yet to be backed up by other media sources, so supporters have the luxury of taking it with a pinch of salt, but it’s a clear indication that Atlético aren’t likely to end their interest in the centre-back any time soon.

Romero is an ever-present leader of the squad has been praised for his “world-class” performances since joining the club from Atalanta in 2021, with Micky van de Ven holding his central defensive partner in very high regard.

“For me, he is world-class. He is a leader. He is always one hundred per cent. He is a top-class player with the ball and without the ball when defending,” said van de Ven to Optus Sport.

“I can promise you he is not scared of anyone. He keeps going every game. From day one here he has helped me. He is just a world-class player.”

Liverpool are showing “concrete interest” in signing a hugely talented young player in the summer transfer window as FSG kick their summer plans into overdrive.

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool "on fire" in summer transfer window

With Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez expected to join the Reds imminently, from Bayer Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, attention may now turn to a new striker, amid exit claims surrounding Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool have reportedly made an approach for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, seeing him as an alternative option to Eintracht Frankfurt marksman Hugo Ekitike. The Slovenian is also seen as a leading target for Arsenal, so the Premier League champions could be looking to swoop in ahead of them.

Another fresh face in the Reds’ midfield also wouldn’t go amiss before next season gets underway and Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton has been backed to move to Anfield. The England international is a hugely exciting player who also possesses so much maturity, and he could be perfect as a squad option to begin with.

Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move away, with Barcelona mentioned plenty in recent weeks, and Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been mentioned as a possible replacement.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday evening that Liverpool are “on fire” and “busy” in the market, and it seems they’ve now turned their attentions to a youngster with massive potential.

"Here we go is coming" – Romano says Liverpool will sign two stars imminently

He is perfect for the Reds.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 16, 2025

Liverpool interested in signing £51m star

According to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Liverpool have “concrete interest” in Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling this summer.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints before the end of the window, following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, and the Reds are one of many clubs keen on him. Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Manchester City all get a mention in the report, and he is valued above £50m.

Dibling looks like an outstanding prospect, having stood out as a rare positive in a dreadful 2024/25 season for Southampton, scoring four goals and registering two assists in all competitions.

An aesthetically-pleasing player to watch, the Englishman has a lovely ability to glide across the turf and create with his left foot, with Danny Murphy not holding back in his praise for him last December.

“It is difficult to get too over the top with these young players, because he has just come on to the scene, but he is going to be something special. It is great for him getting all these minutes at Southampton. They are giving him the freedom to play and giving him time to learn the game. He is just enjoying himself and he is playing with a real belief in himself. He is just instrumental in this team.”

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Ethan Lamb

Jun 16, 2025

Granted, Dibling wouldn’t be a cheap signing, and he would have to bide his time before becoming a regular, but he has the tools to grow into an elite footballer, proving to be adept at shining in his preferred right-sided role or as a No.10.

Having already welcomed Carlton Morris from Luton Town, Derby County are now reportedly in talks to sign an experienced winger at a bargain price this summer.

Derby sign Carlton Morris

Leaving relegated Luton in favour of a move to Pride Park, Morris became the first signing of the summer at Derby earlier this week and will be hoping to ensure that they, unlike The Hatters, push beyond the Championship’s dropzone next season. At 29 years old, he’s now a player with plenty of experience and his versatility to play all across the frontline could prove pivotal for John Eustace.

After putting pen to paper, Morris told Derby’s official website: “It’s a massive club that I’ve heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really.

“[The move is] a big change, especially with my family. You want to know about the football club, about the area, and I’ve heard nothing but good. I’ve heard it’s a great family club, so I’m excited to get going.

“I think I’m entering the prime stage of my career as a striker now. I spoke to Rob Edwards, who has told me how good Keith Downing is and that Matt Gardiner is exceptional to work with as well.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign midfielder with same agent as Forsyth

Derby County are now in a race with fellow Championship teams to sign a versatile midfielder.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

“They’re only going to make me a better player which is crucial as I’m at a place where I’m probably the most coachable I’ve been in my career and ready to kick on.”

In their second season back in the Championship, Derby are seemingly ready to welcome more experience after Morris this summer and that includes one particular winger. As Eustace’s side aim to push on, they’ve reportedly opened talks in pursuit of a bargain deal.

Derby open talks to sign John Swift

As reported by Birmingham World, Derby are now in talks to sign John Swift alongside three other EFL clubs. The former West Bromwich Albion winger is now a free agent after leaving the Hawthorns and is believed to have already met with two managers regarding his future, one of them being Eustace.

Whilst he endured a mixed spell for the Baggies, Swift’s experience may prove invaluable for a side in Derby’s position. Meanwhile, at his best, Swift is someone who has often found himself at the centre of impressive praise.

That includes from former West Brom manager Tony Mowbray last season, who told reporters after Swift scored a free-kick against Burnley last season: “John Swift’s free-kick was a fantastic goal. He’s a wonderful player and he’s very talented. Certain games need certain types of players to give us the best chance to win.”

With three other EFL sides interested, there’s no doubt that signing Swift would represent an impressive coup for Derby, who have already made a statement by signing Luton’s Morris this summer.

كشف الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، موقف الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا” من زي منتخب مصر خلال مباراته غداً أمام بوركينا فاسو، وذلك بعد الأزمة التي نشبت بشأن ذلك الأمر.

وبدأت الأزمة بعدما تمسك الجهاز الإداري لأصحاب الأرض بارتداء حارسهم للشورت الأسود والجورب الأسود، في الوقت الذي يرتدي فيه لاعبو المنتخب المصري بالكامل الشورت الأسود والجورب الأسود، لذلك أصر الجهاز الإداري للفراعنة على أرتداء لاعبيهم للشورت الأسود والجورب الأسود بداعي عدم امتلاك أي زي غيره.

وأسفر الاجتماع الفني، عن ارتداء منتخب مصر القميص الأحمر بينما يرتدي منتخب بوركينا فاسو القميص الأبيض.

وجاء بيان اتحاد الكرة حفاظاً على الألوان التي أقرها الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم بالنسبة لكل فريق سواء فيما يتعلق بالزي الأساسي أو الاحتياطي، وأقر الاتحاد الدولي صحة موقف المنتخب المصري في خطاب إلى مراقب مباراة الغد.

طالع أيضاً.. ترتيب مجموعة مصر في تصفيات كأس العالم بعد فوز غينيا بيساو على جيبوتي

ويحل منتخب مصر ضيفاً على بوركينا فاسو ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثامنة للمجموعة الأولى من التصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لنهائيات كأس العالم.

ويخوض منتحب مصر اللقاء متصدراً ترتيب المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، برصيد 19 نقطة، بعد خوض 7 مواجهات، فاز في 6 وتعادل في لقاء.

على الجانب الآخر، يتواجد منتخب بوركينا فاسو في المركز الثاني “الوصافة” برصيد 14 نقطة، من 7 مواجهات حقق الفوز في 4 وتعادل في 2 وخسر مباراة وحيدة.

وتضم المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات كأس العالم، منتخبات مصر، بوركينا فاسو، غينيا بيساو، جيبوتي، إثيوبيا وسيراليون.

India have placed their faith in a tried and tested core group to defend their Women’s Asia Cup title. All the players selected were part of the 17-member squad for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, with Amanjot Kaur and Shabnam Shakil missing out.Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwar, and Meghna Singh have been picked as travelling reserves when India travel to Sri Lanka, the team they beat in 2022 and the team who will host this edition of the tournament.India’s batting looks solid with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana at the top and captain Harmanpreet Kaur to follow. Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry are the wicketkeeping options. Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma’s all-round skills should also help the team management fill in the other spots and balance the XI based on conditions.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

India’s first match of the Asia Cup will be against Pakistan on July 19. They will take on UAE and Nepal in the group stage in the bid to make the knockout stages. Dambulla will host all 15 games of the tournament, including the semi-finals and the final.Related

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India are currently hosting South Africa in a multi-format tour and are trailing 0-1 in the T20I series after sweeping the ODI series 3-0 and winning the one-off Test. The Asia Cup will provide preparation for them ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September and October.India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Capt), Smriti Mandhana (vice-capt), Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Uma Chetry (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, D Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

‘Who knows what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time?’ says England Test captain

Vithushan Ehantharajah25-Jul-2024Ben Stokes has called for more player input over the international schedule, ahead of an overloaded 12-month period for England’s red- and white-ball sides.Speaking ahead of the third and final Test against West Indies, England’s Test captain reiterated his long-held criticisms of a congested fixture list, further complicated by the rise of franchise cricket. Having previously worried about its effect on the quality of cricket, Stokes is wary of the negative impact it could have on the development of England teams as a whole.While Stokes’ focus is on building towards the Ashes in the winter of 2025-26, the limited-overs set-up is looking towards a new dawn, with a decision to be made imminently on the futures of head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler. Such are the commitments ahead for both squads, it is highly unlikely that each will progress at a similar rate.Related

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After the conclusion of this series in Edgbaston, the Test team will reconvene for a three-match series against Sri Lanka which begins at Emirates Old Trafford on August 21. The day after the third Test is due to finish in September, England begin a T20I series against Australia.That is followed by an ODI series against the same opponents that finishes just eight days before the start of a three-Test series in Pakistan. Three days after that tour concludes, England begin an ODI series in Antigua, which ends in St Lucia eight days prior to the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.The start of 2025 offers some respite with no overseas Tests in the first half of the year, but England will play five white-ball matches in India as preparation for the Champions Trophy in February. The home season then plays host to four visiting teams, with an ODI series in Ireland running parallel to the India Test series.England are blessed with a playing pool that can be adequately split for the obligations that await. But the pull on their multi-format players such as Harry Brook, Mark Wood and even Jofra Archer, who is mooted to return to the Test side in 2025, will become a problem, particularly as they continue to seek opportunities on the T20 franchise circuit.Stokes believes his role as Test captain allows him to have a firm hand on the tiller when it comes to what is best for his team. But he acknowledged problems on the horizon and urged boards such as the ICC, who produce the Future Tours Programme (FTP), and the ECB, who rubber-stamp it, to collaborate more with players at an uncertain time for the game’s ecosystem.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I hope not,” answered Stokes when asked if his ambitions with the Test team will be hampered by the schedule. “It is something that does need to be addressed.”Who knows what international cricket is going to look like, with all the franchise stuff that is going on as well? It does need to get looked at. The landscape is constantly changing. I don’t think anyone can put their hand on their heart and say they know what cricket is going to look like in even two years’ time.”I think some consultation might be quite nice, obviously to Jos (Buttler) and myself. The FTP could maybe see the people playing in it consulted, and I think we could have some good input in that.”Asked whether he had been consulted on the recent FTP running from 2023-27, Stokes was tight-lipped: “Yes and no. Make of that what you will.”He was similarly guarded when asked about his own white-ball career, unwilling to entertain the question on the eve of a Test match. Having reversed his ODI retirement to play in the 2023 World Cup, he subsequently opted out of the T20 World Cup last month to focus on his Test duties. He also refused to acknowledge reports in last week that he has signed a bumper £800,000 deal with MI Cape Town in the SA20, which clashes with the India white-ball series at the start of next year.

Allrounder recalls ‘prison’-like circumstances of Covid tour in 2020

Andrew Miller08-Jul-2024Jason Holder says that his experience of looking on from afar as West Indies sealed their thrilling eight-run victory over Australia at the Gabba in January has given him “renewed energy” to pick up where he left off, as he prepares to face England at Lord’s in his first Test for almost a year.Holder, 32, was one of the notable omissions when West Indies chose to send a weakened squad to Australia earlier this year, having turned down a central contract in order to fulfil his lucrative deal with Dubai Capitals in the ILT20. In his absence, Kraigg Brathwaite’s team bounced back from a ten-wicket defeat in Adelaide to square the series in extraordinary style in Brisbane, a venue where Australia had lost just one Test since 1988.”It gave me a renewed energy to come back to the group, and try to be a part of something special again,” Holder said. “I missed Test cricket. This is my first Test match in a long time, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m just happy that I’ve been able to still get the body up and going and being up for the challenge here.”On the lure of franchise cricket, Holder insisted “it’s not my job to find a solution”, but pointed out that South African and New Zealand players have similarly opted out of central contracts in recent months to maximise their earning potential in T20 tournaments.”It is what it is,” he added. “This is where the game is moving, each and every person has their own personal decision to make. I was just so happy for the boys when they when they did what it did in Australia.”West Indies have arrived in London, where they will go into the Lord’s Test as underdogs given that 1988 was also the last time they won a Test series in England. But, as holders of the Richards-Botham Trophy after a hard-fought 1-0 win in the Caribbean in 2021-22, and with memorable victories at Headingley and Southampton in each of their last two away series in 2017 and 2020, Holder is confident that his team has the wherewithal to go one better this time out.”The guys took a lot from that Test victory in Australia,” he said after West Indies’ training on Monday. “We’ve been doing some really positive things over the last couple of months. And I think as a young side, the main thing is just to keep learning. What we have in the dressing room is some special talent, no doubt about it. It’s just a matter for us just to play some solid cricket and they’ll have just to believe. It’s time for someone to break the shackles, and there’s no better time for us to come here and beat England.”The circumstances of West Indies’ current visit could not be much further removed from their last tour in 2020, which took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, behind closed doors and in bio-secure environments at Southampton and Old Trafford. Holder himself was captain back then, and though his team earned huge respect for helping to keep international cricket alive in uncertain times, it was not an experience he looked back on with any great fondness.Jason Holder runs in to bowl at West Indies’ training session ahead of the first Test against England•Getty Images

“Firstly, it’s just good to be out in the open again,” he said. “I remember being locked in Manchester for three weeks before the Test series, which was tough because you stayed at the ground. And then we went down to Southampton for a week, which felt like a week out of prison. And then we went right back into prison after Southampton.”Related

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Johnny Grave: West Indies' Covid tour showed Big Three need strong opponents

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Andrew Strauss: 'There has to be life after James Anderson'

The fact that the show went on, however, offered a degree of normality to a world that was otherwise in lockdown, and Holder hoped that something of the same could apply to the people of the Caribbean, a region that was last week hit hard by the devastation of Hurricane Beryl.”It was tough man, but reflecting on it, you just count your blessings right now,” he said. “Obviously, there were a lot of lives lost during Covid. And again, it’s a similar situation with the hurricane that just passed. The only impetus that people had was cricket. They finally got a chance to see some cricket which put a smile on people’s faces in the Caribbean.”So coming back here in England four years later, we’re just looking to take it one step further. We won one Test match last time out of three. Yeah, two will be a lot better on this trip.”Holder’s preparations for his Test return included two first-class matches for Barbados in March, followed by a five-match stint for Worcestershire in the County Championship, for whom he made an unbeaten century against Kent in his final appearance.”It was one hell of an experience,” he said of his time with the club. “It gave me new energy because the love that the boys showed me was second to none.”Although much of the buzz around the first Test will centre on James Anderson and his impending retirement, Holder was reluctant to be drawn into the conversation at this stage. However, he acknowledged the hole that Anderson will leave in England’s dressing room could be similar to that left in West Indies’ after the departure of Shivnarine Chanderpaul after his own 21-year career.”It was a bittersweet feeling in a sense,” he said, “where someone who’s done so much for West Indies cricket Is being pinched to wake up that he’s actually finishing.”You’re losing such a powerful figure in the dressing-room, I guess it’ll be the same thing for England. But, as with everything else, we’ve got to move on many times. You unfortunately can’t play professional sport forever. At some point, we’ve got to close the curtains.”Some people get to do it on their own terms, some people don’t . But the experience of me playing with Shiv, it was great to be in the dressing room with him and just learn so much from him.”

There’s no hiding from the fact that Manchester United fell by the wayside last season, but Ruben Amorim is intent on bringing Old Trafford back to the fore.

The Premier League giants were grounded, finishing 15th. Having also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim knows he has his work cut out, but with Matheus Cunha signed and conversations ongoing for the transfer of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, there’s hope yet that a corner can be turned in the coming months.

However, it’s not only the frontline that needs repackaging. Indeed, the Red Devils are also hoping to make some changes in the central engine room.

The latest on Man Utd's midfield search

Manchester United need a midfielder, hopefully someone who can help to dynamise and widen the scope of Amorim’s ball-playing tactical vision.

Juventus’ Douglas Luiz has been placed on the radar, but after a disappointing season in Italy that led to only three Serie A starts, would he be the best pick?

Transfer Focus

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

Instead, United appear to be showing greater interest in Valencia star Javi Guerra, with reports from Italy claiming that the 22-year-old is actually close to joining United this summer.

A fee could be agreed for around €30m (£26m); this is an attractive figure, but it’s led to Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid also registering their interest.

United need to move quickly to get this one done.

What Javi Guerra would bring to Man Utd

While Christian Eriksen’s departure at the end of his contract takes away some experience from United’s ranks, last season’s travails have made it clear that some youthful exuberance would be a good thing for the progression of Amorim’s project.

Guerra would certainly offer that. His technical quality and trademark Spanish footballing IQ have led talent scout Jacek Kulig to liken him to Xabi Alonso, one of the finest playmakers of his generation.

More contemporarily, he’s perhaps cut from the same cloth as Martin Zubimendi, who has just signed for Arsenal in a deal worth £51m. In this way, United could land their own version of the distinguished Spain international, thus bridging the gap toward England’s leading pack.

Matches (starts)

36 (31)

36 (33)

Goals

3

2

Assists

3

1

Touches*

49.8

61.0

Pass completion

80%

84%

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes*

0.6

0.5

Dribbles*

0.8

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.7

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

3.2

Duels won*

3.5

4.6

Zubimendi is obviously the crisper and more refined player, with ex-Spain manager Luis de la Fuente even going as far as to name him one of the “best central midfielders in the world”.

Slightly more progressive and mobile, Guerra could add that robust number eight profile that the Red Devils so crave in the middle of the park. Guerra actually ranked among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

Hailed a “serious talent” by Statman Dave, Guerra might be young but he’s already proving himself capable against the best of them, one of only six U21 midfielders to have won over 50 tackles and take-ons each across Europe’s top five leagues last year, a list that also contains Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Pedri.

It’s a profile that United don’t quite have at present, especially now that Eriksen has gone. This could herald a new wave of quality through to this great football club, looking to get back on its feet after quite the rough patch.

Man Utd open talks to sign Weghorst 2.0 who was "like Cristiano Ronaldo"

Manchester United are still hunting for a new talisman for Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 7, 2025