Everton have now thrown their hat in the ring to sign a “crazy” rising star from Germany who is also wanted by Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, according to a new report.
Everton now chasing two Liverpool players
It is not every transfer window you see Everton looking to sign a player from their arch-rivals Liverpool. In fact, in the early stages of this summer transfer window, the Toffees reportedly have their eye on two players from Anfield.
Everton want to sign another £85,000-a-week Liverpool player alongside Doak
He is now a two-time Premier League champion.
ByHenry Jackson Jun 3, 2025
David Moyes is keen to strengthen his wide options this summer, and at the top of his list of new wingers is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, as Sky Sports revealed this week Everton are one of a number of clubs who want to sign the young international.
The Scotsman has a bright future ahead of him and his time on loan at Middlesbrough during the 2024/25 season has obviously done enough for him to emerge on Moyes’ radar. It is unclear where Liverpool stand when it comes to Doak, as he has the potential to be a player who could become a future star for the Reds, but at this moment in time they cannot guarantee him the football he will want.
As well as showing interest in Doak, the Toffees are also keen on signing defender Joe Gomez, who the Reds are open to selling this summer. Teams such as Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Leeds United are all interested in the Englishman, but Everton may hope the fact that he won’t have to relocate his family should he move to Everton could put them ahead in the race.
Everton join Woltemade chase
According to SportBild, relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are among the teams interested in signing striker Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
The report states that the 23-year-old’s performances during the 2024/25 season, where he netted 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga games, have seen him appear on the radar of a number of clubs across Europe. Everton are one side that are keeping a close eye on his situation, but they face competition from Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as giants like Bayern and Atletico.
The German forward, who has been called up to the national team for their Nations League games, is under contract until 2028, and while he doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, it’s been reported that he could leave for as little as €20 million, which is roughly £16 million.
Nick Woltemade’s Bundesliga stats
Apps
69
Goals
14
Assists
3
Stuttgart want to keep Woltemade beyond this summer and have been publicly clear about that. But should Woltemade, who has been dubbed “crazy” for his rise this term, star on the international stage for Germany, it could see more suitors arrive and force his club’s hand.
It’s all hands on deck for Liverpool in the summer transfer market, having conducted plenty of business in the early stages of the off-season.
Technically, the transfer market hasn’t yet opened, with the dealings of recent weeks made permissible by the exceptional short-term opening due to the incipient Club World Cup.
And FSG have made fine use of it, banking around £10m for the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was one month away from free agency but left early due to Real Madrid wanting him to play in the United States this month.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been signed, his £29.5m release clause activated, while Florian Wirtz is on the brink of joining for a British-record fee, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is at the heart of advancing talks for a summer switch too.
With a new striker on Liverpool’s radar too, it’s all going on down Anfield Road. However, a few more exits are in the works too, with there being a sense that Luis Diaz could wind up at a new club before the end of summer.
Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz
Barcelona and Al-Hilal over in the Saudi Pro League have both been linked with moves for Diaz this summer, and The Athletic have reported that the former have even seen an approach rejected.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Diaz is only two years away from the end of his £55k-per-week contract, and FSG would be willing to run the deal down instead of accepting a lowball offer and losing one of Arne Slot’s most important forwards while in the shining prime of his career.
The rumour has it that the Reds would accept bids falling within the £60-70m ballpark, though it remains to be seen whether suitors will pay up.
And if they do, Liverpool would need to find a successor. Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been on Anfield’s radar for a number of years, and would be in the thick of the chatter should things start to gather pace on this front.
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz
Would Gordon truly represent an upgrade on the South American star? With a reported £80m price tag, would Liverpool be getting bang for their buck? It may well be that cashing in would be a mistake, but not as big a blunder as if FSG allowed another of Liverpool’s linked-away stars to leave.
Another Liverpool star wanted abroad
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bayer Leverkusen have made contact with Liverpool to discuss the transfer of centre-back Jarell Quansah, understood to be on a separate line to that of Wirtz.
Newcastle have also expressed an interest in the defender this year.
Quansah’s future has been up for debate across recent months, with reporter David Lynch claiming he was a “genuine candidate for departure” back in May, after a frustrating year.
Valued at £50m, Liverpool would bank a healthy sum for their homegrown talent, but in spite of his struggles, it might be a grave mistake to let him venture off for a new challenge.
Why Liverpool mustn't sell Jarell Quansah
Quansash thrived when stepping up for Jurgen Klopp during the 2023/24 season, playing a crucial part for his team following Joel Matip’s career-ending injury.
However, he’s found life under Slot tough, withdrawn at half-time on the Dutch coach’s debut against Ipswich Town last August, his boss revealing post-match that he made the switch due to frustrations over Liverpool’s lack of success in the duel.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
Still, the 22-year-old, who featured 25 times across all competitions last year, played a bigger part over the latter half of the campaign after struggling for purchase across the opening months.
Indeed, Quansah will be frustrated with his season, but there was still enough quality that shone through, suggesting Liverpool may yet see the “absolute monster” who was so indomitable in his emergence the year before, as was said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Quansah might have trudged his way through a difficult 2024/25 campaign, but we wanted to draw your attention to his stunning breakout campaign under Klopp’s wing.
When collating the English talent’s data from 2023/24 against that of Dean Huijsen, who Liverpool had such a vested interest in before his transfer to Real Madrid, you begin to see why selling him would be such a big mistake.
Jarell Quansah (23/24) vs Dean Huijsen (24/25)
Stats (per 90)
Quansah
Huijsen
Goals + assists
0.15
0.19
Touches
97.11
74.94
Pass completion
88.6%
83.4%
Passes attempted
88.64
60.26
Progressive passes
5.07
4.89
Progressive carries
0.98
1.52
Shot-creating actions
0.98
1.59
Ball recoveries
5.45
3.89
Tackles + interceptions
3.18
3.23
Clearances
2.95
7.34
Blocks
1.21
1.48
Aeriel duels won
3.40
2.52
All data via FBref
As you can see, Huijsen might be rather good but Quansah has already proven himself capable of matching his qualities across the ball-playing department.
Furthermore, Real Madrid’s new recruit won 56% of his contested duels across his breakout Premier League season, whereas Quansah came out on top 67% of the time, illustrating his above-average usage of his physicality, of his defensive ability (metrics supplied via Sofascore).
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
And though we haven’t seen the same Quansah since Slot took the helm, there’s no question a high-level player remains in there, latent, waiting.
Losing Diaz would be a big blow, but given that he’s 28 and could command a huge figure, Liverpool would endure, not least because his contract is winding down.
However, Quansah is a homegrown talent, as Trent was, and he proved his ability to throw down with a sought-after star like Huijsen in the opening stage of his top-flight career.
Sure, several months ago, one data analyst said: “He never plays, and when he has this season, he’s not been good.”
That might be partially true, but we’ve got to remember it was only two years ago that Quansah had wrapped up a loan spell at Bristol Rovers in League One.
He’s an immense talent, and Liverpool might just come to regret parting with one of their own when in the fledgling phase of his promising career.
Just imagine him & Wirtz: Liverpool eyeing "the best striker in the world"
Liverpool have agreed a deal for Florian Wirtz and will now turn toward the front of the ship.
Dion Ebrahim, the former Zimbabwe Test and ODI player, is the new assistant coach
ESPNcricinfo staff19-Jun-2024
Zimbabwe, one of 12 Test-playing nations, are not part of the 20-team T20 World Cup 2024•AFP/Getty Images
Justin Sammons, who has worked extensively in South African cricket over the years, has been appointed the new head coach of the Zimbabwe men’s national team. Former Zimbabwe international Dion Ebrahim has been brought in as the assistant coach.”We are delighted to confirm Justin as head coach of the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team. He brings a wealth of coaching experience and a reputation of identifying, nurturing and developing some of the best young talent in South Africa,” Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani said in a statement. “His hard-working and passionate approach as well as sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.”The update came during the course of the T20 World Cup 2024, which Zimbabwe are not a part of, having failed to make the grade from the qualifying tournament. Zimbabwe have now missed three out of the last four World Cups – ODIs and T20Is – and will have to go through a qualifying tournament for the T20 World Cup 2026. They will, however, qualify automatically for the ODI World Cup 2027, being co-hosts.Related
Charl Langeveldt takes charge as Zimbabwe bowling coach
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Sammons, who was earlier with CSA’s high-performance unit and has worked with several domestic sides in South Africa, was part of the South Africa men’s technical team as batting consultant between 2021 and 2023.”I look forward to the road ahead and I am excited to start working with this talented group of players,” Sammons, who called the appointment a “privilege”, said.Dave Houghton, the former Zimbabwe captain, had served as the national team’s head coach for 18 months before resigning after Zimbabwe’s failure to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024. Walter Chawaguta, who coached Zimbabwe in 2008, took over as interim coach after that.Ebrahim, meanwhile, has represented Zimbabwe in 29 Tests and 82 ODIs between 2001 and 2005, and has been a part of the backroom staff with the New Zealand senior men’s team more recently.The rest of the support staff for the Zimbabwe team will be appointed in consultation with Sammons, ZC said in a statement, while adding that Elton Chigumbura, the former captain of Zimbabwe, had been appointed head coach of the nation’s Under-19 team. Norbert Manyande, who played first-class cricket in Zimbabwe before going on to feature for Namibia, was named as his assistant and batting coach, while former South Africa bowler Paul Adams will be the bowling coach.
Manchester United have been desperately hunting for a new striker throughout this summer transfer window, understandably so, too, given their lack of clinical edge.
Ruben Amorim’s side registered just 44 goals in their 38 Premier League outings this season, with only four sides scoring fewer – three of which were relegated to the Championship.
Their inability to find the back of the net on a consistent basis undoubtedly contributed to their lowly league standing, with no player in the squad managing to hit double figures for goals.
Rasmus Hojlund, who was the Red Devils’ main talisman, only netted four goals, highlighting the need for reinforcements in such a department this window.
Countless players have already been touted with summer moves to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen which talisman the hierarchy will go after for the manager.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Viktor Gyokeres is a player who appeared out of reach this window, but it appears United have been handed a lifeline after it was confirmed he would be open to a reunion with Amorim in 2025/26.
He’s not the only talent on their radar, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović also considered as an option, potentially leading to a swap deal with Jadon Sancho moving to Italy as a result.
However, the aforementioned duo aren’t the only ones being considered, as work is being done over a potential deal to land RB Leipzig talisman Benjamin Sesko, according to TBR Football.
They claim that internal talks have been held behind the scenes at Old Trafford in recent weeks, with the Slovenian popping up as an option after netting 21 goals in 45 appearances this year.
It also states that the staff behind the scenes have been extensively monitoring the 22-year-old in recent times, but confirmed that no deal is yet at an advanced stage.
Why United’s latest target would become world class alongside Bruno
Bruno Fernandes will go down as one of United’s best ever additions, thriving beyond all imagination after his £47m move from Sporting CP back in January 2020.
The Portuguese international rapidly made himself a fan favourite, offering a creative and clinical threat that the side had often been lacking before his arrival.
However, he’s sustained such levels, registering over 20 combined goals and assists in each of his seasons in Manchester, often being the shining light in tricky periods – none more so than this campaign
The 30-year-old accumulated a total of 37 combined goals and assists, with it unimaginable to think where the side would be without his contributions in 2024/25.
He undoubtedly has the creative nature, but has been lacking that lethal striker ahead of him, which could further bolster his tallies should the hierarchy land one in the coming months.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Sesko could prove to be the beneficiary should he move to Old Trafford, having the chance to thrive alongside Bruno, who managed to create 2.7 chances per 90 this season.
He also registered a pass accuracy of 82%, which aided him, allowing him to notch 18 assists, something which the Slovenian could take his game to the next level with.
The Leipzig star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Antonio Mango, registered 1.2 shots on target per 90 at an accuracy rate of 44% – handing Amorim’s side the talisman they’ve needed.
The youngster has also completed 52% of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in 59% of aerial battles, with his all-round nature certainly handing the side a new dimension.
Benjamin Sesko’s stats for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
33
Goals & assists
18
Shots on target per 90
1.2
Shot on target accuracy
44%
Take-ons completed
52%
Aerials won
59%
Progressive carries
1.8
Stats via FBref
He’s also demonstrated his desire to run in behind and play off the shoulder of the defender, a skillset that is extremely rare in today’s game, making himself a real nuisance to the opposition backline.
Such a deal would be a phenomenal one for the Red Devils, allowing them to take a huge step under the guidance of Amorim throughout 2025/26.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
If he can strike up a partnership with Fernandes next season, it would massively help the Red Devils catapult up the table, making the club a force to be reckoned with once again.
He's better than Gyokeres: Wilcox plots Man Utd move for £150m talisman
Manchester United have joined a long list of suitors in the race to sign a new striker.
Courtney Webb and Hannah Baker impress but Sparks come up short in first semi-final
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Jun-2024
Tammy Beaumont lead The Blaze’s run-chase against Central Sparks•Getty Images
The Blaze booked their place in a third consecutive regional women’s final as they defeated Central Sparks by five wickets with two overs to spare in the first of the two semi-finals on Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day at Derby.Sparks England Under-19 legspinner Hannah Baker took 3 for 24 but the experience of England opener Tammy Beaumont (39 off 31 balls) and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce (44 off 39) put The Blaze in control before a cameo 14 off four balls by Baker’s international captain Josie Groves saw last year’s runners-up across the line.Australian Courtney Webb rescued the Sparks innings from 93 for 6 with an unbeaten 45 from 31 balls after Davina Perrin (32 from 17) and Ami Campbell (21 from 14) had helped put on 54 in the powerplay after legspinner Groves, taking responsibility in the absence through injury of England’s Sarah Glenn, had taken 2 for 16 and left-arm pace bowler Grace Ballinger two for 34.Having been put in on a pitch that looked quite green, the aggressive approach adopted by Sparks openers Campbell and Perrin paid off with runs on the board, although neither survived the opening six overs.Blaze skipper Kirstie Gordon conceded 14 in her opening over but continued to toss the ball up to Campbell, who followed a six and two fours by being caught at long-on. And with the last ball of the sixth over, having been made to suffer as Perrin crashed her for three fours, Ballinger found the right line and length to bowl the 17-year-old.The Perrin dismissal signalled a switch of momentum, Sparks slipping from 75 for 2 in the 10th to 93 for 6 as skipper Eve Jones fell to a good low return catch by Lucy Higham, Kathryn Bryce ran out Abbey Freeborn off her own bowling and Groves bowled Katie George before having Charis Pavely stumped.Em Arlott hit Heather Graham straight to extra cover to make it 114 for 7 but Sparks finished well as Ballinger conceded 13 off her final over despite having Grace Potts caught at mid-off before a last over in which Webb was dropped on 41 and should have been run out on 43.The Blaze plundered 51 from their batting powerplay, putting them well on track despite the loss of Marie Kelly, who hit an unbeaten 89 against Sparks in their final points table match last Wednesday, fell for 8 to a catch at mid-off. By the halfway point, the Beaumont-Kathryn Bryce partnership had added 57 to take their side to 78 for 1.Sparks then made a second breakthrough as seamer George induced a low return catch to dismiss Beaumont for 39 off 31 before Jones’ team temporarily dried up the flow of boundaries, removing Sarah Bryce via a smart catch behind the wicket. But a huge six by Graham off Potts left The Blaze needing just 33 off the last five overs.Graham’s stay was short, perishing to a well-judged catch by Arlott at long-on off Webb, and Baker picked up her third wicket to keep Sparks in the hunt as Kathryn Bryce miscued to mid-on, but Groves crushed any hopes they might have had with three fours off the reel off George to seal victory with two overs to spare.
Looking to add to their South American contingent, Nottingham Forest have reportedly sent representatives to watch a big-money midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.
Nottingham Forest's first 5 Premier League fixtures
Preparation for the 2025/26 Premier League season is officially underway. The fixtures have been released, the nerves are already building up and potential points calculated. For Nottingham Forest, the forthcoming campaign represents the chance for them to become an established top-half side and pick up where they left off in an excellent season last time out – starting at home against Brentford.
Nottingham Forest first 5 games
Date
Nottingham Forest vs Brentford
16/08/2025
Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest
23/08/2025
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United
30/08/2025
Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
13/09/2025
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
20/09/2025
As far as starts go, the Tricky Trees could have been handed far tougher. Their trip to Crystal Palace may yet have an extra bit of tension if Evangelos Marinakis is successful in his attempt to take their Europa League spot should the Eagles be kicked out of Europe this summer.
Meanwhile, Forest’s early trip to Arsenal should give Nuno Espirito Santo the chance to gauge where his side are at in the battle for European football and whether they’ll find themselves causing the same shocks as last season.
With the fixtures now in place, the task for those at the City Ground will be to build a squad ready to enjoy the best possible start. On that front, it already looks as though Botafogo trio Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano will arrive in the coming weeks, whilst rumours continue to arise over a potential move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Botafogo'sIgorJesuscelebrates scoring their second goal
Adding to their South American contingent seems to be the priority, however, after club chiefs were sent to watch an £85m midfielder at the Club World Cup this summer.
Nottingham Forest join Richard Rios race
According to GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras this summer. The Midlands club reportedly sent representatives to watch the Colombian midfielder in action at the Club World Cup as he starred to help his side to an opening game 0-0 draw against Porto.
A deal to sign the talented South American won’t come cheap, though, amid reports that Rios has a release clause worth as much as £85m in his current contract at Palmeiras. Whether Forest are willing to or are even able to pay such a price is the big question and competition from the likes of Manchester United certainly won’t help their pursuit.
Praised for his “relentless work-rate” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Rios will be one to watch this summer at both the Club World Cup and potentially beyond if he completes a move to the Premier League.
Arsenal are in talks with another player and his representatives, as manager Mikel Arteta personally tries to convince him to join the Gunners before transfer deadline day on September 1.
Arsenal talks with "unique" target "advanced" after further moves this week
The Gunners closer to another deal.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025
It’s been quite a hectic last fortnight for sporting director, Andrea Berta, who’s now starting to reap the rewards of his simultaneous talks with numerous targets.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was confirmed as Berta’s first official signing of the window, arriving in a £5 million deal from Chelsea, and Arsenal are poised to welcome Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this week as well.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£5m
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard will likely follow the Spanish duo, with Fabrizio Romano sharing that all documents and paperwork have been exchanged in preparation for the Denmark international’s £15 million potential transfer.
Arsenal are also in ongoing talks over a deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who’s reportedly hell-bent on joining Arteta’s side, so it is highly possible that the club could seal four new arrivals very soon.
Reports suggest that Arsenal are in “advanced” talks over personal terms for Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace as well (L’Equipe), and this apparently won’t impact a possible deal for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
It is believed Arsenal are discussing Madueke in a separate move to the England international (Fabrizio Romano), and according to journalist Simon Phillips, they’re really pushing the boat out.
Arsenal trying to convince Noni Madueke as Mikel Arteta reaches out
As per the Chelsea reporter, writing via his Substack, Arteta is personally reaching out to Madueke in a bid to tempt the 23-year-old with a switch across London.
Arsenal are also in ongoing talks with the ex-PSV Eindhoven star’s agents, but as things stand, Madueke will need some convincing. He apparently doesn’t fancy playing a back-up role to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, and the player is also reluctant to settle for a role on the left.
“He is currently not convinced by a move to Arsenal,” said Phillips.
“This is down to the fact that he does not want to play on the left, so if he goes to Arsenal he does not want to be a backup player to Bukayo Saka, which is most likely what he would be if he doesn’t play on the left.
“This is not shutting the move down, but at the moment he is certainly unsure. As I said, Arsenal are currently in talks with his agents trying to convince him about a move, and we have also heard that Mikel Arteta is reaching out to him as well, because he really likes the player.
“Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Chelsea but they are looking to get player buy in first, as Chelsea do themselves. At the moment, Arsenal are still pushing on the player side. We will have to see what happens there and what other clubs come in.”
Madueke, who played a key role under Enzo Maresca throughout 2024/2025, could end up costing around £55 million, according to talkSPORT.
أبدى رافا بينيتيز مدرب ليفربول الأسبق، رأيه في النجم المصري محمد صلاح حين تم وضعه في مقارنة مع عدة لاعبين آخرين وأبرزهم النجمين كريستيانو رونالدو وليونيل ميسي.
وأجرى بينيتيز مقابلة مع “Shoot for love” عبر منصة “يوتيوب”، وتم توجيه عدة أسئلة له حول هيئة المهاجم الأفضل بالنسبة له.
وسُئل في البداية عن محمد صلاح وسون هيونج مين، ووقع اختياره على نجم ليفربول، كما فضله على روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مهاجم برشلونة، وأيضًا على ستيفن جيرارد، وأشار: “تتحدث عن المهاجمين، محمد صلاح يتميز بثبات مستواه لسنوات طويلة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | الحاسوب العملاق يتنبأ بالفائز بـ لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025-2026.. موقف ليفربول
وحين سُئل عن محمد صلاح وكريستيانو رونالدو، علّق: “هذا صعب جدًا، رونالدو ربما يكون الأفضل في إنهاء الهجمات، لكن صلاح أكثر تكاملاً، في النهاية، سأفضل أن أدرب محمد صلاح”، وفي الختام سُئل بينتيز عن محمد صلاح وليونيل ميسي، واختار النجم الأرجنتيني.
محمد صلاح رسّخ نفسه كأحد أبرز نجوم كرة القدم على مستوى العالم، على مدار السنوات الثماني الماضية مع ليفربول، حيث سجل صلاح 323 هدفًا وصنع 162 هدفًا في 657 مباراة خلال مسيرته مع الأندية في مختلف البطولات، وهو ثالث الهدافين التاريخيين لليفربول برصيد 246 هدفًا.
He played four Tests between 1964 and 1967 and was the first Pakistan batter to score a century on Test debut
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jul-2024
Billy Ibadulla was the first Pakistan player to score a hundred on Test debut•PA Photos/Getty Images
Former Pakistan allrounder Billy Ibadulla died on Friday at the age of 88. He had a short, but notable international career, playing only four Tests for Pakistan between 1964 and 1967, but became the first from his country to score a hundred on Test debut.Ibadulla made his Test debut against Australia in Karachi in 1964, one of six Test debutants in that game as Pakistan regenerated after their early years of success. Ibadulla had been drafted into the side at the insistence of the captain Hanif Mohammad and he immediately repaid that faith, with 166 in the first innings.He was part of a 249-run opening partnership with fellow debutant, and wicketkeeper, Abdul Kadir. It remains the highest partnership between two debutants for any wicket in Test cricket, and was a national record for the first wicket until Aamer Sohail and Ijaz Ahmed broke it in 1997.He would only go on to play three more Tests though, instead building a fine career with Warwickshire. He was one of the first Pakistanis to play county cricket (AH Kardar had played for Warwickshire for three seasons when Pakistan were not a full member and Khan Mohammad played one game for Somerset), after being overlooked for Pakistan selection for the 1954 tour to England. Unhappy, he came to England to forge a career as a professional cricketer and did so successfully, playing for nearly 18 seasons.That included key roles in two limited-overs cup titles in three years; he took 3-25 and scored 28 in Warwickshire’s four-wicket win in the 1968 final.After he finished at the county, he became a coach at a school in the UK, a sign of things to come. Soon after he moved to New Zealand to play for Otago (and some games for Tasmania in Australia) as well as do some coaching, He played a key role in the early development of Glenn Turner, one of New Zealand’s greatest batters.He ended with a prolific first-class career, scoring 17,078 runs at 27.28 and picking up 462 wickets at 30.96. Of his 417 first-class outings, 377 were for Warwickshire, for whom he played for more than a decade.”He was a special cricketer, one of the greatest, and we had lots of fun times together,” Warwickshire president Dennis Amiss, who played alongside Ibadulla at the club, wrote in a tribute to his former team-mate. “He could be really naughty at times, lots of mickey taking and he gave as good as he got. We loved him at Warwickshire.”In 64 List A matches, Ibadulla scored 829 runs and took 84 wickets. He also stood as an umpire in 20 first-class matches and 12 List A games. He also ran a private coaching clinic in New Zealand.His son, Kassem Ibadulla, also played 31 first-class games and 19 List A games for Gloucestershire and Otago.
It’s a step into the unknown for West Bromwich Albion next season with Ryan Mason at the helm.
Appointing the 33-year-old rookie boss is a bold next step that might well pay off for the Baggies, but he will have his work cut out for him from the get-go, with the likes of Grady Diangana, who had been a part of the furniture at the Hawthorns for some time, now heading out the exit door.
After those high-profile departures soured the mood somewhat, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur coach has been backed, notably with Aune Heggebo leaving Brann behind for a fee around the £4.7m mark to join the Championship side.
The additions up top might not grind to a halt here, however, despite the Nordic striker’s lavish fee, as more attacking signings look to be prioritised.
West Brom's next moves in the market
Diangana isn’t the only notable name in attack that could desert the Hawthorns, with Mikey Johnston still likely despondent after a £5m move to Flamengo fell through at the last minute.
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Spurs youngster Mikey Moore might well be on the West Brom shopping list to bolster down this depleted left-hand side, therefore, but Heggebo could also have competition up top very shortly if the West Midlands outfit power on to snap up an EFL-experienced striker for free.
Indeed, a new report by the Sheffield Star has revealed that Rhian Brewster is unlikely to pen a new contract at his current employers Sheffield United, which will open the door for a suitor to snap up the ex-Liverpool forward for nothing.
The Star further indicates that Sunderland are looking at the hit-and-miss Blades striker, but a report by SportsBoom right at the start of July also suggested that the Baggies were keen on a move for the free agent.
This interest might well accelerate back into motion now this exclusive development has come to light, with West Brom perhaps eager to work their Josh Maja magic again on the former Blades number seven in unearthing a goalscoring diamond in the rough.
How West Brom can work their Maja magic on Brewster
Before transforming into West Brom’s number one option in attack, Maja had been through the wringer during his often bumpy playing days.
The one-time Nigeria international would initially come onto the radar of English football fans when rising the ranks at Sunderland, with Maja powering home a promising seven strikes from 29 Sunderland U23 appearances, before taking it up a notch even further when finding the back of the net 17 times in the senior picture.
However, everything started to unravel when he left the comforts of the Stadium of Light behind, with his spell at Bordeaux ridden with injuries, whilst then struggling to find his feet back on English soil with the likes of Stoke City and Fulham.
West Brom have managed to get the best out of the unfortunate 26-year-old again, with an impressive return of 12 strikes coming his way last season in Championship action, but he is still prone to an extended stay in the treatment room.
Brewster’s career numbers
Stat
Brewster
Games played
190
Goals scored
48
Assists
18
Games missed through injury
158
Days missed
1157
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Brewster has an eerily similar story to Maja’s, considering the 25-year-old once had the world at his feet when leading the line for Liverpool in the U23 scene, before finding the men’s game to be a cruel beast.
He has since found his way back on the horse despite an injury-plagued few seasons in South Yorkshire, with a promising seven goal contributions coming his way last season, which led to his then-Blades boss Chris Wilder heralding him as “amazing” for his perseverance.
He might well be Mason’s very own Maja-like project if a move is sealed, with the London-born forward amazingly ahead of his Nigerian counterpart in terms of second-tier strikes bagged, as seen in his 18 strikes and counting, next to Maja’s 15.
With Brewster missing only seven clashes last campaign through injury, the hope will be that he can kick on and reclaim his former Reds magic – which saw him net a blistering 13 U23 goals at Anfield – only this time around it could secure a promotion in the senior game.
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