He bowled 23 wicketless overs of offspin during the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Harare
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Jul-2021
Roy Kaia is a decent batting option as well•Zimbabwe Cricket
Zimbabwe’s offspinning-allrounder Roy Kaia has been reported with a suspect bowling action during the one-off Test against Bangladesh in Harare.Kaia bowled a combined 23 overs across two innings without picking up a wicket. With bat, he bagged a pair as Bangladesh went on to win the match by 220 runs.An expert panel will analyse the video footage of his bowling action from the Test as an in-person assessment at an ICC accredited testing centre is not possible due to various restrictions resulting from Covid-19. Until the panel makes its decision known, Kaia can continue bowling in international cricket.Kaia, 29, first played for Zimbabwe in an ODI in Pakistan in 2015, when he was picked more for his batting abilities. That remains his only appearance in while-ball cricket for the country. He made his Test debut earlier this year, also against Pakistan. The Test against Bangladesh was the third of his career.He has over 100 wickets in domestic cricket but hasn’t picked up one at the international level so far.Zimbabwe are yet to announce their squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh that starts on July 16.
Charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material and one count of grooming a child
George Dobell17-May-2021Aaron Summers, the Australian fast bowler, has appeared in Darwin Local Court after being charged with child sexual offences.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Summers, who has most recently represented the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, was arrested in Fannie Bay on Friday afternoon. Police executed a search warrant and seized a mobile phone. The phone allegedly contained what the Northern Territories Police Service described as “a number of videos containing child abuse material” and evidence of contact with up to ten children in an “attempt to procure further illicit photographs”.Related
Summers set to be first Australian to play Pakistan domestic cricket
Summers was subsequently charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material and one count of grooming a child. He has been remanded in custody.”The behaviour is despicable,” detective acting senior sergeant Paul Lawson said. “Young people should be able to enjoy their childhood without the fear of predators approaching them for their own appalling intentions. The Northern Territory Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team will continue to work with national and international partners to keep the most vulnerable in our community safe.”While Summers has enjoyed a brief career in the Big Bash League (for the Hobart Hurricanes) and the One-day Cup (for Tasmania), he is perhaps best known for becoming the first Australian cricketer to play in a domestic cricket competition in Pakistan when he signed for Southern Punjab.
West Ham United have had a very busy summer transfer window so far in 2024. The Hammers have made an impressive eight signings as they look to give new manager Julen Lopetegui the perfect platform to launch off ahead of his first season as manager at the London Stadium.
The East London outfit have strengthened all areas of their squad, with the marquee signing arguably being Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville. The Dutchman joined the Hammers for a reported fee of £25m. The Hammers also strengthened in attacking areas by purchasing Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund for a fee in the region of £27m.
niclas-fullkrug
There has also been a major overhaul of their defence this summer for the Hammers, who have signed three new additions at the back. Two of those have been at centre-back, with Jean-Clair Todibo signing on a loan-to-buy deal from Nice, and Max KIlman swapping Wolverhampton Wanderers for West Ham for £40m. They also added Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka to their squad, for a fee of just £15m.
It has certainly been a heavy summer of spending for the Hammers so far, but they are perhaps not done yet, with journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing that contact has been made regarding a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Carlos Soler, who has spent the last two seasons at the Parc des Princes.
The playmaking Spaniard – who chalked up 67 goals and assists in 226 games for former club Valencia – would be yet another statement signing for Tim Steidten and co for the new season, although further activity could well lie in store…
West Ham targeting Championship winger
The player in question here is Sunderland’s exciting young English winger Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old has been very impressive for Sunderland during his time at the Stadium of Light and has constantly been linked with a move away from the club.
According to a report from The Sun's print edition (20 August, page 48), the former Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur winger is thought to be of interest to the Hammers, who could make a move for the enterprising talent before the deadline on the 30th of August.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke
However, Lopeteugui’s side are not thought to be the only side interested in acquiring the 23-year-old’s services before the window is over. Newly promoted side Southampton are also chasing a deal for Clarke. The Saints have already bought two players from the EFL this summer, young centre-back pair Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood, and there is no reason to suggest they would not make a move to sign Clarke, either.
A recent report from TEAMtalk suggests that the Black Cats want a fee of around £25m for Clarke. Given the fact West Ham have spent so much money this summer, it remains to be seen if they still have enough left to pay their asking price.
How Clarke can replicate Bowen
The 23-year-old former Spurs winger has certainly impressed for the Black Cats over the last few seasons. Last term, Clarke scored 15 goals and grabbed four assists in 40 appearances in the second tier of England, and already has one goal and one assist in two Championship games this season.
Clarke Championship record for Sunderland
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
45
9
12
2023/24
40
15
4
2024/25
2
1
1
Total
87
25
17
Stats from Transfermarkt
Should the Hammers bring Clarke to the London Stadium this summer, it could be the second coming of new club captain Jarrod Bowen. Like the Sunderland number 20, the England international received part of his footballing education in the EFL, playing for Hull City before his move to East London.
Bowen was very impressive in the second tier for the Tigers. He played 131 games in all competitions for the Nothern club, including seven in the Premier League without a goal involvement. However, he scored 54 times and grabbed 14 assists in orange and black, leading West Ham to sign him for around £20m.
jarrod-bowen-hull-city
The winger has since gone on to become a modern-day great for the Hammers. He has scored 60 goals and has registered 39 assists in 203 games in all competitions, and is now the club captain. One of those goals is one of the most famous strikes in the Hammers’ history, the winner in the 90th minute against Fiorentina in the 2022/23 Europa Conference League final.
Clarke, who was described as a “diamond” by former manager Tony Mowbray, could certainly have a similar impact as Bowen on the London Stadium, and follow in his footsteps. Like the Hammers skipper, he is a winger who has received vital education in the Championship and has impressed consistently.
For just £25m, this could be a shrewd signing for West Ham as they look to bolster their squad further, amid the parallel interest in the aforementioned Soler.
West Ham could bag dream signing for Fullkrug in "complete" £17m star
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee had the perfect response to Ruben Amorim going 'ballistic' at him during the 4-0 win over Everton.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Amorim goes 'ballistic' at Zirkzee
Striker responds with two goals
Man Utd thump Everton 4-0
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
WHAT HAPPENED?
Zirkzee was handed a starting spot in United's team for Sunday's clash with Everton at Old Trafford but the Dutchman was reportedly on the receiving end of head coach Amorim's ire early on. According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, the 39-year-old went 'ballistic' at Zirkzee for not pressing the opposition well enough in the first half. But the 23-year-old went on to score either side of the break in the 4-0 victory, which was an ideal response to the criticism.
Advertisement
Getty Images Sport
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Zirkzee swapped Bologna for United for £36 million ($46m, €42.5m) over the summer but prior to the Everton game, the move had not gone to plan. The Netherlands international had scored just one goal in 18 appearances for the Red Devils, leading to January exit links and some at United questioning if they had made a mistake signing him. But this double against the Toffees could do wonders for his confidence.
DID YOU KNOW?
Zirkzee, who was a late call-up to the Dutch squad for this summer's European Championships, scored 12 goals and bagged seven assists for Bologna last season but his slow start this term led some pundits to believe he was not a good fit for United.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
WHAT NEXT?
Zirkzee will hope for more game time, ahead of fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund, when ninth-placed United travel to second-positioned Arsenal at the Emirates in a crunch Premier League encounter on Wednesday night.
In the space of 12 months, Cole Palmer has gone from a promising youngster, to one of the most talented players in the country after his phenomenal first season at Chelsea.
The attacker arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £40m deal from Manchester City last summer, with Palmer moving to West London to gain more consistent first-team minutes to aid his development.
His move to the Blues has catapulted the 22-year-old to stardom, scoring 22 Premier League goals last season and finishing the campaign as the division’s second-highest goalscorer behind former teammate, Erling Haaland.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer
Palmer’s subsequent form for Chelsea earned him a call-up to the England national side for Euro 2024, where the youngster scored a stunning equaliser in the final defeat to Spain.
Every Blues fan will be hoping that he can build on his excellent form over the last couple of months, with one new addition potentially helping the Englishman in 2024/25.
Chelsea make bid to sign German talent
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have submitted a concrete offer to sign Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier this summer.
Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier.
Aston Villa have also made an offer for the 21-year-old talent, with Bayer Leverkusen still in the race for his signature.
Plettenberg claims that Beier’s current contract has a €30m (£25m) release clause, which could be triggered by the Blues, but it’s unknown how much their current offer is worth.
The youngster produced some phenomenal stats in the Bundesliga last season, with his figures perfectly falling into the hands of Palmer who could become unplayable with the addition of Beier.
Why Beier could make Palmer unplayable for Chelsea
Despite featuring with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk at the top end of the pitch for Chelsea, Palmer struggled to form a settled partnership with neither of the duo able to secure a regular first-team spot.
However, Beier’s potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could allow the English international to form a deadly partnership with the German, who’s capable of featuring across the entire front line.
The Hoffenheim talent registered 17 goal contributions in the Bundesliga last season, proving to be a constant threat in attacking areas.
Beier, who’s previously been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Zach Lowy, also produced some key figures that would allow Palmer to further increase his already impressive goalscoring tally from 2023/24.
Games played
33
Goals + assists
17
Progressive carries
2.3
Carries into penalty area
1.3
Successful take-ons
1.2
Passes into penalty area
1
He registered 2.3 progressive carries per 90, 1.3 of which were into the opposition’s penalty area – demonstrating his ability to travel with the ball at his feet and create opportunities for players such as Palmer.
The 21-year-old also averaged 1.2 successful take-ons last season, showcasing his talent in possession, with a link-up alongside the Chelsea talisman potentially improving Beier’s own tally from last campaign.
Chelsea player Cole Palmer
With the duo both in the form of their life during the previous season, it could be a deadly partnership that could take Chelsea back to the Champions League places in 2024/25.
£25m in today’s market is a bargain for a player of his quality, also following in the club’s current philosophy of signing talents who can make an immediate and long-term impact at Stamford Bridge.
Outscored Osimhen & Palmer: Chelsea could land £86m Jackson upgrade
Chelsea continue to hunt for clinical striker option
The return of the Premier League is less than three weeks away, and while they still had a good campaign last season, Arsenal will be desperate to go one better in 2024/25.
Last year, Mikel Arteta's side produced the best defence in the league but scored five goals fewer than Manchester City, which saw them miss out on the title by just two points on the final day.
With the defence already strengthened following the signing of Riccardo Calafiori, Edu Gaspar and Co can now switch their focus to the attack.
Based on recent reports, that appears to be happening, as the latest name touted for a move to the club is an incredible goalscorer and someone who'd help make Martin Odegaard unplayable.
Arsenal transfer news
According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
In recent weeks, it had been widely reported that the Nigerian superstar was set to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain once negotiations between the two clubs were completed. However, according to this report, that deal is now dead and very much off the table following the Parisians' refusal to pay the striker's €130m release clause, which is about £109m.
As a result, other clubs, including Arsenal, have re-entered the frame, with Football Transfers claiming that the Gunners have returned to Napoli to reopen talks over a potential move.
If the North Londoners were to pay his full release clause, it would be a record-breaking transfer, but based on his performances over the last couple of seasons, he's likely worth it – he could also make Odegaard one of the best midfielders in the world.
Why Osimhen would make Odegaard unplayable
So, while there may be several reasons why Osimhen would help Odegaard truly assert himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, there is one leading and overriding reason: his incredible output.
The Arsenal captain has proven he's a brilliant leader, technician and even goalscorer over the last few seasons. However, had he been playing alongside a genuinely clinical striker since joining the club, his tally of 25 assists in 153 appearances would be significantly higher.
According to Understat, the Norwegian international has consistently fallen short of his expected assists in the league by at least 1.50 every year for the past three seasons. This underscores the fact that his teammates are not converting the chances he creates as frequently as they should.
This is where the "world-class" Nigerian, as dubbed by managerial icon José Mourinho, would come into play, as in his 133 appearances for Napoli, he has scored 76 goals, equating to a goal every 1.75 games.
Moreover, over the last season, he has comfortably outperformed Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, racking up 57 goal involvements to the German's 31 and the Brazilian's 34.
Appearances
39
47
33
Goals
31
9
11
Assists
5
1
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.92
0.21
0.54
Appearances
32
51
36
Goals
17
14
8
Assists
4
7
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.65
0.38
0.44
Ultimately, while he's likely going to cost a king's ransom, Osimhen has proven himself to be one of the best goalscorers in world football, and with him playing in front of the mercurial Odegaard next season, the Gunners could end up outscoring everyone in the league, with the Norwegian racking up the most assists.
Therefore, Edu and Co should do whatever they can to ensure the Napoli star makes his way to N5 in the coming weeks.
Arsenal target £147kp/w "artist" who's the perfect Smith Rowe upgrade
The experiences international would be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad.
Since Todd Boehly took on ownership, Chelsea Football Club have become known as the big spenders of Europe. They have not been known to look for any bargains, choosing to spend big money instead.
The Blues have spent an extraordinary £1bn since the American took the reins of the club in May 2022.
Twice, Chelsea have broken the British transfer record. Firstly, when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107m on transfer deadline day of the 2023 winter transfer window. They broke the previous record of £100m which Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish to sign the World Cup winner, who lifted the prestigious trophy just two months before his big move.
They then broke it again just months later in the summer transfer window. They eclipsed the deal to sign Fernandez by bringing Moises Caicedo to Stamford Bridge last August. The Ecuadorian international left Brighton to join Chelsea for £115m, after rejecting a move to Liverpool.
It is fair to say that the Blues have not exactly found any cheap deals since Boehly has been at the helm. The Fernandez and Caicedo deals are just two examples, but to have spent £1bn in 24 months tells you all you need to know. However, with that being said, they have recently been linked with one player who could be a cheap, and shrewd piece of business.
Chelsea target La Liga striker
The player in question here is Barcelona’s Spanish wonderkid striker Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy and has impressed during his fleeting first-team appearances so far.
According to a report from reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are one club who are interested in signing Guiu this summer. The Blues are thought to be “exploring” a transfer for the youngster, who could depart his boyhood club.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side are not thought to be the only club interested in signing Guiu during the summer transfer window. Romano reports that German giants Bayern Munich are also “showing interest” in Guiu, as they look to find an understudy to first-choice centre-forward Harry Kane.
However, it is not clear if Barcelona will sell Guiu at this stage. Romano explains that the Catalan club hope to keep the exciting prospect at the club, and a new contract for the youngster will be “discussed” soon. However, interest is “now growing” in Guiu, and Chelsea are one of the clubs best placed to activate his £5m release clause.
Why Guiu would be a good signing
It was a La Liga debut to remember for Guiu on the 22nd of October last year when he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Athletic Club, at their temporary home Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
It was an 80th-minute winner from the teenage whiz, 33 seconds after coming on, to seal a 1-0 win and three points for Barca. During the game, he had just four touches and won two out of three ground duels, too, as per SofaScore.
In total, the youngster has played seven times for his boyhood club, all of which came last season, under Xavi who has now departed the club. He also scored in the Champions League against Royal Antwerp, although that was in a losing cause, with the Belgian side winning 3-2.
For the 18-year-old to have scored twice in 182 minutes, the equivalent of roughly two full 90-minute games is very impressive. It backs up what football talent scout Jacek Kulig said about him. Kulig described Guiu as a “natural born killer” who is an “incredibly dangerous player in the penalty area” during his exploits for Spain at the under-17 World Cup last year.
Should Chelsea add Guiu, who scored six goals in 16 games for Barcelona Atletic, to the ranks, he could well become the natural backup option to Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese striker had an impressive first season in the Premier League for the Blues, scoring 14 times in 35 games, as well as registering five assists. He was bettered by only Cole Palmer for the most goal involvements for Chelsea last season in the top flight.
Player
Games
G/A
Cole Palmer
34
33
Nicolas Jackson
35
19
Raheem Sterling
31
12
Conor Gallagher
37
12
However, the Blues do not really have a natural understudy to Jackson. In his absence, Raheem Sterling led the line once, and so did Palmer on occasion. Christopher Nkunku was often injured last season, but he is also a candidate to play up front.
Should they sign Guiu, Chelsea would be adding a talented youngster to their squad, whilst also providing Jackson with an excellent understudy, thus not taking away from the overall plan of the team, without a natural centre-forward. It would also allow Guiu to develop his game without the pressure of being the first-choice number nine at Stamford Bridge.
For just £5m, the youngster could be an ideal option for Chelsea and would also help reign in their spending as they look to get a better-refined squad for Maresca as he approaches his first season as a Premier League manager.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly more likely to sign a new Manchester City contract if the club are punished for supposed Financial Fair Play breaches.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Current deal expires in 2025Waiting on outcome of FFP caseManaged expected to stay regardlessFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The reigning Premier League champions have been dragged into an FFP case that includes somewhere between 115 and 130 charges. Speculation regarding what could happen if City are found guilty on multiple counts continues to rage, with rumoured sanctions ranging from points deductions to expulsion from the English top-flight.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola’s future has provided another unwelcome distraction amid that saga, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2025. There has been talk of him agreeing an extension through to 2026, which would see a decade of service at the Etihad Stadium completed.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to , Guardiola would be more willing to put pen to paper if City were hit with severe sanctions from the Premier League – with it suggested that decision “would partly be out of defiance and partly not leaving a club he has come to love in a difficult spot”.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty/GOALTELL ME MORE
It is also being claimed that City have inserted no clauses into the contracts of new arrivals that relate to potential relegation out of the Premier League. The official line coming out of the Etihad is said to be “there is nothing to worry about”, with players advised to “get on with the job”.
ليس من السر أن المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، كارلو أنشيلوتي، كان مهددًا بالإقالة من تدريب الملكي بسبب سوء النتائج سواء في الدوري الإسباني أو دوري أبطال أوروبا.
خسر ريال مدريد أمام برشلونة في “سانتياجو برنابيو” وكذلك ضد ميلان بنفس الملعب وهو ما أثر كثيرًا على قوة وجود أنشيلوتي مع الفريق.
كان ريال مدريد بعيدًا عن المنافسة على لقب الدوري الإسباني ولم يكن لديه سوى 6 نقاط حتى الفوز الأخير أمام أتالانتا في “بيرجامو”، ورغم أنه لا يزال مهدد بعد بشأن الصعود من أول 8 فرق في الترتيب ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
إلا أن الوضع تحسن كثيرًا بعد الفوز على المنافس الإيطالي بعد أن كانت التوقعات هي السقوط من جديد، لكن الأمر تحسن كثيرًا.
اقرأ أيضًا | رداً على ماركا.. ليفربول إيكو تكشف حقيقة أنباء انضمام أرنولد إلى ريال مدريد
وبحسب شبكة “ريليفو” أن أنشيلوتي كان مهددًا بالإقالة بداية من مباراة جيرونا والتي أقيمت قبل 22 يومًا في ملعب “مونتليفي” لأن الفريق كان يأتي من هزيمة ضد أتلتيك بلباو في “سان ماميس”.
وتواجد فلورنتينو بيريز في ملعب “مونتليفي” لمتابعة المباراة، وهو ما جعل البعض يشعرون أن هناك شيئًا ما سيحدث ربما الأقرب كانت إقالة الإيطالي.
ولكن بمساعدة كيليان مبابي، الذي كان يمر أيضًا بفترة متذبذبة عبر ريال مدريد من عنق الزجاجة بالفوز خارج الأرض بنتيجة 3-0، ثم تخطي عقبة أتالانتا في دوري أبطال أوروبا بصعوبة بنتيجة 3-2.
هذا ما جعل ريال مدريد يتنفس الصعداء مع أنشيلوتي ورغم التعادل المحبط أمام رايو فاليكانو في الدوري، إلا أن الفوز ببطولة كأس الانتركونتننتال قد جعلت المدرب الإيطالي هو الأكثر فوزًا بالألقاب مع الملكي.
أداء ريال مدريد في تحسن كبير في الفترة الأخيرة وأصبح في المركز الثاني بترتيب الدوري الإسباني قبل نهاية عام 2024 ومرشح قوي للمنافسة على اللقب مع أتلتيكو مدريد وبرشلونة رغم تراجعه في الفترة الأخيرة.
ولكن الفوز في جيرونا وأتالانتا أنقذ أنشيلوتي بحسب التقرير الذي يأتي بالتزامن بعد عام واحد من تمديد عقد المدرب مع ريال مدريد عقب نجاح، فلورنتينو بيريز، في إقناعه بتجاهل عرض تدريب منتخب البرازيل.
Celtic are set to compete in the revamped and restructured Champions League set-up next season after they won the Scottish Premiership title.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the Hoops will play eight games in the new league phase (formerly the group stage). They will play eight sides from Europe, rather than three teams twice, and play half of the games at Parkhead and half of the matches away from home.
Teams will need to finish inside the top eight in the league to automatically qualify for the knock-outs, whilst teams from ninth to 24th will then compete in two-leg play-off games to make the last 16.
The Scottish giants were knocked out of the Champions League during the group stages this season, as they finished bottom of their group, which included Lazio, Feyenoord, and Atletico Madrid.
Brendan Rodgers may now look to use the upcoming summer transfer window to improve his squad with the hope of making more progress in Europe next term.
The Northern Irish head coach could aim to strengthen his attacking options after the Hoops scored just five goals in six Champions League matches in the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.
Celtic's interest in signing loan star
According to the Daily Record, Rodgers is 'desperate' to sign loan star Adam Idah from Norwich City after his impressive stint with the club this year.
The report claims that the Ireland international is a target for the former Liverpool and Leicester boss, who wants to snap him up on a permanent deal after his temporary spell at Parkhead.
It also states that the Canaries are looking for a fee of at least £6m to allow their academy graduate to move on from Carrow Road before the end of the summer transfer window.
There is no mention, though, of how much Celtic are prepared to pay for the 23-year-old centre-forward and if they are willing to splash out £6m on his services.
Football Insider have also published a report on the situation and they claim that new Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, who recently replaced David Wagner in the dugout in Norfolk, wants to evaluate the forward in pre-season before making a decision on his future.
The outlet states that he is a 'top target' for the Scottish giants, which backs up the Daily Record's claim, but adds that they are not going to wait around for too long if Thorup takes his time to decide on whether or not to cash in on the striker.
If Rodgers and Celtic can convince the Yellows to part ways with the forward this summer, though, then he could come in and thrive at Parkhead alongside another potential signing – Stuart Armstrong.
Celtic's interest in a Parkhead reunion
Football Insider recently claimed that the Premiership champions are plotting a swoop to sign the Scotland international on a free transfer ahead of next season.
The outlet reported that the 32-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as a target for the Bhoys after his 'surprise' exit from Southampton upon the expiry of his contract, after they won promotion to the Premier League.
Stuart Armstrong
They are said to be considering a move to sign the former Hoops ace but will look at younger alternatives before they decide to bring him back to Parkhead for a second stint in Glasgow.
During his first spell with Rodgers at Celtic, between 2016 and 2018, Armstrong racked up an eye-catching 22 goals and 13 assists in 88 appearances as a central midfielder.
This shows that the Scottish dynamo already knows how to perform in the Premiership and for the Hoops under the pressure of winning titles and trophies each season, which suggests that he could hit the ground running at Parkhead next season.
Like Idah, Armstrong has the experience of playing in Glasgow and in Scotland, which makes them both ideal targets in comparison to players from foreign leagues who would need time to adjust to the league and the pressures of playing for the club.
Appearances
42
Goals
5
xA
7.08
Big chances created
11
Key passes per game
1.6
Assists
7
As you can see in the table above, the Hoops target is also still in top form after an impressive season in the Championship with Southampton, as they won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
Idah could now be an exciting signing alongside Armstrong as the duo could come in and hit the ground running at Parkhead as an impressive attacking duo.
Why Adam Idah could thrive with Stuart Armstrong
The Saints maestro showcased his creative quality from a central midfield position during the 2023/24 campaign and he could be a fantastic player to play behind the Irish marksman.
Armstrong ranked within the top 9% of midfielders in the Championship for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.20) and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.33), which speaks to his ability to create high-quality opportunities for his teammates.
Idah, meanwhile, displayed his ruthless finishing in a Celtic shirt as he scored eight goals from 6.86 xG in the Premiership during the second half of the season.
That came after the 23-year-old striker, who Rodgers hailed as "fast" and a "catalyst", had scored six goals from 5.23 xG during the first half of the campaign for Norwich in the English Championship.
These statistics show that he was an efficient and effective finisher in England and Scotland during the season, with a combined 14 goals from 12.09 xG.
Appearances
15
Starts
5
Goals
8
Big chances missed
7
Conversion rate
27%
Minutes per goal
76
As you can see in the table above, the 6 foot 3 star was prolific during his short spell at Paradise as he impressively averaged a goal every 76 minutes for the Scottish giants.
Whilst there is no guarantee that he will be able to carry that form over to a full campaign in the Premiership if Celtic sign him permanently, Idah has the potential to thrive alongside Armstrong.
Celtic could start the window perfectly with £4m+ swoop for star target
The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the shot-stopper this summer.
ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024
The pair could be an exciting duo to watch at Parkhead next term as the free agent midfielder has the creative quality to split open the opposition's defence to put the forward in positions to showcase his superb finishing ability.