Nottingham Forest have now made an approach to sign an “unstoppable” forward, who is set to be available for a fee of £39m this summer, according to reports.

Nottingham Forest eyeing replacement for Elanga

Anthony Elanga is set to sign for Newcastle United in a £55m deal, meaning Edu Gaspar’s first task as Global Head of Football will be to find a replacement for the winger, although it may not be a quick process.

Speaking about the way in which he goes about making new additions to the Forest squad, Edu said: “You can’t just sign for the sake of signing. It has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. Right there on my desk, I have reports with over 180 pages on a player. It’s really detailed.

“Physical, technical, and mental profiles, whether they have Premier League experience, whether they’ll be able to adapt. It’s all there. We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest, and then we go looking for that new name.”

Seemingly PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko ticks a lot of boxes for Edu, as Forest have now entered talks over a deal for the winger, who is viewed as a direct replacement for Elanga.

However, the 22-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with the Tricky Trees also making an approach to sign Benfica winger Kerem Akturkoglu, according to an update from reporter Kutlu Akpinar on X.

Forest were the “first” team to make contact over a deal for the forward, and they were told that €45m (£39m) would be enough to get a deal done, although there could be competition for his signature.

The Turk has made it clear that the only team he wants to play for in his home country is Galatasaray, but there could be rival interest from within the Premier League, as Sunderland and Everton are also named as potential suitors.

Nottingham Forest join race to sign "fantastic" £50m+ Elanga replacement

Newcastle are still pushing to sign Elanga.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 7, 2025 "Unstoppable" Akturkoglu could be fantastic signing for Forest

Once lauded as “unstoppable” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango, the Benfica star was a regular source of goals and assists last season, picking up 22 goal contributions in the Liga Portugal alone.

With Forest set to embark on a European adventure, Nuno Espirito Santo will also be keen to bring in players with experience in the biggest competitions, and the 26-year-old also caught the eye in the 2024-25 Champions League, netting four goals.

Considering the former Galatasaray man has predominantly featured at left-wing throughout his career to date, it is unclear whether he would be viewed as a direct replacement for Elanga, but he could be a fantastic addition to the squad nonetheless.

Not only that, but Forest should be in a strong position to beat Sunderland and Everton to Akturkoglu’s signature, given that European football will be on offer at the City Ground next season.

يستضيف نادي ليفربول نظيره إيفرتون لحساب منافسات الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب آنفيلد وفي اللقاء المعروف بديربي الميرسيسايد.

ويسعى نادي ليفربول إلى تحقيق الفوز على إيفرتون، وذلك من أجل الاستمرار في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز عقب الانتصار في أول أربع جولات من المسابقة.

أقرأ أيضًا .. سلوت يفسر سبب جلوس فيرتز وإيزاك على دكة بدلاء ليفربول أمام إيفرتون

واستطاع نادي ليفربول التقدم وتسجيل الهدف الأول في لقاء اليوم، وذلك عن طريق ريان جرافنبيرخ في الدقيقة العاشرة.

جرافنبيرخ استغل تمريرة أكثر من رائعة من قبل النجم المصري محمد صلاح، ليسدد الدولي الهولندي الكرة بيمينه في شباك حارس مرمى إيفرتون، جوردان بيكفورد.

وتعتبر هذه النتيجة مرشحة وبقوة للزيادة اليوم، في ظل سيطرة ليفربول المطلقة على المباراة وسط تراجع دفاعي واضح من لاعبي إيفرتون.

ريان غرافينبيرخ يفتتح التسجيل لفريق ليفربول في ديربي الميرسيسايد#الدوري_الإنجليزي | #ليفربول_إيفرتون #EPL pic.twitter.com/nsJFiXxp7H — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) September 20, 2025

India’s net run rate (NRR) ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 game against Pakistan was -2.90. They had to win and win big against Pakistan for that to become positive and move up in the points table. On a hot afternoon in Dubai, though, India achieved only one of those tasks – beating Pakistan by six wickets to earn two points and open the account with a sluggish chase.The win was set up by Arundhati Reddy and Shreyanka Patil, who combined for five of the eight wickets Pakistan lost. Pakistan huffed and puffed to 105 on the back of Nida Dar’s 28. But on a slow, spin-friendly surface, Pakistan also used their spinners well and denied India the launchpad: they eventually got home in the 19th over with only five fours hit – three by Shafali Verma and one each by Harmanpreet Kaur and S Sajana, playing for the injured Pooja Vastrakar. Back at her familiar No. 4 spot after being promoted to one-down in the opening game, Harmanpreet was the only India batter with a strike rate over 100, in the top six.

Pakistan show early intent

On the eve of the contest, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana spoke about using the power game to hit hard at their rivals. The openers tried to use their feet in a bid to walk the talk after Pakistan opted to bat. Gull Feroza tried to use her feet to counter Renuka Singh’s swing but was undone in the opening over. Muneeba Ali also used the crease so much that the runs hardly justify those. She used even the slightest of width to go over the in-field, like she did twice against Renuka inside the powerplay.Richa Ghosh took a stunner to dismiss Fatima Sana•ICC/Getty Images

Reddy-powered India ‘turn’ the tide

In the absence of Vastrakar, who was out with a niggle, Reddy had to shoulder additional seam-bowling responsibility and was brought on in the fourth over of the game. Immediately she induced a false stroke, with Sidra Amin chipping one towards mid-off. In her next over, Reddy delivered the perfect blow, getting Muneeba to scoop one straight to short fine leg only for S Asha to grass a sitter. A couple of balls later, though, Reddy struck by having Omaima Sohail miscue one to mid-off.A few quiet overs saw Muneeba being stifled, and Patil pounced on the chance to get among the wickets. Anticipating a charge from the Pakistan opener, she threw one wider outside off, past which Muneeba walked and Richa Ghosh did the rest. Dar found it slightly tough to keep the scorecard ticking on her own and losing partners regularly did not help.Reddy first trapped Aliya Riaz in front – the DRS not coming to the Pakistan allrounder’s aid after Hawk-Eye showed it to be clipping leg – before Patil dismissed Tuba Hassan for a three-ball duck. Sana showed a bit of intent and struck successive fours off Asha but fell to a terrific catch by Ghosh. She looked to slog the legspinner out of the ground but Ghosh dived to her right to pluck a one-handed stunner. Reddy then bowled Dar to pick up her third.

India’s strange chase

For India to get their NRR in the positive, they had to overhaul the 106-run target in 11.2 overs. However, India endured a boundary-less powerplay, with Shafali and Smriti Mandhana struggling to put away spin. Mandhana hit some crisp strokes but found the fielders in nine of the ten balls leading to her dismissal. In a bid to break free, she chipped one tamely to backward point.On cue, Sana kept spin on for 13 of the first 15 overs. They frustrated Shafali with lack of speed, as a result of which, she missed putting some of the juicy full tosses away. India ended their boundary drought in the eighth over when Shafali welcomed Tuba with a pull through midwicket. She hit a couple of more fours before holing out to long-on.At the other end, Jemimah Rodrigues – batting at No. 3 ahead of Harmanpreet – kept manoeuvring the field and helping India inch closer. However, boundaries were hard to come by and, when India lost her and Ghosh off successive balls, it seemed Pakistan could do the unthinkable. Harmanpreet then almost saw India home in the company of Deepti Sharma. However, she sprained her neck while turning awkwardly to avoid being stumped and walked back retired hurt. Sajana then came out to hit the winning four that helped India maintain their upper hand over Pakistan in women’s T20Is.

Reddy reprimanded

India fast bowler Reddy has been reprimanded for breaching level one of the ICC Code of Conduct in the game on Sunday. She was found guilty and as a result, handed a demerit point.Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”The incident occurred in the 20th over of Pakistan’s innings, when Reddy, after dismissing allrounder Nida Dar, gestured in the direction of the pavilion.

“Don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib should not play in Bangladesh in the home series [against South Africa],” Shahriar Nafees says

Mohammad Isam24-Sep-2024

Shakib Al Hasan will be in Bangladesh for the first time since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a part•AFP/Getty Images

The BCB is confident that Shakib Al Hasan won’t have any problems returning to Bangladesh – for the first time since the fall of the Awami League government, of which he was a part – for the Test series against South Africa next month.Shakib, Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketer, was among 147 people named in a murder case in Dhaka last month. He had become a member of parliament in January this year. When Sheikh Hasina resigned as the prime minister on August 5 following massive anti-government protests in Bangladesh and fled the country, Shakib was playing in the Global T20 League in Canada. After that, he has travelled to Pakistan for a Test series, then played a county match for Surrey, and is now in India for another Test series. He was not in Bangladesh at any point during the protests or since. The case in question relates to the death of Mohammed Rubel, who was wounded in the firing during the protests on August 5 and died two days later.Shahriar Nafees, in charge of the BCB’s cricket operations, said on Monday that the country’s caretaker government had clarified that Shakib would not be “harassed”.Related

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“I think the honourable chief adviser, law adviser and sports adviser have spoken very clearly regarding Shakib Al Hasan,” Nafees said. “There is a clear message from the Bangladesh government that no one will be harassed unfairly in the cases that have been filed. We believe the interim government has made its position very clear on Shakib. Unless there is an injury problem or a selection-related issue, I personally don’t see any reason as of now why Shakib Al Hasan should not play in Bangladesh in the home series.”Last month, Bangladesh’s law adviser, Asif Nazrul, had also said that he hoped Shakib would not be arrested in connection with the case. “There’s only a case filed against Shakib. I hope he will not be arrested. I have come to know that the police forces have been asked to show as much restraint as possible in case something incredible happens.”Soon after the news about him being named in the case surfaced, Shakib had received support from his Bangladesh team-mates, who had posted messages on their respective social-media accounts. But his silence during the student-led mass protests in July and August has also led to criticism. Many of his national team-mates have, at various points, spoken about the protests and the loss of lives, especially of students, but Shakib hasn’t.Bangladesh, who are currently in India to play Tests and T20Is, are scheduled to play two home Tests against South Africa in October. CSA’s security team completed its evaluation of Dhaka and Chattogram, where the Tests will be played, on Monday and is expected to inform the BCB about its decision later this week.

Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal both scored fifties but could not prevent England’s march to victory

Alan Gardner11-Oct-2024From the unthinkable to the inevitable. Pakistan became the first team in Test history to lose by an innings having scored 500 in their first attempt, as England wrapped up victory inside the morning session on day five at Multan. Jack Leach finished with four wickets, a century stand between Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal not enough to save Pakistan from an unwanted record.Their fate had been effectively sealed when they slumped to 82 for 6 in blameless conditions on the fourth afternoon, any sense of fight crushed beneath the weight of England’s 823 for 7 declared. Salman and Jamal did their best to salvage some pride, putting on 109 for the seventh wicket – but Pakistan were so far adrift, despite posting an imposing 556 in the first innings, that it was not enough to make England’s batters put on their pads again.Defeat extended a horror run for Pakistan under the captaincy of Shan Masood to six in a row, and twisted the knife into an abysmal home record that has seen them winless since February 2021.With Pakistan a man down in the absence of the hospitalised Abrar Ahmed, England only had to remain patient and wait for an opening. Leach provided it with his fourth ball, after Ollie Pope had opted to bowl pace for much of the first hour, Salman trapped lbw by one that would have gone on to hit leg stump. Two wickets in the space of four balls then completed the victory, only England’s second by an innings in Asia.Jack Leach claimed the final three wickets to seal victory•Getty ImagesIt was set up by a record-breaking performance with the bat, Harry Brook’s triple-hundred and 262 from Joe Root helping England to post the fourth-highest total in Tests. And while the pitch continued to play pretty well even into the fifth day, with just the occasional assistance from the widening cracks, Pakistan’s initial collapse in the face of a 267-run deficit left the outcome a formality.Resuming on 152 for 6, there was more gutsy resistance from Salman and Jamal. Memories of Salman’s first-innings hundred, when he skipped along close to a run a ball as Pakistan’s total mounted, had been eroded by the match situation but he showed an ability to apply himself in more straitened circumstances, a tickled boundary off Gus Atkinson taking him to fifty for the second time in the match.At the other end, Jamal found himself in the crosshairs of Brydon Carse’s short-ball attack. A blow to the helmet required a visit from the physio and a concussion test but he continued to front up, putting several bumpers away to the boundary on the way to a second Test fifty. Carse kept coming, with a gloved pull flying over the head of Jamie Smith, before Pope put down what should have been a regulation catch after Jamal top-edged to square leg.In between, Leach had provided the breakthrough when he beat Salman’s inside edge, the dismissal confirmed on review. Shaheen Afridi was in no mood to hang around, flat-batting his third ball, from Carse, down the ground. But Leach clung on to a sharp return chance and then Naseem Shah walked past one to be stumped, as England closed out one of their most remarkable wins – not just of the Bazball era, but of all time.

In May, Football Insider reported that Leeds United were not planning to build their attack around Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe in the Premier League next season.

It claimed that the Whites have doubts over his ability to make the step up to the top-flight as the first-choice number nine, but we are two months further on and no marquee striker signing has arrived at Elland Road.

Leeds had been linked with an interest in Brighton forward Evan Ferguson this summer, but he is now reportedly in talks to join Roma on an initial loan deal.

This means that the Ireland international may be one name that has to be crossed off the club’s shortlist of options to lead the line for Daniel Farke next season.

Leeds could make new offer for Serie A striker

Missing out on Ferguson to the Serie A giants may not be a major concern for the Championship champions, though, because they are keen on signing an even better striker who is already playing in Italy.

Transfer Focus

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

According to La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic to bolster their attack this summer, after seeing a bid turned down earlier in the window.

The report claims that the Whites are in the ‘background’ in the race to sign the Montenegro international at the moment, because he would prefer to stay in Italy or play for a team in a European competition.

However, the outlet adds that Leeds will make a new offer to bring the striker to England later in the window if he does not move elsewhere in the coming weeks, in the hope that the player will change his mind.

Why Leeds should sign Krstovic

If the Whites can convince the £21m-rated number nine to make the move to Elland Road, Farke could land an even better striker option than Ferguson for his side next term.

Krstovic has played for Lecce in the Serie A in the last two seasons and has proven his ability to find the back of the net at an impressive rate in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The 25-year-old Leeds target ended the 2024/25 season with an eye-catching haul of 11 goals in 37 games in the Serie A for Lecce, which is more goals than Ferguson has ever managed in a single senior campaign.

Stats	Evan Ferguson (Premier League)		Nikola Krstovic (Serie A)
Season	23/24	24/25	23/24	24/24
Appearances	27	21	35	37
Goals	6	1	7	11
Minutes per goal	231	418	345	279
Big chances created	1	2	4	5
Assists	0	0	1	5
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Krstovic has outscored Ferguson by 11 goals at league level in the past two seasons, whilst also creating six more ‘big chances’ for his teammates.

These statistics suggest that the Lecce forward, who was hailed as “integral” by former boss Roberto D’Aversa, would be a much better signing for the Whites for next season, as he appears more likely to have what it takes to make a significant impact in front of goal on a regular basis.

At the age of 20, Ferguson is still learning and developing as a player, which is why he would have been a risky signing for the club. Krstovic, however, is in the prime years of his career at the age of 25 and could hit the ground running at Elland Road.

Therefore, the Whites should be doing everything possible to convince the player to ditch Italy for England this summer to bolster Farke’s options in the number nine position, as the Montenegro international could be the proven goalscorer they are looking for.

The dream squad Leeds could build: £150m spent & "generational" star joins

Here’s what the Leeds squad could look like at the end of the summer.

3

By
Dan Emery

Jul 12, 2025

Piroe is yet to score a goal in one of Europe’s major leagues in his career and the aforementioned report from Football Insider stated that there are doubts over his ability, which is why Leeds should sign Krstovic to fill that spot in the team.

Leeds United have made a number of signings to improve their defensive unit ahead of their return to the Premier League against Everton next month.

The Whites have brought in Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw for the back four, Lucas Perri between the sticks, and Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach in the defensive midfield positions.

However, it is now time for the Championship champions to focus on additions in the attacking areas of the pitch, as Lukas Nmecha, on a free transfer, has been their only forward signing so far.

It had been reported that Leeds are closing in on an agreement with Feyenoord to sign Brazilian winger Igor Paixao for an initial fee of £28m, as per journalist Sebastien Vidal.

However, Fabrizio Romano has since given Marseille the ‘Here We Go’ treatment, despite an improved bid by the Whites, which means that the English side look set to miss out on him.

This suggests that Daniel Farke and his recruitment team will have to look elsewhere to strengthen the attack, as the 25-year-old star seems destined for France now.

Why missing out on Igor Paixao is a blow for Leeds

The Brazilian star is a left winger who had the potential to be a real difference-maker for the West Yorkshire outfit at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League next season.

Paixao’s form in the Eredivisie and in the Champions League last term suggests that he had all the tools to arrive at Elland Road as an exciting piece of business.

The former Cortiba starlet racked up an eye-catching haul of 16 goals and ten assists in 34 appearances in the Dutch top-flight for Feyenoord, which shows that he can offer quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

As well as shining domestically, Paixao also produced impressive performances for his side in the Champions League across 11 appearances last term.

xG

0.97

Top 46%

Goals

2

Top 35%

Shots on target

7

Top 26%

xA

1.39

Top 24%

Chances created

20

Top 6%

Successful crosses

9

Top 6%

Assists

4

Top 4%

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target ranked highly among his positional peers, particularly as a creator, as an offensive threat from the left wing in the competition.

Overall, the £28m-rated star appears to be a forward who could have won points for the Whites by scoring and creating decisive goals in games, although there are doubts, of course, over whether or not his form in the Netherlands will translate to other countries.

Whilst they may have to watch him shine in France, Leeds are reportedly keen on another Brazilian attacker who could be an even better signing this summer.

Leeds in the hunt to sign Brazilian midfielder

According to Fanatik, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign central midfielder Gabriel Sara from Turkish champions Galatasaray this summer.

The report claims that both the Whites and Aston Villa are in the ‘hunt’ to bring the left-footed star back to England, 12 months on from his exit from Norwich City.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds, though, that Galatasaray want to keep the 26-year-old playmaker heading into the 2025/26 campaign, which means that it will not be an easy deal for the club to do.

Fanatik does reveal, however, that the Super Lig side have set a price tag of around £30m for Sara, and that they will not entertain any offers that fall below that threshold.

It now remains to be seen whether or not Leeds, or Aston Villa for that matter, are willing to pay the £30m that it is going to take to prise him away from Istanbul.

Why Gabriel Sara would be a better signing than Igor Paixao

Sara could be a better signing for the Whites because he is more likely to hit the ground running at Elland Road than Paixao would have been, as the Feyenoord winger has never played in this country before and would have needed time to adapt to the language and the culture.

The Galatasaray star, however, spent two years at Norwich in Norfolk and speaks English fluently, which means that he is already used to the language, the culture, and the style of English football, albeit he played in the second tier.

His quality on the pitch also makes him an exciting target for the West Yorkshire outfit, as he is a creative midfield star who could create plenty of chances for the attackers at Elland Road.

Sara, who was hailed as “exceptional” and a “joy to watch” by reporter Connor Southwell, has been a consistently brilliant creator of goals for both Norwich and Galatasaray in the last two seasons, shining in English and Turkish football.

Appearances

46

30

Goals

13

2

Key passes per game

2.6

2.3

Big chances created

16

12

xA

11.93

7.62

Assists

12

8

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian maestro has created 28 ‘big chances’ in the last two league seasons combined, which has led to him racking up 20 assists.

These statistics suggest that the former Canaries Player of the Season would be an incredibly influential figure at the top end of the pitch for Leeds, as a star who has the experience and the quality to hit the ground running in England.

Sara, as shown in the clip above, also provided a goal threat during his time with Norwich. That has not translated over to Turkish football, having scored twice last term, but it does show that the potential is there for him to deliver goals as well as assists when he is at his best.

Big Harrison upgrade: Leeds have explored deal for "underrated" £26m star

Leeds have reportedly looked at a possible swoop for a star who would be a big upgrade on Jack Harrison.

ByDan Emery Jul 25, 2025

It is his English experience, his title success at Galatasaray, and his incredible creative quality, though, that could make him an even better attacking signing than Paixao would have been, albeit in a different area of the pitch.

Leeds United confirmed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they welcomed 6 foot 4 defensive midfielder Anton Stach to the club.

The German star has put pen to paper on a four-year contract to join Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Lukas Nmecha in arriving at Elland Road this summer.

Whilst there is, clearly, plenty of work going on behind the scenes to bolster the club with new signings, there is also the possibility that Leeds could move on from some players.

It was recently reported that Spanish sides Real Betis and Celta Vigo are both interested in signing Mateo Joseph, who has asked to move on from Elland Road this summer.

The Whites are said to value the Spain U21 international, who came through the academy set-up at Thorp Arch, at a fee of around £10m, and it remains to be seen if either team are willing to pay that price for him.

Why Leeds may sell Mateo Joseph

On the face of it, selling a 21-year-old, academy graduate, Spanish youth international who has shown promise as a striker may not seem to be an attractive prospect for Leeds.

However, selling Joseph for £10m, should a team meet that valuation, would strengthen the club’s situation with PSR and potentially allow them to reinvest more money into their starting XI for the upcoming Premier League season.

Whilst the Spanish striker is an exciting prospect, it is fair to say that he is not expected to be a regular starter for the Whites in the top-flight, after the forward scored three goals in 39 appearances, including 11 starts, in the Championship last season.

Appearances

39

Starts

11

xG

5.10

Goals

3

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

4

xA

1.47

Assists

3

Joseph failed to establish himself as a regular starter in the second tier, as Joel Piroe took the number nine mantle, and there is little to suggest that he is suddenly going to emerge as a Premier League-grade centre-forward in the next few months.

This is why it may make sense for Leeds to decide to cash in on him now to improve their team in the short-term as they look to avoid an instant relegation from the top-flight.

Whilst some may read that and think that the Whites would be ruining their long-term prospects, given Joseph’s age, in pursuit of a short-term objective, that may not be the case.

That is because the Premier League newboys are reportedly interested in a deal to sign another centre-forward who is even younger than Joseph, but could provide more quality on the pitch in the short term.

49ers in talks to seal new Leeds signing

According to Turkish-Football, the 49ers are interested in a deal to sign 19-year-old Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad.

The report claims that they have identified the Turkey international as a ‘prime target’, as they look to add to their attacking options ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the Whites are impressed by the teenage forward’s potential and that they believe that he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club this summer.

The outlet states that the Turkish giants would be willing to part ways with the young attacker for a fee of up to £18m, because they recently signed Tammy Abraham to lead the line for the team next season.

Leeds could take advantage of that situation by offering Kilicsoy a chance to come to Elland Road to play regular football in the Premier League, and he could play alongside another exciting new addition.

The Whites are reportedly chasing a deal to sign £30m-rated Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, who would love to play alongside the Turkish forward because of his potential as a finisher.

Why Leeds should sign Semih Kilicsoy

The 49ers could seriously bolster Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch by securing deals for both Paixao and Kilicsoy, who could form an exciting partnership in the final third.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Feyenoord attacker created 12 ‘big chances’ and registered ten assists in the Eredivisie from the left flank, whilst he also assisted four goals in 11 games in the Champions League for the Dutch side, to go along with his 16 goals in the division.

This shows that the Brazilian star is a fantastic creative threat down the left wing, having assisted 15 goals in those two competitions last season, which is why he would love Kilicsoy, who could be an upgrade on Joseph in front of goal.

As aforementioned, the £10m-rated Leeds striker underperformed his xG by scoring three goals from 5.10 xG. Meanwhile, the Besiktas forward has shown promise as a finisher over the last two seasons in the Super Lig.

Appearances

55

Starts

31

xG

9.90

Goals

14

Big chances created

11

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Kilicsoy has overperformed his xG by roughly four goals in the last two seasons, whilst he has also created 11 ‘big chances’ in 31 starts.

The Turkish star, who was described as a “powerful” forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, has showcased his ability to ruthlessly finish the high-quality chances that are created for him, which is why Paixao could love him as a winger who has the quality to consistently create those kinds of openings.

This means that Kilicsoy could come in as an upgrade on Joseph, due to his goal return and his overperformance as a finisher, whilst also being a dream partner for Paixao.

However, it is now down to the 49ers to ensure that they win the races for both of these players so that Farke has them as options to pick from when he comes to selecting his team in the Premier League next season.

He'll send Harrison packing: Leeds chase deal to sign "explosive" £30m star

Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign a star who could send Jack Harrison packing this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are in the market to improve their options on the flanks in the coming days, as Russell Martin looks to make further additions to his squad.

The Light Blues are set to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mikey Moore on a season-long loan to provide Djeidi Gassama with competition on the left flank.

Rangers are also reportedly in talks with Go Ahead Eagles over a potential deal to sign Finland international forward Oliver Antman, who could provide an excellent option on the other wing.

The 23-year-old star delivered an eye-catching return of 17 assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, and could provide a huge threat as a creative force for the Scottish Premiership giants.

Rangers in talks to sign left-footed forward

As well as seemingly closing in on deals for both Moore and Antman, the 49ers are not done there as they want another winger to compete for a place in Martin’s team.

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According to The Sun, as relayed by Ibrox News, the 49ers remain in Rangers talks with Premier League side Crystal Palace over a possible deal for forward Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.

The report claims that the left-footed wing wizard has interest from around the globe this summer, but currently ‘favours’ a move to Ibrox to work with Martin.

It adds that the Eagles are demanding a fee of £10m to allow him to leave on a permanent basis, with Rangers in talks to sign the winger on an initial loan deal.

Why Rangers should sign Rak-Sakyi and Antman

The Light Blues appear to be targeting deals for both Rak-Sakyi and Antman, despite the fact that they both predominantly play on the right wing, and that should come as good news to supporters.

Signing both players would be the right move for the Gers to make because they do not currently have any senior, recognised, right wing options to call upon, and they will need two players to spread the workload across a potentially 50 or 60-game season.

They could be an amazing right-wing rotation for Rangers and Martin because they are both incredibly gifted forwards who have the potential to make an impact in the final third, albeit in different ways.

Whilst Antman, as aforementioned, is an exceptional creative talent who can provide his teammates with plenty of chances to score, Rak-Sakyi is more of a goalscoring winger, as partially evidenced by his 15-goal haul for Charlton in the 2022/23 campaign.

24/25 season

Rak-Sakyi (Championship)

Antman (Eredivisie)

Appearances

35

32

Goals

7

6

Goals per 90

0.4

0.2

Assists

2

15

Assists per 90

0.1

0.6

Big chances created

3

16

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi averaged twice as many goals as Antman per 90 at league level last season, whilst the Finland international was significantly more creative.

This suggests that they offer different qualities on the wing, providing Martin with ways to change up his side, whilst the statistics also suggest that there could be a way for the manager to get them to play together.

Antman, for example, has played as a central midfielder, a centre-forward, and as an attacking midfielder in his career, which suggests that he is also comfortable operating in the middle of the park, if not in his natural position out wide on the right.

This means that the Finnish star and Rak-Sakyi, who was described as “devastating” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, could play together in the same starting XI, as the former could play in the middle with the Palace ace out on the flank.

That could be an effective combination for the Light Blues to use because Antman’s creativity, coupled with Rak-Sakyi’s goalscoring quality, could lead to them being a deadly duo on the pitch in Glasgow next season.

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Therefore, they could be an amazing set of signings for Rangers to make this summer, both because of their potential to play together, as well as the depth that they would provide Martin on the right wing.

A new T20 captain was needed with multiformat players not taking part in the series ahead of the India Tests

Alex Malcolm06-Nov-2024

Josh Inglis has been named Australia’s interim T20I captain•Getty Images

Australia wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has been named the interim T20I captain for the upcoming series against Pakistan, in the absence of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, and will also lead in the third and final ODI in Perth with Pat Cummins, Steven Smith and Josh Hazlewood all resting.Inglis, 29, will become the 14th T20I captain for Australia and 30th ODI captain after being approved by the board following a recommendation from the selectors. Marsh, the permanent T20I captain, and Head, who led the side in a game in Marsh’s absence in England in September, are both unavailable for the series against Pakistan due to paternity leave and Test preparation. Cummins, the Test and ODI skipper, and Smith, the Test vice-captain, are also not playing in the T20 series in order to prepare for the Test summer.Cummins, Smith, Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne will not play the third ODI against Pakistan to finalise preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Inglis taking the reins as skipper. Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson and Josh Philippe have all been added to Australia’s squad for Perth while Lance Morris remains with the group having been in Melbourne as cover for Hazlewood when he was playing a Sheffield Shield game for New South Wales. It means Hazlewood will play just one ODI in the series in Adelaide.Inglis will be a surprising to choice to some given he hasn’t led at BBL level, unlike his team-mates Matt Short, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis. But his leadership credentials and tactical nous are widely regarded. This selection panel appointed him captain of a very strong Prime Minister’s XI in a first-class match against West Indies in November 2022.Related

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“Josh is an integral member of the ODI and T20I teams and a highly respected player on and off the field,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “He has led Australia A [Prime Minister’s XI] previously and will bring strong tactical nous and a positive approach to the role.”Josh will receive great support from the likes of Matt Short and Adam Zampa, along with senior players including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.”Inglis was Perth Scorchers’ vice-captain last season and a key part of their leadership group. He was strongly considered to take over the captaincy when Ashton Turner suffered a season-ending injury but Aaron Hardie was chosen instead, only because of a preference not to have a wicketkeeper-captain so far from his younger bowlers due to time constraints.Australia’s selectors don’t have the same concerns at international level given the experience of bowlers in the side. Australia have liked having an interim wicketkeeper captain in recent times with Matthew Wade being the T20I vice-captain. He stood in as skipper in 13 games including during the 2022 World Cup and as recently as both the tour of India last year and the tour of New Zealand earlier this year. Tim Paine and Alex Carey also led the ODI team in a series each in 2019 and 2021 when Justin Langer was coach.Australia will have a different coaching staff for the T20I series as well with head coach Andrew McDonald, batting coach Michael Di Venuto and bowling coach Daniel Vettori having a short break then being involved with the build-up in Perth.Assistant coach Andre Borovec will take charge, as he did for Australia’s five-match T20I series against India last October. Former Australia batter Brad Hodge will also work with the group as an assistant coach after touring with the T20 World Cup squad as a coaching consultant in June. Wade has been appointed interim fielding and keeping coach for the series. Hodge and Wade have been with the ODI squad as consultants as well.Australia’s ODI squad vs Pakistan: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam ZampaAustralia’s T20I squad vs Pakistan: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (capt), Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa