As Rangers’ search for a manager continues, a TalkSPORT pundit has shared what he’s heard from one candidate’s camp that reflects badly on Kevin Thelwell and the Ibrox higher ups.
Latest on Rangers' search for a manager
After confirming that Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo will lead Rangers against Dundee United this weekend, it’s clear that the 49ers are still finalising their next manager.
It’s no real surprise that they’ve shown plenty of patience when deciding the next man for the job, however. After all, Russell Martin lasted just 123 days and represents the dire start that the 49ers have endured at Ibrox. Simply put, after that failure, they must get their next appointment right.
With their patience has come several candidates, ranging from the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all the way to current favourite Kevin Muscat. The latter has emerged as an option for the second time in his career, having been linked with the job before Philippe Clement arrived in 2023.
Unlike 2023, however, the job could now be Muscat’s to take. The 52-year-old has enjoyed an excellent spell at Shanghai Port and is on course to win the Chinese Super League with just four games to go. But that hands Rangers quite the dilemma.
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If they want to hire Muscat, then they may be forced to wait until November 22 before he officially arrives. That means that they’d have to find a temporary solution for the next seven games in a decision that would certainly do Thelwell no favours.
The sporting director is already under pressure and one talkSPORT pundit has now shared news that may only compile his misery at Ibrox.
Tanner shares "rumbles" in Gerrard camp
Speaking about the Liverpool legend’s recent decision to reject a return to Ibrox, talkSPORT pundit David Tanner shared what he’s heard from Steven Gerrard’s camp about Rangers, the 49ers and Thelwell.
Given how things have started for Thelwell, from appointing Martin to signing a group of players that are yet to make their mark, more criticism is the last thing that he needs.
In the end, however, the 49ers were seemingly not ready to compromise their sporting director’s role to welcome Gerrard back to Ibrox. Whether they live to regret that decision will certainly be interesting to watch in the coming months.
Thomas Frank would happily welcome Harry Kane back to Tottenham, but does not expect the forward to leave Bayern Munich any time soon.
Kane is close to a century of goals for Bayern after another hat-trick last Saturday for the Bundesliga champions. However, German publication BILD on Monday reported Kane has a £56.7million release clause which could be activated next summer.
The PA news agency understands Spurs do have a buy-back option on the England captain and Frank would be happy to work with the “top player” in the future.
Frank’s immediate focus is Wednesday’s visit of Doncaster in the Carabao Cup third-round where Spurs youngsters aspiring to be the next Kane could get an opportunity.
Highly-rated attacker Luca Williams-Barnett has impressed this season and struck a hat-trick for the Under-21s in Friday’s victory over Leicester. Asked about the 16-year-old on Tuesday, Frank hinted at a potential place on the bench.
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“Of course he’s trained with us, Luca, a few times. I get good info from the academy and from our transition coach Stuart (Lewis).
“So yeah, I’m well aware of Luca’s talent and I like what I see. He’s young, obviously, but his composure and technique and vision is very good.
“He’s a player that we like a lot. Let’s see tomorrow, but that could be an opportunity.”
A blistering assault from Nitish Rana and Wanindu Hasaranga’s clever wristspin bowling handed Rajasthan Royals (RR) their first win and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their second successive defeat in IPL 2025.After Rana crashed 81 off 36 balls, joining RR’s fastest half-centurions, Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored CSK’s chase of 183 with a fifty of his own. But Hasaranga’s variations, especially the wrong’un, exposed CSK’s soft underbelly and put the target beyond their reach.Though Ravindra Jadeja mounted a late charge against the seamers – he remained unbeaten on 32 off 22 balls – and the margin of victory was only six runs, RR were always ahead in the game.Sandeep Sharma, picked ahead of Jofra Archer to defend 19 off the final over, had MS Dhoni holing out for 16 off 11 balls with his first legal ball of the over and finished the job for RR.
Rana aces his match-up against Ashwin
Riyan Parag had batted at No. 3 in RR’s first two matches this season. On the eve of this game, coach Rahul Dravid had also backed Parag at that position, but they ended up bumping Rana to No. 3, at Parag’s expense, to take advantage of a match-up with R Ashwin.Before Sunday’s fixture, Rana had hit 108 off 58 balls from Ashwin being dismissed in the IPL. By the time, Ashwin was introduced into the attack, Rana had already run away to a swift start – 27 off 13 balls. He greeted the spinner with a sequence of 6, 6, 4 and continued to attack him. By the time Ashwin dismissed Rana for the first time in the IPL, off his 71st ball to him, Rana had extended his tally to 171. Ashwin had to dip into his old trick – pause and deliver – to have an advancing Rana stumped off an off side wide.Rana made 58 of RR’s 81 runs came in the powerplay, which offset low scores for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson.2:35
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CSK pull it back
Noor Ahmad, the left-arm wristspinner, struck in his first over when he had Samson caught at long-off for 20 off 16 balls. He proceeded to remove Dhruv Jurel for 3 off 7 balls and moved to the top of the purple cap leaderboard. Ravindra Jadeja bowled only two overs, but he did a good job himself by not conceding a single boundary.Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed, who had dismissed Jaiswal in the powerplay, then slowed RR down even further in the end overs.Shimron Hetmyer, who batted behind Hasaranga at No. 7, could’ve been out for 3 had IPL debutant Jamie Overton not dropped a skier. Overton’s evening only got worse after he had leaked 30 runs from his first two overs in the powerplay. His bowling stint ended right there.Hetmyer got to 19 off 16 balls before Pathirana drew another mis-hit, Ashwin hanging onto the skier this time. Pathirana and Khaleel gave away only 17 runs off the last three overs to keep RR below 190. They had looked good for a much bigger total, especially when Rana was on song.
CSK’s go-slow
Archer and former Super King Tushar Deshpande, however, snatched the momentum away from CSK in the powerplay. Archer kicked off RR’s defence with a wicket-maiden in which he had Rachin Ravindra nicking off a 145kph delivery that reared up off the deck for a duck. At the other end, Deshpande hit Gaikwad on his unprotected elbow.Rahul Tripathi was going nowhere. He gave up his stumps only to swish and miss. When Archer bowled a slower legcutter, though, Tripathi got going with a six over short fine. Gaikwad then picked Sandeep off for three fours in the last over of the powerplay as CSK ended the phase with a more respectable 42 for 1, having been on 5 for 1 in three overs.1:03
Bishop: Hasaranga’s googlies worked for him
Hasaranga wrecks CSK’s middle order
Hasaranga struck with his very first ball, having Tripathi holing out for 23 off 19 balls. With Hasaranga bowling in tandem with Maheesh Theekshana, CSK unleashed their Impact Player, Shivam Dube, on the spinners. Dube cracked two sixes off Hasaranga before the wristspinner had him chipping a wrong’un to cover, where Guwahati’s very own Parag pulled off a spectacular, one-handed grab to cut Dube’s innings short at 18 off 10 balls.Vijay Shankar, who had replaced Deepak Hooda, failed to pick his first ball, a wrong’un from Hasaranga, which almost shaved the off stump. In his next over, though, he knocked Vijay over with a loopier wrong’un for 9 off 6 balls.Gaikwad kept CSK in it with low-risk, high-percentage batting. He brought up a 37-ball half-century, his second in three games, but the lack of power at the other end ramped up the pressure on him. When Hasaranga dangled a wide legbreak, Gaikwad could only drag it to long-on.He left CSK needing 54 off 25 balls. It became 39 off 12 balls after Theekshana bowled a boundary-less 18th over to Dhoni and Jadeja. Dhoni then started the penultimate over, bowled by Deshpande, with a ramped four and then flat-batted the seamer over his head for six in a 19-run over, but they were left with too much to do in the end.Archer, who had bowled three excellent overs in the powerplay, including a wicket-maiden, wasn’t called to bowl at the death. Sandeep stepped up to have Dhoni holing out for 16 off 11 balls with a low full-toss, which sealed the deal.
Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.
Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.
Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.
However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.
Leeds push for new attacker
As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.
That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.
Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.
That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.
Why Bakwa would be a good signing
France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.
Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.
The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.
If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.
Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.
Former Leeds forward Raphinha.
Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.
The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.
Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.
When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.
For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.
Goals and assists
0.51
0.43
Progressive passes
4.66
3.67
Goal-creating actions
0.58
0.27
Progressive carries
3.86
3.4
Ball recoveries
3.32
5.21
A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.
He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.
If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.
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This season marks a new era for Tottenham Hotspur football club, as Thomas Frank leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign after his appointment from Brentford.
It’s already been the perfect start for the Dane, picking up three points in the Premier League opener against Burnley – with a Richarlison double and a strike from Brennan Johnson securing the win.
However, if the side are to continue their charge this campaign, the hierarchy will need to once again back the manager to make the changes he craves to his side.
Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have made moves from West Ham United and Bayern Munich, respectively, whilst Mathys Tel also made his loan move permanent from the latter.
However, despite the £85m already splashed during this window, the Lilywhites could’ve forked out a much bigger sum, had they managed to complete a deal for another big-money talent.
Spurs’ failed move for Gibbs-White this summer
Earlier this summer, Spurs made a surprise move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, with a deal for his signature seemingly progressing rapidly at the time.
The Lilywhites had gone from being interested in a move for the 25-year-old, to agreeing a deal, and the player himself set for a medical with the North London outfit.
However, the deal wasn’t plain sailing, with the club’s decision to trigger his £60m release clause one that caused controversy with Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis.
The Greek businessman put a halt to the move, after claiming Frank’s side had made an illegal approach for his signature, subsequently threatening legal action against the club.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
A deal for Gibbs-White’s signature subsequently fell apart, leading to the England international signing a new three-year contract at the City Ground – becoming their highest paid player in their history.
After missing out on his signature, other options have been considered by the Lilywhites’ hierarchy, leading to numerous other options being considered in recent weeks.
Spurs’ hunt for a Gibbs-White alternative this summer
Eberechi Eze has been the biggest target for Spurs in recent weeks, with the Crystal Palace star seemingly set for a departure from Selhurst Park between now and the end of the window.
Talks have been held between the two clubs over the last few days, leading to claims that an agreement has been reached to sign the 27-year-old, with a £60m fee currently being mooted.
However, he’s not the only player in their sights this window, leading to Roma talent Lorenzo Pellegrini being labelled as the latest target, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
They claim that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Italian midfielder, who made 34 appearances for the Serie A outfit throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
It also states that his current employers will be looking to offload him this window, opening the door to a switch to North London with just one year remaining in his current deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White
After James Maddison’s ACL injury, it has left a huge hole in the number ten position at Spurs, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.
A move for Gibbs-White would’ve provided added competition for places in the side, but at present, Frank’s side don’t currently have a recognised attacking midfielder to fill the void.
However, after missing out on his signature earlier this window, the need for another talent in such an area is desperately needed before the window’s September 1st deadline.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Whilst Pellegrini won’t be many supporters’ first choice this window, at 29, he could be the perfect squad option, especially if Eze completes his own move to join the club.
To sweeten the deal for the Lilywhites faithful, he’s been labelled as a similar player to Gibbs-White by FBref, able to offer a cheaper alternative to the Englishman.
When delving into their respective stats from the 2024/25 season, the Italian managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a superb addition to the current squad.
Pellegrini, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri, managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, with more of which per 90 being defined as key passes.
Games played
25
34
Goals & assists
3
15
Pass accuracy
80%
78%
Key passes made
1.7
1.6
Take-ons completed
41%
40%
Carries into final third
1.7
1.6
Crosses completed
2.7
1.4
Fouls drawn
1.5
1.2
Such figures highlight the quality he possesses with the ball at his feet, offering Frank’s side a more creative option to the Lilywhites within the final third.
He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst also completing more carries into the final third – subsequently being able to drive with the ball into dangerous areas, adding another dimension to the club’s attack.
The Italian has also completed more crosses per 90, whilst drawing more fouls per 90, showcasing the threat he carries when having the ball at his feet – with the opposition unable to contain his talents, as seen by the fouls drawn tally.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Pellegrini would cost this summer, but it’s evident that any move could be a shrewd piece of business that would aid the club in their hunt for success.
If he can match the levels produced by Gibbs-White in the Premier League, it would be an excellent deal, subsequently softening the blow of missing out on the Forest star.
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Since Ben Stokes became Test captain in 2022, he has made a note of addressing his England squad ahead of each series.His first that summer was an array of individual chats which took place St George’s Park, England’s national football centre, where the team had gathered for medical screenings, outlining his vision. Ever since, they have taken the form of speeches to the whole group – usually a refresher on the values and ethos that have been cultivated (and challenged) over the last two years.This time, however, Stokes took a different tack. With the team congregating in Queenstown ahead of Thursday’s series opener against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval, the captain stood up and, in his words, “cleared the air with the lads”.Perhaps for the first time, it was more for him than them. Stokes wanted to relay how unhappy he was with his conduct on the recent Pakistan tour. He had gone into the series still recovering from the hamstring tear that ruled him out of the Sri Lanka series at the end of the home summer. And though he was able to return to action for the second and third Tests in Multan and Rawalpindi after nine weeks out, he was not his best self, as England succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.He let his frustrations get the better of him on the field in Multan after an array of dropped catches and misfields, which he apologised for at the time. Then came a lax display of captaincy in the decisive third Test, compounded by two failures with the bat.Those around Stokes at the time noted something was off, and it soon emerged that his house had been burgled during the second Test, understandably taking his thoughts elsewhere. He wanted to return home to support his family, who were in the house at the time of the break-in, but stayed on in Pakistan at the insistence of his wife, Clare.Even with that mitigating factor, the weeks back home allowed Stokes to reflect that the image and negative energy he had projected was at odds with the leader he wants to be. The drive to regain fitness and his visible exasperations were, in his mind, selfish – counter-productive to the calm dressing-room environment he regards as a key pillar for an England side still working itself out.”It was one of my hardest trips,” said Stokes. “But also one that I’ve hugely benefited from.Related
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“I had my hamstring injury, and as soon as I could get going again, I had a focus on a date to get back. I worked incredibly hard for a very, very long period of time. And then when we got out to Pakistan, obviously pushing and pushing and pushing myself to get ready for that first Test, made a late call and then tried to get myself ready for the second Test.”I’ve been pretty honest with myself and pretty honest with Baz and the team as well, that I got so individually focused on myself over a long period of time of trying to get back from injury.”I actually I did physically drain and ruin myself, which definitely had some kind of mental impact on me. I sort of almost worked myself too hard to get back to fitness, and then all of a sudden, I was out in a Test match.”It’s made me realise that me being a captain, me being the leader of this team, I can’t take myself into that sort of area ever again – focusing on myself so much as an individual. And there’s no doubt that my frustration was showing when things weren’t quite going our way.”That definitely has an impact on, not only the players around me, but also the group and the management around you as well. Because everyone’s walking on eggshells around you, because they can sense it. But it wasn’t till I got home that I realised that then, obviously, with the robbery happening, that made more of everything for me out there.”Ben Stokes has a hongi with a Ngāi Tahu member at Hagley Oval•Getty Images
Stokes’ words in Queenstown were understood to be well received, with an encouraging sense that no such apology was necessary, but appreciated nonetheless. So much of Stokes’ captaincy is about looking out for others, whether diverting praise their way or shielding them from criticism.In a year in which England have lost as many Tests as they have won (seven), along with a destabilising injury and home invasion, falling short of those high standards is only human. Nevertheless, the drive for improvement is admirable ahead of what will be a challenging three-match series against the Blackcaps.”It was a realisation for me that, right, okay, if I ever find myself in this situation again, I need to maybe take a step back and think about what’s best for the team,” he added. “Because I feel like when you’re in a position that I’m in, you always need to be focused on that, as opposed to yourself, if that makes sense.”It was nice to get home, relax, chill out … you know, assess Pakistan, individually, which I think should hopefully help the team go forward again. I think it’s another step forward for me as a leader, as well as understanding certain things where I need to be better.”If Stokes is keen to re-ground himself, he could not have picked a better spot. He was, of course, born here in Christchurch before moving to Cumbria at the age of 12.He tends to bristle when his New Zealand roots are brought up, mostly through cynicism that his background is often used to discredit his Englishness. But Stokes remains fiercely proud of his Kiwi roots. That was particularly evident when he and Blackcaps skipper Tom Latham led their sides in the Mihi Whakatau – a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony – on the Hagley Oval outfield.England know not to expect as warm a welcome on the field, having failed to land a series win in four consecutive visits since 2008, but things are a little different for Stokes. Family connections remain strong in the South Island’s largest city, led by his mother, Deborah. And while Stokes’ motivation to drive England forward remains strong, the setting adds a unique emotional layer for England’s captain.”This is a great place to tour for the team, but obviously for myself, it’s more than that,” he said. “It’s a chance to see family, catch up with family who I don’t get to see. You know, pretty much the whole of the Stokes family is in Christchurch. They’re coming down to the Test match this week.”I came out earlier than the team did to surprise my family. Only a couple of them knew. They managed to keep it secret. So this tour, obviously, is more than just cricket for me. I try and enjoy this country as much as I possibly can. It’s a great place to tour, but, yeah, it’s great for me to be able to see people who I don’t get to see that often. And so there’s more to it for me than there is for everyone else here.”
Impressive innings from imports Heather Knight and Chamari Athapaththu and savvy bowling from Hannah Darlington have helped Sydney Thunder avenge an early season WBBL loss to Hobart Hurricanes.Three days after Hurricanes won by 31 runs in Hobart, Thunder scored a 33-run victory in a match reduced to 17 overs a side after rain delayed the start at North Sydney Oval by 30 minutes on Thursday.Related
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Athapaththu (38 off 29) and Knight (48 off 28) helped the Thunder amass 146 for 5. Hurricanes smashed 18 off their first seven balls, but lost 5 for 13 in the last few overs.Darlington claimed the big wickets of Lizelle Lee and Heather Graham and Athapaththu completed a good all-round effort by taking 1 for 11 off three overs of tidy spin, dismissing England star Danni Wyatt-Hodge.England captain Knight, who missed the first game between the two teams, played some handsome shots and added momentum in the second half of the innings.She struck 14 off the last three balls of the one power surge over bowled by Molly Strano, lofting the first over long off and adding two fours in the same area. “It was really nice when you start a competition to hit the ground running and I thought ‘Atta’ was brilliant as well,” Knight told . “We managed to get in a bit of a partnership there and it set up things at the end.”Athapaththu, who was out for a first-ball duck on Sunday, was dropped at deep midwicket on 5. Her innings included sixes over deep midwicket and long off before she fell to a remarkable one-handed low diving return catch by Strano off a fierce drive.”I didn’t have much time to think about it, it was a tracer bullet, so pretty happy it just stuck,” Strano said.In reply, Lee clubbed boundaries off the first two balls of Hurricanes’ chase and three in the over then Wyatt-Hodge belted a six over backward point off the first ball of the second over.Thunder struck back with Athapaththu having Wyatt-Hodge caught at backward point. Nicola Carey, who scored a 50 in last weekend’s game, then chopped a delivery from Shabnim Ismail onto her stumps, a ball after the South African quick struck her on the helmet.Lee couldn’t maintain her early impetus and was adjudged lbw the first ball after the mid-innings break, though if she had used DRS, she would have been reprieved.A brisk fourth-wicket stand of 43 between Graham and Elyse Villani gave Hurricanes hope before they were dismissed in successive overs to trigger a decisive collapse.
Celtic look set to lose one of their top talents within the next week or so as Nicolas Kuhn is closing in on a permanent exit from the Scottish Premiership champions.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph claims that the club have agreed a fee of around £16.5m with Italian side Como for the left-footed sensation.
The journalist adds that the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich youth prospect has already agreed to sign a long-term contract with the Serie A outfit this summer.
Kuhn has reportedly turned down a potential return to Leipzig, who were interested in signing him, and has a medical scheduled with Como for next week, which suggests that an official confirmation is not imminently expected.
It does appear, though, that it is only a matter of time before Celtic confirm that the German winger will not be playing for the club next season, which will come as a blow to Brendan Rodgers.
Why selling Nicolas Kuhn is a blow for Celtic
Whilst the Hoops are set to rake in a significant sum of money for the 25-year-old talent, it is always a blow when a high-quality player moves on, and that is what he is.
The 2024/25 campaign was his first full season in Glasgow, having joined from Rapid Vienna in the January transfer window last year, and he really hit his stride on the right flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn in action for Celtic.
Kuhn ended the season with a return of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality in the final third on a regular basis for Rodgers.
The left-footed magician’s form in the Premiership, as Celtic won the league title, was particularly impressive, as the forward showcased his ability to both score and create goals.
24/25 Premiership
Nicolas Kuhn per 90
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
0.46
Top 10%
Goals
0.62
Top 8%
Shots on target
1.30
Top 14%
xA
0.34
Top 10%
Assists
0.43
Top 10%
Chances created
2.49
Top 12%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Kuhn ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which shows that he scored and created goals at an exceptional rate.
These statistics illustrate why it will be a big blow for Rodgers when this sale goes through, because he is losing a player who has proven that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch for Celtic.
The Hoops have, of course, already signed Benjamin Nygren on a permanent deal to bolster their options on the flanks, but he does not have the creative quality to fully replace what Kuhn offered.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the Sweden international only managed a return of two assists in 30 Superliga appearances, to go with his impressive haul of 15 goals.
Therefore, Celtic may need to dip into the market to sign another wide option who can provide creativity as well as a goal threat, now that Kuhn appears to be on his way out of the club.
Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Scottish giants are interested in Stoke City forward Million Manhoef, who is valued at £10m by the Championship side, and they should now reignite that interest.
Why Celtic should sign Million Manhoef
The Premiership champions could brilliantly replace Kuhn ahead of the 2025/26 campaign by pushing ahead with a swoop for the Netherlands U21 international, as he would arrive with a similar profile.
Like the German star, the Stoke attacker is a diminutive left-footed right winger who has the quality to both score and create goals in equal measure, as evidenced by his form for the English side last season.
Leeds United's JuniorFirpoin action with Stoke City's Million Manhoef
He has not delivered the kind of numbers that Kuhn managed for Celtic yet, as he has not had the chance to play in a team that is as dominant domestically as the Hoops are, which means that there would be a degree of risk.
However, Rodgers can afford to take more of a risk with a player like Manhoef because the club have already brought in Nygren to potentially play on the right wing and, as aforementioned, his haul of 15 goals last season suggests that he could be a good option.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
The Stoke star ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of five goals and five assists in 28 Championship starts, but it is his underlying numbers behind those headline statistics that are even more promising for Celtic.
24/25 Championship
Million Manhoef
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
7.74
Top 9%
Goals
5
Top 21%
Shots on target
26
Top 9%
xA
4.83
Top 14%
Chances created
52
Top 9%
Assists
5
Top 20%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Manhoef excelled at getting into goalscoring positions and at creating chances for his teammates, ranking highly among his positional peers, but was not clinical enough with his finishing.
Pundit David Prutton claimed it would be a “tremendous” move for Manhoef to sign for Celtic, and these statistics suggest that the potential is there for it to be a tremendous move for all parties.
The Dutch wizard, who only recorded five assists from 12 ‘big chances’ created in the Championship, could thrive in a team that dominates games week-in-week-out, as Celtic do.
He has been playing for a midtable team, in Stoke, who do not challenge at the top end of the division in the second tier in England, which suggests that he has not had the opportunity to play in a side that is consistently on the front foot.
It'd be Ryan Christie 2.0: Euro club open talks to sign £2m Celtic ace
A European team are interested in a deal to sign a star from Celtic this summer.
By
Dan Emery
Jul 3, 2025
Therefore, Celtic could brilliantly replace Kuhn by gambling on a swoop for Manhoef, who appears to have the potential to explode as a scorer and a creator of goals in a better team than the one he is currently playing in.
علق خالد بيبو مدير الكرة بـ نادي زد، على تغيير الجهاز الفني لـ الأهلي خلال الفترة الحالية بعد رحيل خوسيه ريبيرو، موضحًا رأيه في تواجد عدد كبير من نجوم الصف الأول بالقلعة الحمراء.
وقال خالد بيبو في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون: “ليس شرطًا أن تكون التجربة التي تُجرى جديدة، وتجربة النادي الأهلي أن يكون لديه عدد كبير من النجوم في وقت واحد، هذه تجربة كبيرة وجديدة، ولا يوجد أحد يعمل بنجوم كثيرين مثل النادي الأهلي على مر الزمن”.
وتابع: “النجوم كثيرون جدًا، لكنهم لم يكونوا يُجلبون من كل مكان في العالم بتصنيف عالٍ، وكل اللاعبين كانوا يأتون إلى النادي الأهلي نجومًا لكنهم بحاجة إلى تطوير للوصول إلى مستوى النجومية العالي، الأهلي الآن جلب اللاعب رقم واحد من نادي الزمالك، وجلب لاعب من المصنفين في مصر مثل تريزيجيه، وضم بن شرقي، وهو بالطبع من أفضل اللاعبين وكذلك محمد علي بن رمضان”.
وزاد: “طوال الوقت الأهلي يضم نجومًا، لكن ليس بهذا الحجم وهذه الكثافة، وأتحدث عن الحقبة الأخيرة، والأهلي من قبل احتاج لمهاجم صريح إلى أن جاء وسام أبو علي، وكذلك كانت هناك حاجة للتعاقد مع أجنحة”.
وأوضح: “الآن لدى الأهلي في كل مركز ثلاثة لاعبين أفضل من بعضهم، أنا لا أتحدث عن رقم واحد فقط، بل عن رقم واحد ورقم اثنين ورقم ثلاثة في نفس المركز، الأهلي الآن لديه ثلاثة لاعبين في نفس المستوى في مركز واحد”.
طالع | وليد صلاح الدين أم سيد عبد الحفيظ؟.. خالد بيبو يختار مدير الكرة الأفضل في الأهلي
وحول تعاقد الأهلي مع كهربا وإمام عاشور ثم زيزو وكونهم لاعبين سابقين في الزمالك، أردف: “إمام لم أضمه من الزمالك، كان قد خرج من ميتلاند، وخرج من تشكيلة نادي الزمالك أنا لم آخذه منهم، فلا أعتبر أنني أخذت لاعبًا كان مؤثرًا من المنافس، وهذا أمر مختلف”.
واستطرد: “تجربة جديدة أن يكون لدى الأهلي ثلاثة لاعبين في نفس المستوى في مركز واحد، لكن هذا موضوع مختلف، وأنت كنت تعرف سابقًا من سيشارك، أما الآن، فتحتاج إلى أن تستفيد من الجميع، ولذلك غيّرت مراكز عددا من اللاعبين، فلم تحصل على 100% من إمكانيات الجميع”.
وواصل: “إلى الآن المستوى المتوقع للفريق داخل النادي الأهلي لا يحقق هذه النتائج التي حدثت، والمفترض أن يكون مستوى الأهلي يجعلك تلعب وأنت مرتاح جدًا، وحتى الآن لم يحصل على 50% من مستوى لاعبيه”.
وعن هل كان للإدارة الفنية دور مهم في هذا الأمر؟، أوضح: “نعم بالتأكيد، وإلا لما حدث هذا التغيير، الجمهور والإدارة أو أي محب للأهلي، لم ير كفاءة هؤلاء اللاعبين في الملعب، فشعرتَ أنك لا تستطيع التحرك واللعب كما تريد، وكان يمكن أن تتحرك بشكل أفضل، وكان يمكن أن تظهر بشكل أفضل، ولكن الحلول لم تأتِ بنسبة 100% كما تريد، والنتائج لم تساعد”.
وأتم: “في كأس العالم للأندية، الأهلي أضاع عددًا هائلًا من الفرص في كل المباريات، ومباراة بيراميدز كانت سيئة، ومباراة المحلة كذلك الأهلي أضاع فرصًا كبيرة جدًا، وكان يمكن أن تتحسن الأمور، لكنها توقفت، ولذلك، اتخذتَ قرارًا بأن التركيبة لم تنجح”.
Klaasen, Miller, Maharaj and Rabada all had a hand in helping them win by four runs
Firdose Moonda10-Jun-20242:25
Should cricket revisit the leg-bye rule on a referral?
South Africa survived an almighty scare to to maintain a 100% win-record at the T20 World Cup 2024, and in New York, where they chose to bat first in their final fixture at Eisenhower Park. On a used wicket, Aiden Markram decided to put a total on the board, and it almost looked like a mistake. South Africa were 23 for 4, but a record 79-run fifth-wicket stand between Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller took them to 113, which they scrapped hard to defend.Bangladesh’s start was not ideal. They were 50 for 4 after ten overs, but Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah put on 44 for the fifth wicket and got them back on track. They almost also got them over the line and will look back on one incident which could have forced a Super Over. In the 17th over, Mahmudullah missed a flick off Ottneil Baartman, which hit his front pad and deflected to the boundary for what looked like four leg byes. But he was given out off that ball, which made it dead at the point of impact, and reviewed the decision. Ball-tracking showed Mahmudullah was not out, but because he had been given out, the four runs did not count, as outlined by the ICC’s protocols on DRS (3.7.1) in the playing conditions for T20Is.In the end. Bangladesh fell short by four runs. That, and their inability to capitalise on Keshav Maharaj bowling the final over for the first time in T20Is and sending down three full tosses, cost them the game.Maharaj was tasked with the final over after Markram bowled the seamers out earlier. It seemed a miscalculation, but he got two wickets as Bangladesh sought to clear the boundary though neither Jaker Ali nor Mahmudullah could. Mahmudullah was out on the penultimate ball – off a full toss – to a well-timed running catch by Markram from long-on, which all but ended Bangladesh’s hopes.0:59
Morkel: South Africa held their nerve defending a low total
South Africa leave the USA with three wins from three matches, and will move to St. Vincent to play Nepal in their last group match. They are in pole position to qualify for the Super 8s. Bangladesh also head to the West Indies, and will play Netherlands and Nepal, with the Super 8s still in sight.Top-three troublesFor all the talk about the power of their batting line-up, South Africa’s top three have underperformed thus far, albeit on tough batting surfaces. Collectively, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks and Markram have scored 61 runs in nine trips to the crease at an average of 6.77. Of teams that have played at least two matches at the tournament, only Uganda and PNG average lower.The biggest concern will be Hendricks, whose scores of 4, 3 and 0 are the lowest of the trio, and whose methods of dismissal appear to show a technical deficiency. Twice in two games, Hendricks has been stuck in his crease and then played down the wrong line. He’ll be looking over his shoulder knowing fellow opener Ryan Rickelton is waiting on the bench, and could get an opportunity in the next match.Things got even worse when Tristan Stubbs was dismissed for a duck in the fifth over. South Africa have only lost their first four wickets by end of the fifth over on five occasions in men’s T20Is, and two of them came in this competition. Happily for them, they had Klaasen and Miller on hand to shore up the mid-section of the innings. Three overs: 13 runsAfter Tanzim Hasan (3 for 18) set the tone with wickets upfront, Taskin Ahmed took charge of the latter stages, helped by Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. Between them, the trio gave away just 13 runs in the last three overs of South Africa’s innings, and removed both danger batters Klaasen and Miller in a clutch display of death bowling. Klaasen was dismissed halfway through the 18th over, when he slogged across the line but was early on his shot, and the low bounce took the ball onto leg stump. Taskin only conceded three singles off the rest of that over to finish with 2 for 19 from his four overs.It may have been a gamble to use legspinner Rishad for the penultimate over, especially when his previous three cost 28 runs, but he knocked Miller out with a topspinner second ball, and Maharaj could not get him away. Rishad’s final over cost just four. Then came the Fizz, who took the ball away from Maharaj for four consecutive dots before a fifth went wide and was called as such. The batters scored three runs off the last two balls and were frustrated by their inability to score any boundaries in the last three overs.1:24
Morkel: Miller and Klaasen showed maturity against spinners
Happy Birthday David MillerOn his 35th birthday, Miller was given a gift when he edged the first ball Mahmudullah bowled. But Litton Das, who was standing up to the stumps, was unable to react quickly enough to take the catch. Miller was on 13 at the time and went on to more than double his score and finish on 29. But that wasn’t the end of the presents for him. He was stationed at extra cover when Maharaj was brought on to bowl the first over after the powerplay, and Litton, not content with what he had already given Miller, slapped the ball straight to him. Miller made no mistake, and Bangladesh were 29 for 2 in the seventh over.Three overs: 15 runsBangladesh had to get 20 runs off the last 18 balls, and after putting on the squeeze in that period would have expected it to be difficult but perhaps not difficult. Kagiso Rabada bowled the 18th over, despite not being his best at the tournament so far. He only half-appealed when Hridoy missed an attempted clip to the leg side but was rewarded with a wicket first up. Rabada went on to concede only one more run in an over of hard lengths.Then Baartman stepped up for the 19th, and stuck to a slightly fuller length which neither Mahmudullah nor Jaker could get away. He conceded seven runs. The test was when Maharaj, who has never done this job before, was left with the final six balls. He started with a wide. His second legal ball was a low full toss that Mahmudullah hit hard down the ground, but the slow outfield stopped it from getting to the rope. Jaker tried to send the next one over the rope but couldn’t clear long-on, and then Rishad managed a leg bye.But the last two balls were both full tosses that should have been dispatched over the rope. However, Mahmdullah’s effort found Markram, while Taskin could only hit the final ball to cover to give South Africa a nervy anti-choke win.