Former bowler steps up after successful interim spell in charge that saw Foxes win One-Day Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2023Leicestershire have appointed Alfonso Thomas as their new head coach, having overseen the club’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup success while doing the job on an interim basis. Thomas, who has signed a two-year contract, will be assisted by James Taylor after his promotion from batting coach.Thomas took over after the departure of Paul Nixon in mid-season, having been Leicestershire’s assistant/lead bowling coach since March 2022. The former fast bowler has previously held coaching positions with Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and West Indies.With Taylor as his assistant, Thomas helped guide the Foxes to a dramatic, last-ball victory over Hampshire in the One-Day Cup final at Trent Bridge in September, bringing Leicestershire their first piece of List A silverware since 1985.”It wasn’t something that was planned, but after conversations with people close to me and seeing what we started to build last season I thought it’d be a real shame if I didn’t give it a go,” Thomas said. “James and I complemented each other really well. We communicated strongly and created an environment for the guys to be the best version of themselves, but also one where they were willing to do it together.”I’m very excited by the squad we’ve assembled. We have an opportunity for this club to play a brand of cricket that’s exciting, one which the people of Leicester can be proud of and that will see people queuing up to watch us play.”As well as their One-Day Cup success, Leicestershire were in the hunt for promotion from Division Two until the penultimate round of the season – having finished bottom of the pile in six of the preceding nine seasons.The club has also buoyed by the recent emergence of talented youngsters such as legspinner Rehan Ahmed – the youngest man to be capped by England in all three formats – and tall left-arm seamer Josh Hull.Claude Henderson, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, said: “Alfonso has shown his capabilities as a head coach, and turned a tough time for the club into a successful summer. Along with James and the backroom team, he got the changing room together and organised a high-performance culture.”Alfonso and James have built a solid partnership and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve together with an exciting group of players.”

Tottenham Hotspur look like a team reborn at the moment.

Just a month ago, Ange Postecoglou’s side looked utterly bereft of ideas on the pitch, and there was a real sense that the Australian would soon be out of a job.

The return of injured stars has undoubtedly helped the North Londoners’ cause, but the manager has also been able to extract some brilliant performances out of those who’ve remained fit.

In fact, one of his now regular starting full-backs has been so impressive that he’s now being compared to one of the leading players in his position, who is worth a king’s ransom.

Spurs' options at full-back

In Spurs’ first game of the season, a 1-1 draw away to newly-promoted Leicester City, Postecoglou opted to start Pedro Porro at right-back, who scored, and Destiny Udogie at left-back.

The result was undoubtedly a disappointing way to kick off the campaign for the Lilywhites, but neither full-back was disastrously poor nor to blame, as reflected by journalist Alasdair Gold’s decision to award the Italian a 6/10 match rating at full-time and the Spaniard a 7/10.

The pair have since started the majority of league games that they have been fit for since then.

However, summer signing Archie Gray has massively stepped up for the League Cup and Europa League games, as well as occasionally covering for the pair when they’ve been sidelined in the league.

Interestingly, while Sergio Reguilon is still a part of the squad, he has been limited to just 242 minutes of action across five cameo appearances this term, and with his contract expiring in the summer, his exit looks all but guaranteed.

Fortunately, Postecoglou probably won’t miss him, as his final full-back option has arguably been the most impressive this year and has won comparisons to some of the most valuable defenders in the country despite looking like he was on his way out of N17 only a few months ago.

Spurs' £79m star in the making

Now, Ben Davies and even Micky van de Ven can and have played as full-backs for Spurs before, but when it comes to the club’s future, there is one player who looks set to make the position their own for years to come: Djed Spence.

The incredible 24-year-old joined the club from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2022 for around £20m, but until this season, he was rarely a part of the first team, instead going out on loan or, as he did for the start of this campaign, sitting on the sidelines.

His future was so uncertain that just five months ago, Postecoglou decided to leave him out of the club’s Europa League squad, a mistake he has since corrected.

The Englishman began to show his immense quality in the early League Cup games before coming in as cover in the league games from mid-December, and since then, he’s been practically undroppable.

In fact, while he might not have quite the same ability to whip balls into dangerous areas as Porro, the “swashbuckling” defender, as dubbed by Ian Wright, is much more secure on the ball, has a real ability to maraud up the touchline, and perhaps most importantly, is far more secure in defensive situations than the Spanish ace.

The 6 foot dynamo has been so brilliant for the Lilywhites this season, that he has been likened to some of the most exciting full-backs in England, including Manchester City’s incredible Josko Gvardiol.

The comparison primarily stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in the Premier League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and in this instance, has concluded that the Croatian is the tenth most similar full-back to the Spurs star.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, expected assists, goal-creating actions, interceptions and more, all per 90.

While being compared to one of the most exciting full-backs in the Premier League is already encouraging enough for the Lilywhites ace’s potential ability, it could also be very good news for his future price tag.

For example, according to Football Transfers, the former RB Leipzig star is now worth up to a whopping €95m, which converts to about £79m.

So, if the Englishman is so statistically similar to the City star, then there is no reason to think he won’t be worth as much a few years down the line, especially if he keeps his current form up.

Ultimately, Spurs have a few talented full-backs at their disposal, but at the moment, it appears that Spence is the pick of the bunch and could be one of the very best in the country in time.

Ange must ignore Maddison again by unleashing Spurs' answer to Marmoush

The tremendously exciting gem could be a superstar for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 26, 2025

Leeds United are currently deep in the race to win automatic promotion up to the Premier League with only eight games left before the regular Championship campaign is up.

Therefore, any speculative talk about transfers has rightly taken a back-seat, with the level of incoming Leeds could afford to go after heavily dependant on whether they leap back up to the top-flight or disastrously stay put in the second tier.

Farke triumphantly pulling off the first outcome may well result in a whole host of statement signings entering the door, which could include bringing back one of their former promotion heroes.

"Formidable" star pushing for Leeds switch

Last week, it was reported that Leeds already have a verbal agreement with Kalvin Phillips, to return to Elland Road if Farke’s side secures promotion.

Now, as per a report by Football Insider this week, Phillips is amazingly pushing for a return to the club where he learnt his trade.

It clarifies that Manchester City want to get rid of the £45m flop straight after his Ipswich Town loan deal expires.

Transfer Focus

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

Consequently, Pep Guardiola’s men would be prepared to take a hit financially to get rid, meaning the promotion-chasing Whites could win the ex-England international for a cut-price way below that mammoth £45m price tag, although it won’t be completely straightforward to get done.

Indeed, Farke and Co will have to get to the top flight before any move is then potentially sanctioned, upping the pressure on Leeds’ shoulders even more to get over the line.

With Joe Rothwell set to leave the club this approaching summer too when his own loan stint runs out, adding in a new fresh midfielder will be a priority.

A deal on the table to bring back the “formidable” ace – as he was once labelled by Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain – could well also go down as one of the best purchases the club has made since Raphinha graced the Elland Road turf, if everything runs smoothly.

Why Phillips could be the best signing since Raphinha

Leeds fans must have been taken aback by the sheer quality of the Brazilian attacker when he first pulled on a Whites jersey, with Marcelo Bielsa even lauding Raphinha as a “special” talent when the pair were both amazingly situated at the club.

29 total goal contributions from 67 games certainly made the £17m they once forked out on his services look worthwhile, with the Elland Road outfit arguably struggling to replicate such a successful move since.

While the likes of Ao Tanaka have settled into his new environment with ease and Joel Piroe is now the Championship’s second-top scorer on 15 goals, no one has dazzled the Leeds masses quite like the signing of Raphinha.

Well, enter, or re-enter Phillips. The Leeds academy graduate has had a tough time of things since departing Yorkshire but with an England re-call now the aim, perhaps he is ready to get back to his best at his hometown club if a deal is soon signed.

Importantly, Phillips has shown flashes of his brilliance from the middle of the park for Ipswich this season, with the effort above gifting him his first-ever Tractor Boys goal back in January.

Moreover, in the bread and butter of the Premier League, the Leeds-born midfielder hasn’t looked completely out of his depth, winning 3.8 duels per game when lining up for Kieran McKenna’s lowly side.

Matches played

20

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches*

62.1

Accurate passes*

38.9 (82%)

Tackles*

2.7

Total duels won*

4.9

It would all be resting on Farke being able to restore Phillips back to the shiny model he once was at Elland Road, with the 29-year-old’s final campaign at the club seeing him win far more duels on average at 4.9. To add context, Ilia Gruev in the second tier this campaign has won just three.

With Josuha Guilavogui also only a short-term body centrally, Farke will be crying out for more midfield options very soon, with the potential here for Phillips to strike up a fantastic working relationship with Tanaka.

After all, if this signing was a rip-roaring success, Phillips would be able to finally break free of his tag of being an expensive flop at the Etihad, with the 29-year-old’s presence – much like Raphinha gifted to the Whites – helping Leeds to succeed in the top-flight again.

What a signing this would be. What a story it would be for Leeds supporters.

Leeds are brewing a mini Raphinha at Thorp Arch who could replace Solomon

Leeds United could look towards their impressive academy assets to potentially replace Manor Solomon.

1 ByKelan Sarson Mar 18, 2025

Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing a sensational swoop for AC Milan's Rafael Leao after the Serie A giants missed out on the Champions League.

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• Bayern are looking at several forward options
• Leao has emerged as one of the candidates
• Jorge Mendes & Max Eberl have a working relationship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Florian Plettenberg, Bayern are actively exploring wide options, especially on the left side of their attack, and Leao has emerged as one of the standout names on their shortlist. The Bundesliga club is reportedly aiming to bring in a marquee winger this summer to add depth and spark to their squad, and the AC Milan No.10 is firmly in their sights.

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  Leao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, maintains a strong relationship with Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, which could reportedly help facilitate talks if the interest becomes serious. Despite enduring a mixed campaign in terms of form, with just 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, there’s little doubt about his abilities, which has led Bayern to target him as they look to revamp their flanks.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Leao has become a serious contender for Bayern’s summer plans, Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma remains a potential alternative target at this stage. Should the Seagulls refuse to negotiate or demand a fee Bayern deems excessive, the club may pivot quickly toward the Milan forward as a viable alternative.

  However, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz is considered to be the crown jewel of their transfer wishlist. But, with Liverpool also in the mix for the German playmaker and Wirtz reportedly holding talks with the Merseyside club, Bayern are looking at options.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Leao remains under contract with Milan through 2028, which gives the Italian side leverage in negotiations. However, Milan’s absence from next season’s Champions League has significantly impacted their financial outlook, potentially making them more open to major sales in order to balance the books. Hence, Milan could be tempted to cash in if a lucrative offer arrives from Munich.

MatériaMais Notícias

da leao： Mesmo fora da zona do rebaixamento na Série A2 do Paulistão, a situação do São Caetano segue dramática na competição. Para a última rodada do campeonato, a equipe precisa vencer se não quiser depender de outros resultados para permanecer na segunda divisão do estado.

Antes da partida, o goleiro Arthur Motta destacou a importância do grupo se manter concentrado e focado em salvar o time do rebaixamento.

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– Essa semana treinamos forte e estamos conversando muito sobre a importância de nos concentrarmos. Nosso foco é o maior possível, é o jogo do ano para nós – declarou o jogador.

Por fim, o defensor do Azulão ainda pregou respeito ao Linense, adversário da rodada decisiva, sem perder a confiança em um bom resultado.

– O elenco está 100% unido e com o objetivo de conquistar os três pontos contra o Linense. Respeitamos a equipe deles, mas buscaremos de todas as maneiras essa vitória. Faremos de tudo para o São Caetano permanecer na A-2

O São Caetano visita o Linense pela última rodada do Paulistão A2 neste sábado (11), às 15 horas (hora de Brasília). Uma vitória simples garante o Azulão na segunda divisão do estadual para 2024.

Victor Osimhen continues to dream of a Premier League move, and Manchester United have come knocking with an opportunity that involves Joshua Zirkzee.

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Osimhen destined to leave Napoli this summerMan Utd interested in signing the striker Red Devils willing to offer Zirkzee in a cash+player dealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Osimhen is destined for a departure from Napoli this summer despite having a contract with the Serie A champions until 2026. He garnered heavy interest from Saudi heavyweights Al-Hilal, who were willing to offer a €120 million (£100m/$135m) package on a three-year deal. However, the forward declined all advances from Al-Hilal, asserting his desire to continue in Europe, where he dreams of a move to the Premier League. One English team that he has been linked with intensely over the season are United, who could still provide an opportunity to Osimhen to fulfil his dream this summer.

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According to a report from , United have reignited their pursuit of Osimhen, who has decided that he will not be leaving Europe. United are reportedly reluctant to meet Osimhen's €75m (£63m/$85m) release clause, but are exploring the possibility of offering out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee as part of a deal to lower the overall cost. The Red Devils hope this approach will convince Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to accept a reduced fee for the Nigerian striker. United see Osimhen as the key to reigniting their fortunes after a disappointing season, which saw them finish just above the relegation zone and suffer a defeat in the Europa League final to rivals Tottenham.

DID YOU KNOW?

Zirkzee may be open to a return to the Serie A, where he impressed with Bologna. It's clear that he won't be a part of Ruben Amorim's plans next season after the acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. Reports indicated that Champions League finalists Inter were planning a loan for the Dutchman, with an option to buy him at the end of his stint. On the other hand, United's interest in Osimhen must have solidified after losing out on top target Liam Delap to Chelsea.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR VICTOR OSIMHEN?

Osimhen's choice to reject a move to Al-Hilal effectively rules out his involvement in the upcoming Club World Cup, meaning his next appearance in club football will come with the start of the new season. The striker, who netted 37 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season, already has an offer from Turkish giants Galatasaray, having played a pivotal role in their Super Lig title triumph.

The No. 3 batter struck the fastest PSL 2024 century and deflated Kings in the first innings

Associated Press04-Mar-2024

Usman Khan hit the fastest century so far in this season’s Pakistan Super League to lead Multan Sultans into the playoffs with a 20-run win over Karachi Kings on Sunday.The Sultans continued their dominant run, securing its sixth win in seven games. They top the standings with 12 points, while fifth-place Karachi has just two wins from six games.Pakistan-born Usman, who now plays for the United Arab Emirates, smashed 106 not out off 58 balls after reaching his ton in 56 deliveries. Captain Mohammad Rizwan contributed 58 in Multan’s imposing 189 for 3 after choosing to bat first.The Kings never looked a threat before reaching 169 for 7 in 20 overs and losing their third straight home game. Skipper Shan Masood got clean bowled for 36 off 29 balls by the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Usama Mir (2-29). Legspinner Mir stretched his wickets tally to 15. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali, who took 1 for 40, has 14.Usman and Rizwan exploited some wayward Kings bowling, sharing a second-wicket stand of 148 off 93 balls. Rizwan was caught at mid-off soon after completing his half-century before Usman reached his ton with a pulled six against Mir Hamza in the last over.The Kings’ overseas signings Tim Seifert (1) and James Vince (7) fell inside the batting powerplay.Shoaib Malik top-scored for his team with 38 before holing out at long off in the 12th over and the Kings had plenty of soft dismissals in the run-chase.

Jos Buttler has stated his desire to take England white-ball cricket back to its previous heights, saying that he feels personal responsibility for “shaping the next period” of the format’s evolution.Speaking after England trained for the second consecutive day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, Buttler reflected on what has been a difficult two months, before throwing forward and highlighting the talent and excitement at the start of a “new beginning”.”There’s some really exciting talent in this team,” Butter said. “Young guys eager to get their opportunities and perform. There’s some guys that have not been exposed to ODI cricket a lot, but have a lot of experience in Test cricket, so not necessarily new to the international game. It’s a nice blend.”One player who particularly impressed at training was fast bowler John Turner, who bowled a barrage of bouncers at both Buttler and Harry Brook in a gut-busting spell of high-quality fast bowling. Turner doesn’t currently appear in the running for a starting spot in the first ODI, but Buttler said he was more than happy to have faced half an hour of bouncers from England’s new quick on the block.”It was good. It’s what I want him to do,” Buttler said of the battle between the two. “There are some exciting seam bowlers, guys with good pace, some good athletes and it’s a nice time to look forward to, give guys an opportunity and see what they have got.”Another of those seamers is Reece Topley, who joined up with the group to continue his recovery from the broken finger he sustained in the World Cup and to prepare for the T20I series next week. There is no suggestion that Topley will be made available for the ODI series.Buttler also confirmed that Phil Salt and Will Jacks will open the batting on Sunday, but kept his cards close to his chest in regards to the balance of the bowling attack that will line up on what has appeared to be a wicket that could spin prodigiously. England coach and former Test offspinner Richard Dawson bowled throughout the session, at one stage getting the ball to rag back through Brook’s gate and clean-bowl the IPL millionaire.”We’re gaining a lot of information from the couple of training days here,” Buttler said, though he went no further as to whether England will opt to field both specialist spinners in Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley.In referring to this tour as “certainly a bit of a new beginning”, Buttler was more holistic about the context of the series than his teammate Ben Duckett had been when speaking a day earlier, with Duckett instead preferring to consider the series in little more than the here-and-now.Buttler’s macro-approach can be attributed to a player who has been there, seen it and done it. An international debut that came when David Cameron had only just ticked off a year in No.10 Downing Street, you can forgive Buttler for speaking in the knowing tones of someone who just knows more about this subject than you do.”We have had one bad tournament,” Buttler said on the position of English white-ball cricket, as well as what is left to motivate a man with over 300 international appearances and two World Cup titles to his name.Related

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“It’s been in a great place for a long time and you see the depth of talent of guys coming through and you want to help shape that period of white-ball cricket. That’s something I feel responsibility and motivation for….to get England white-ball cricket back to where it’s been for a long time.”In regards to his own learnings, Buttler emphasised the need to find balance in his own preparations that centre mainly around remembering to focus on himself as much as the team: “That’s a big learning for me, managing my own game is vital to the team and just finding different ways to do that to allow me to walk to the middle with a clear mind.”[And] realising that sort of tournament doesn’t define you. I’ve got to use it as motivation and hunger to push myself and the team forward and take the learnings from that. Use it as a positive experience to go into the rest of my career….I always think of Ben Stokes’ words to Jofra [Archer] about the [2019] Super Over. ‘Whatever happens here doesn’t define you,’ and I certainly feel like that World Cup isn’t the defining moment for me.”I’m at the stage of my life and career where I have got good perspective. I get home and have got two children who don’t really care about the World Cup. It certainly gives you a nice focus as a dad and those things, but I’m a very proud guy as well and have disappointments. But you know, life moves on, the world moves on pretty fast. There’s always something to look forward to. It’s never as bad as you think it is and it’s never as good as you think it is.”

تنتظر الجماهير المصرية بشغف خلال فترة التوقف الدولي الحالي الخاص بشهر سبتمبر، حسم التأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، للابتعاد عن الدخول في الحسابات.

منتخب مصر، يرغب تحت قيادة حسام حسن، في التأهل إلى كأس العالم المقبل، لتكون المرة الرابعة في تاريخ الفراعنة.

منتخب مصر، يتواجد في المجموعة الأولي من تصفيات كأس العالم، بجانب منتخبات إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو وسيراليون وجيبوتي وغينيا بيساو.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر، ترتيب المجموعة الأولى، برصيد 16 نقطة من 6 مباريات خاضها حتى الآن، فاز في 5 وتعادل في لقاء.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وإثيوبيا اليوم في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.. والمعلق ترتيب مجموعة مصر في تصفيات كأس العالم

1- مصر – 16 نقطة.

2- بوركينا فاسو – 11 نقطة.

3- سيراليون – 9 نقاط.

4- غينيا بيساو – 7 نقاط.

5- إثيوبيا – 6 نقاط.

6- جيبوتي – نقطة.

وبالنظر إلى ترتيب المجموعة، نجد المنافسة على التأهل إلى كأس العالم تنحصر بين منتخبي مصر وبوركينا فاسو، ويلعب المنتخبان ضد بعضهما في الجولة الثامنة من التوقف الحالي.

ولكن قبل المواجهة بينهما، سيخوض منتخب مصر مباراة ضد إثيوبيا في الجولة السابعة على ملعب استاد القاهرة، مساء اليوم الجمعة، بينما يلعب منتخب بوركينا فاسو مباراة ضد جيبوتي في إطار نفس الجولة. ماذا يحتاج منتخب مصر للتأهل إلى كأس العالم

1- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو في الجولتين السابعة الثامنة في التوقف الحالي، يعني تأهل الفراعنة مباشرة إلي كأس العالم دون النظر إلى نتائج المباراتين القادميتن في شهر أكتوبر بالجولة التاسعة والعاشرة.

في هذه الحالة، يرتفع منتخب مصر، إلي النقطة 22، فيما يبقى منتخب بوركينا فاسو عند النقطة 14 إذا اعتبرنا فوزه على جيبوتي في الجولة السابعة وخسارته من مصر في الجولة الثامنة.

2- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا وتعثر بوركينا أمام جيبوتي يؤهل الفراعنة إلى المونديال دون النظر أيضًا إلى نتيجة مواجهة المنتخبين في الجولة الثامنة والجولتين القادميتن.

لان في هذه الحالة، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيد 19 نقطة، ومنتخب بوركينا يقف رصيده عند النقطة 11.

3- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا والتعادل أمام بوركينا فاسو، يعني تأجيل حسم التأهل إلى التوقف المقبل، ويكفي منتخب مصر الحصول على نقطة من مواجهتي غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي في الجولة التاسعة والعاشرة بتوقف شهر أكتوبر للتأهل.

في تلك الحالة، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيده 20 نقطة من الفوز على إثيوبيا، والتعادل مع بوركينا.

4- فوز منتخب مصر على إثيوبيا والخسارة من بوركينا، يحتاج منتخب مصر الفوز في مباراتي الجولتين القادمتين في شهر أكتوبر أمام غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.

منتخب مصر سيكون لديه 19 نقطة، وبوركينا سيكون رصيد بالفوز على جيبوتي ومصر، 17 نقطة وفارق نقطتين لصالح الفراعنة.

5- التعادل مع إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو، فإن منتخب مصر، سيكون في يديه التأهل بالفوز في الجولتين القادمتين أمام غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.

وفي هذه الحالة بعد توقف سبتمبر، منتخب مصر سيكون رصيده 18 نقطة، بينما منتخب بوركينا من الفوز على جيبوتي والتعادل مع مصر سيكون رصيد 15 نقطة.

6- التعثر أمام إثيوبيا وبوركينا فاسو، هذا الاحتمال القاسي جدًا للفراعنة، سيفقد منتخب مصر الصدارة لصالح بوركينا وهذا ما يدخله في حسابات برما.

حيث سيكون منتخب مصر بعد مباراتي اثيوبيا وبوركينا، رصيد 16 نقطة، بينما إذا افترضنا فوز بوركينا على جيبوتي ومصر، يصل منتخب الخيول إلي النقطة 17 نقطة.

Rightly or wrongly, it has become clear what the transfer approach now is at Chelsea under the Todd Boehly regime – youth.

Gone are the days of signing the likes of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, the Blues now appear intent on scouring the globe for the best young talents, with the aim of achieving long-term ambitions while also enjoying short-term success.

Remarkably, the oldest outfield player to have featured for the west London side this season is Tosin Adarabioyo, aged just 27, with it clear that the club are now prioritising potential over experience when it comes to their transfer dealings.

The Stamford Bridge outfit appear to be leading the way when it comes to planning for the future, a fact showcased by the signings of Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian in 2023 and 2024, respectively, with the South American duo set to belatedly arrive in England this summer.

It could well become the norm for Blues supporters to have to wait to see marquee acquisitions like the teenage pair in action, with that patience set to also be required following the latest capture of Geovany Quenda.

The latest on Chelsea's move for Quenda

Reports at the tail-end of the January window suggested that Manchester United were looking at signing the Portuguese sensation this summer, with Ruben Amorim keen on reuniting with his compatriot after handing the young winger his debut earlier in the campaign.

Almost out of nowhere, however, it was Boehly and co who secretly pounced to prise the 17-year-old from Sporting CP, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano breaking the story on Thursday night that Quenda is set to sign for the Blues.

As per The Athletic, the Sporting academy graduate has been signed for a fee of around €50m (£42m), although he won’t actually join Enzo Maresca’s ranks until 2026, instead remaining in Lisbon for the entirety of next season.

As per Romano, a key feature in Chelsea’s ability to win the race for his signature was the fact that they view him as an out and out forward, rather than a wing-back – a role he would likely have had to play had he reunited with Amorim at Old Trafford.

All the signs point to Quenda proving worth the wait, with the fleet-footed speedster having already been called up by his county at senior level, while registering ten goal involvements in 44 games for his current side.

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

26

Goals

1

Big chances missed

4

Assists

4

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

1.9

Pass accuracy*

82%

Successful dribbles*

1.2

Possession lost*

12.6x

That said, neither Quenda – nor the likes of Estevao – will necessarily be able to just stroll into Maresca’s side on the flanks, with a certain Noni Madueke likely to have a thing or two to say about that.

Chelsea have struck gold on their attacking "monster"

It could be argued that one area of the pitch Chelsea don’t desperately need to strengthen is on the flanks, with Maresca already boasting the likes of Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Madueke, while Cole Palmer can also slot in on the right flank when required.

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Indeed, while he is currently sidelined with injury, Madueke had largely made that right-hand side his own in the early months of the campaign, with the Englishman registering ten goals and assists in just 23 league games.

Signed from PSV Eindhoven on a £29m deal back in January 2023, the one-time Tottenham Hotspur academy star hasn’t always been the go-to man in attack, although, after a fine start to 2024/25, it had looked like he’d “pretty much nailed that position down”, according to talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy.

Also described as “one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players” by Cundy, it would be fair to say that Chelsea were dealt a blow when Madueke was struck down by injury, having now missed the last three league games.

Set to return after the international break, the 23-year-old had forced his way into the England reckoning in the Autumn due to his standout showings, offering a genuine rival to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

Much like his fellow left-footer, Saka, the Chelsea man is such a menace due to his ball-carrying prowess, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 3% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries, as well as in the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area, per 90.

A constant threat in the final third, it is no surprise that Madueke – who was dubbed a “mentality monster” by private coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst – has seen his valuation soar of late, with CIES Football Observatory noting that he could now be worth as much as £77m.

That is not only a significant increase on what the Blues paid for him over two years ago, but it is also millions more than the £42m fee dished out on Quenda, a player CIES deem to be worth around £18m.

As such, while excitement will be rife over the eventual arrivals of Estevao and Quenda, the Stamford Bridge side shouldn’t ignore what the likes of Madueke are already producing under Maresca’s watch.

Chelsea already signed a bigger star than Quenda in "world-class talent"

Chelsea have reportedly pounced to sign Sporting CP sensation, Geovany Quenda, ahead of their Premier League rivals

ByRobbie Walls Mar 14, 2025