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Out of the promoted three that soared out of the Championship last season, Sunderland could well be the side that’s most well-equipped to secure immediate safety in the Premier League if their whirlwind summer activity is anything to go by.

Of course, Leeds United have flexed their muscles as well with the recent £12m pick up of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United sticking out, but that’s nothing compared to the millions continuing to be splashed by Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats.

Minus Reinildo joining on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, Sunderland has amazingly forked out £12m+ on every other signing so far this summer, with that spending unlikely to slow down.

Sunderland closing in on another new signing

Nobody can knock Sunderland’s ambition since promotion was achieved gloriously, knowing time is of the essence if they want to recruit well and attempt to stay afloat in the Premier League.

Yet, the Black Cats haven’t quite added in proven Premier League quality to their ranks, like Leeds have managed with Longstaff, but that could soon change emphatically.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the latest development from Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg via X reveals that a verbal agreement has now been reached between the Wearside outfit and Bayer Leverkusen over the signing of ex-Arsenal warrior Granit Xhaka.

If the deal goes through it would see Xhaka join the Stadium of Light ranks until 2028, and talks are now ongoing to finalise a move. One sticking point could be the midfielder’s £17m price tag.

A further report from Keith Downie, however, says that Sunderland are actually “close to completing a deal.”

How Xhaka can be Le Bris' next Le Fee

Xhaka is definitely worth pursuing for that amount, with the potential here for the 32-year-old to be Le Bris’ next statement buy, much like when Le Fee joined the building last summer.

Le Fee immediately showed off his class last season as Sunderland gunned for promotion back to the Premier League.

Not fazed by his new daunting environment whatsoever – having already been a classy performer in others top divisions such as Ligue 1 – Le Fee managed to pick up one goal and three assists for his troubles from 18 outings, with the ex-Lorient midfielder picking up two of those assists in crucial moments during the Black Cats’ tense, but ultimately, successful playoff journey.

Xhaka also proved himself to be the man for the big occasion when plying his trade for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, as seen in the Basel-born battler collecting two mighty FA Cup triumphs when still situated in North London, on top of his many Premier League appearances for Arsenal as a regular member of the first team.

Games played

33

33

Goals scored

3

2

Assists

0

7

Touches*

110.5

94.5

Accurate passes*

91.0 (92%)

75.8 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

6.0

5.4

Total duels won*

3.5

3.9

In total, 225 of Xhaka’s 297 appearances for Arsenal came in the demanding terrain of the top-flight, with his combative style helping the Gunners get through some testing times, which should also stand him in good stead on Wearside if a relegation dog-fight is on the menu.

Staggeringly, across that extensive back catalogue of Premier League clashes, Xhaka would throw himself into 1001 duels, with 368 tackles also attempted, leading to Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm labelling him as a “monster.”

Fortunately, that same bite has followed him to the Bundesliga, too, with his standout numbers across his last two seasons in the German top division showing off a star that’s still at the peak of his powers.

He also has a moment of magic just waiting in his locker like Le Fee, with a combined goal and assist haul of 67 from 396 games for Arsenal and Leverkusen, further making him a statement signing worth getting over the line.

Football journalist Henry Winter has even hailed the potential signing as “inspired”, with Xhaka just one part of the ongoing jigsaw that might allow for Sunderland to thrive up a level.

Dream Bade alternative: Sunderland ready bid for £22m star after Xhaka

Sunderland could go after this defensive ace instead of securing Loic Bade’s signature.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 23, 2025

New Zealand will tour India for three women’s championship ODIs later this month. The series, part of the women’s FTP for the current cycle, had been postponed indefinitely in July last year due to a crowded calendar, where India hosted England and Australia.All three ODIs, on October 24, 27 and 29, will be played in Ahmedabad, with both teams expected to fly in straight from the women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. If they make the World Cup final, both sides will have less than 72 hours to prepare for the series.The late addition to the cricket calendar means a number of first-choice players across both sides, including India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia and D Hemalatha could miss at least the first few games of the 2024-25 WBBL season.Mandhana was among the WBBL’s big-ticket pre-draft signings by Adelaide Strikers. Meanwhile, Sophie Devine, the New Zealand’s captain and Mandhana’s WPL team-mate, will also be unavailable for the first few games of the tournament for Perth Scorchers.Related

• Mandhana joins Adelaide Strikers to complete pre-draft signings

With eight wins in 18 matches, New Zealand are currently placed sixth, a spot below India, in the women’s championship table. With West Indies and, theoretically even Bangladesh, capable of leapfrogging them on the points table, the series is crucial for New Zealand as far as direct qualification is concerned.The hosts along with five top-placed teams will earn a direct entry to next year’s 50-over World Cup in India. Two others will be identified through a global qualifier, where the bottom four from the championships and four associates will compete.New Zealand last played ODIs in India in 2015, during the first iteration of the women’s championships. Back then, New Zealand overturned a 1-0 deficit to clinch the series.

Newcastle United’s growing interest in Hugo Ekitike could boil down to any number of reasons, but the minds of Liverpool fans will no doubt be drawn toward the possibility of signing Alexander Isak.

Certainly, it makes little sense for the Magpies to fork out £86m on Eintracht Frankfurt’s covetous centre-forward only for him to contest with Isak for the focal berth. It’s a tussle he’s apt to lose, relegating himself to the backbenches or at least as the second fiddle to Eddie Howe’s offensive instrument.

Of course, there’s the possibility that Ekitike will jockey with the Sweden international for a term or two before taking his place upon an eventual transfer to one of Europe’s true powerhouses. Like Liverpool, perhaps.

But then Arne Slot isn’t going to want to hang about for a new number nine, one who can replace Darwin Nunez. A resolution of some regard will be reached this summer, bringing a striker to Anfield’s pitch.

FSG are proving themselves to be incisive now that they have returned to the pinnacle, champions of the Premier League. Just look at Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz.

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

When Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, Slot knew his team needed to replace the creativity of a man who had been described in the past being “like having Kevin de Bruyne playing at right-back” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

It would have been negligible to have attempted to sign a cardboard cutout at right-back, so instead, signing a world-class playmaker like Wirtz to nestle into midfield made much more sense. He cost a British record £116m, but it’s likely to be money well spent all the same.

The attacking midfielder, indeed, ranked among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe last season for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Looking at his accomplishments in Germany’s top flight, it’s easy to forget that Wirtz is a 22-year-old who has already rebounded from a potentially detrimental ACL injury.

But that brutal setback in 2022 has only fuelled his ascent to the realm of the world-class.

24/25

31 (25)

10

12

23/24

32 (26)

11

11

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

5

19/20

7 (3)

1

–

For now, we wait with bated breath for the German international to grace the Premier League and lead Liverpool toward further riches.

Liverpool often strike gold when raiding the Bundesliga, and they appear ready to do so once more before the summer market slams shut, repeating their Wirtz acquisition.

Liverpool in contact to sign new striker

If Liverpool are to replace Nunez this summer, they will want to sign a striker fit for a Premier League title defence. Isak or Ekitike would do the trick, but an alternative pick has also been earmarked in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker, 22, has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time, but the Gunners are pushing ahead with a move for Viktor Gyokeres, thus opening the door for Liverpool to pounce.

That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, anyway, who revealed that Sesko’s agents have been in contact with Liverpool over a potential summer deal, offering his services to the Reds.

It’s unclear, however, whether the Bundesliga outfit will be inclined to budge on their €90m (£78m) valuation – a figure which proved to end Arsenal’s interest.

What Benjamin Sesko would bring to Liverpool

Sesko is a raw talent but one whose ceiling stretches far above the potential of most other forwards. His power and predatory instinct suggest he has what it takes to become a superstar in the Premier League.

Standing at 6 foot 5 but blessed with the high-speed running and ability to use his physicality to a great effect, he’s been hailed as a “monster” in the final third by analyst Ben Mattinson, who continued to remark he’s “raw but has excellent fundamentals”.

With some fine tweaks and Slot-led coaching, he could prove to be one of the very best in the English top flight, something talent scout Jacek Kulig definitely believes is within his grasp, having gone as far as to dub him “the new Haaland”.

It’s clear that this young and rising star could emulate Wirtz in travelling to England from Germany and becoming a superstar. The latter, of course, hasn’t actually kicked a ball in the country yet, but he’s regarded as one of the world’s best all the same.

RB Leipzig

24/25

45

21

RB Leipzig

23/24

42

18

RB Salzburg

22/23

41

18

RB Salzburg

20/21

37

11

RB Salzburg

20/21

1

0

FC Liefering

20/21

29

21

FC Liefering

19/20

15

1

As you can see, Sesko has improved steadily, continually, establishing himself as the kind of striker who can provide a steady source of goals in a top-five European division like the Bundesliga.

And he’s going to be supported and developed with a partnership with Wirtz, for sure. But more to the point, Sesko has the potential to become a superstar of equal proportions, so mobile and dynamic in his play, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Then, of course, Sesko’s goalscoring ability, the way in which he swings his leg and connects with ridiculous power (something Jurgen Klopp would attest to), emphasises that Haaland-esque ability that underscores his world-class potential.

Liverpool would be taking something of a risk by forking out a significant sum for a player who has yet to reach their potential, but Sesko has all the properties of a Liverpool-level forward, leading the line across a period of sustained success.

Given their success in raiding the Bundesliga, Liverpool might just want to take the punt, quickly repeating what promises to be a triumph in bringing Wirtz over from Bayer Leverkusen.

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ByAngus Sinclair Jul 13, 2025

Bangladesh qualified for the semi-final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 after beating Malaysia by 114 runs in what turned out to be a complete mismatch.Batting first, Bangladesh posted 191 for 2, their second-highest total in T20Is. Murshida Khatun scored a career-best 80 off 59 balls and captain Nigar Sultana an unbeaten 62 off 37.In response, Malaysia could muster only 77 for 8. They ended their campaign without a win but one hopes they would be richer for the experience. To be competitive at this level, they need to improve in all three departments: batting, bowling and fielding.

Dilara, Murshida punish sloppy Malaysia

Malaysia captain Winifred Duraisingam opened the bowling and started with a wide. Dilara Akter mistimed the next ball towards mid-on but instead of going for the catch, the fielder was happy to stop the ball on the bounce. Those two deliveries were a harbinger of what was to come next. Against the left-right opening pair of Dilara and Murshida, the Malaysia bowlers erred on both sides of the wicket and lacked the backing of their fielders.Dilara Akter played an attacking innings at the top of the order•Asian Cricket Council

Still, Bangladesh could score only 25 in the first four overs. On the first ball of the fifth, Aina Najwa dropped Murshida when the batter was on 13 off 15 balls. Adding insult to injury, Dilara smashed the last three balls of the over for 6, 4 and 4. Murshida got into the act with a boundary off Ainna Hamizah Hashim in the next over as Bangladesh finished the powerplay on 51 for no loss.The 65-run opening stand, in 7.4 overs, finally came to an end when Dilara hit Mahirah Izzati Ismail towards square leg where Aisya Eleesa dived forward to take an excellent catch in a rare show of brilliance by a Malaysia fielder. Dilara made 33 off just 20 balls.

Murshida, Nigar fifties power Bangladesh

Murshida was on 28 off 26 balls at that point. But after Dilara fell, she picked up the pace. With back-to-back boundaries off Ismail, she moved to 53 off 45 balls – her second half-century in as many games. With a slog-swept six off Elsa Hunter in the 17th over, she took Bangladesh past 150.Murshida and Nigar added 89 off 56 balls for the second wicket before Murshida fell to Hunter with substitute fielder Dhanusri Muhunan taking a sharp catch at extra cover.Elsa Hunter was a cut above the rest for Malaysia•Asian Cricket Council

But Muhunan’s effort was an aberration. Malaysia dropped two more catches after that: in the penultimate over, Najwa put down Rumana Ahmed at square leg and in the 20th, Nur Aishah did the same for Nigar at deep midwicket. Nigar brought up her fifty, off 34 balls, immediately after that and wrapped up the innings with a six off the final ball.

Hunter the only bright spot for Malaysia

It was no surprise that Malaysia fell well short of their target. In the absence of Marufa Akter, who was rested, Jahanara Alam took the new ball for Bangladesh and struck straightaway. With her second delivery, she had Hashim edging behind to Dilara for a regulation catch.Nineteen-year-old Hunter was the only Malaysia batter who looked equipped to handle Bangladesh’s bowling. Technically as sound as anyone in world cricket, Hunter hit four boundaries in her 20 off 23 balls. But she fell in the sixth over, giving a return catch to left-arm spinner Nahida Akter while trying to work the ball on the leg side. Earlier, Hunter was also the best bowler for her side, picking up 1 for 27 from four overs with her offspin.Malaysia did not lose another wicket till the tenth over but the scoring rate remained around four. It dipped even further in the second half of the innings. Apart from Hunter, Ismail, with 15 off 25 balls, was the only one to reach the double digits.

Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.

However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.

Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.

Newcastle lining up new forward

Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.

That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle

Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.

Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.

Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.

Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

8

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.

Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.

Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.

Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.

This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.

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Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Ask an Everton fan what their club’s priority should be as they step into the looming summer transfer window, they will tell you that David Moyes’ side need more quality in the final third.

Recent losses in the Premier League have highlighted the Toffees’ deep-rooted offensive issues that need sorting out if the 2025/26 season is to promote a new breed of success.

New owners, The Friedkin Group, ran the gauntlet when bringing Moyes back to the club in January, but it certainly seems to have worked out, Everton leaping away from the relegation fodder.

The seeds have been planted, but Everton need to fix some playing-squad issues in offence. However, defensive problems also simmer under the surface, with plenty set to change this summer.

The state of play in Everton's defence

Last time out at Goodison Park, Everton fought hard to get something from their match against Manchester City but ultimately fell short in the second half, losing 2-0.

Compounding the defeat, James Tarkowski was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, since confirmed to be a muscular tear that will require surgery. The unflappable centre-half will miss the rest of the season, his recovery creeping into pre-season.

With Jarrad Branthwaite’s future reportedly not necessarily at Bramley Moore, there’s plenty of uncertainty around Moyes’ backline.

Furthermore, Everton’s contractual situation is going to have a marked impact on the defence, with Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young all out of contract this summer.

Moyes recognises skipper Coleman’s value and would allegedly like to extend his deal for the leadership and experience benefits, but Young is not a spring chicken anymore and must leave, having become the Scotsman’s new version of Phil Neville.

Moyes must ditch Moyes' new Phil Neville

Neville is fondly remembered for his time at Everton, and Young will depart with a similarly positive legacy, having arrived as an ageing veteran – previously of Manchester United’s parish – but putting in a shift and a half during his time.

However, the 40-year-old needs to leave when his contract expires in the coming months.

Like Neville, Young formerly played for United and was capped by England, working industriously even earning praise from Antonio Conte for being a “machine” of an athlete when plying his trade with Inter Milan.

The 48-year-old completed 385 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Everton for a fee in excess of £3m. He was 28 at the time, a further similarity to Young given he spent a good chunk of his prime years in red before moving to Inter Milan, then back to Villa, then finally settling at Goodison.

Ashley Young’s Senior Career by Club
Club	Apps	Goals	Assists
Man United	261	19	33
Aston Villa	247	38	53
Watford	110	22	9
Everton	66	2	4
Inter Milan	59	5	9
Stats via Transfermarkt

Not just walking the same pathway toward Merseyside as Young, Neville was also a versatile defender, chiefly placed as a right-back but wandering over to the alternate side and even featuring in a deep-lying midfield position.

Since starting Moyes’ first game of the (second) Moyes era, a home defeat against Aston Villa, Young has been consigned to cameos ever since.

Young has earned his keep at Everton over the past few years, but he’s now 40 years old and must not see his contract renewed ahead of the new chapter at Bramley Moore.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 28, 2025

With INEOS planning a summer rebuild, Manchester United are reportedly open to allowing a big-money transfer flop to depart this summer as Serie A giants Juventus set their sights on a bargain deal.

Man Utd's need for an attacking overhaul

Whilst Ruben Amorim’s backline has far from been secure throughout the opening period of his reign, his biggest problem arguably lies in attack. The Red Devils have lacked a clear presence for some time and have often been left to rely on Bruno Fernandes to light the spark of a dying flame at Old Trafford.

To put the struggles of Manchester United’s frontline into true context, as impressive as Joshua Zirkzee’s headed effort against Lyon was in midweek, it was just the seventh goal that the summer arrival has managed in all competitions this season.

Amorim will be well aware of the troubles that his frontline have faced in recent months, but that didn’t stop the Manchester United manager from heaping praise on both Zirkzee and Ramus Hojlund in midweek, telling reporters: “Sometimes the most important player in the game is the guys that come on during the game. So he did his job quite well.

“But again, Rasmus, especially during the first half, he did a lot of runs and pushed the team forward, in one moment that we were struggling to find the right moment to press the opponent. So he did his job. And then Josh did a great goal and also did a great job when he was inside of the pitch.”

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ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025

However, that praise may not be enough to prevent the changes that INEOS want to make this summer, as the exit door reportedly swings open for one particular player.

Man Utd open to selling Hojlund at discounted price

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Manchester United are now open to selling Hojlund at a £20m discount rather than recouping the £72m they paid to secure his signature in 2023.

As a result, Italian giants Juventus have been tentatively named as interested in a fresh swoop to sign the Dane over the coming months, in what could turn into a bargain should Hojlund realise his best form.

However, the strength of their rumoured interest is currently unknown as there has been no contact between the clubs, while Napoli have been credited with an interest in Hojlund in the past.

Priced at a reported €60m (£52m), Hojlund desperately needs a fresh start away from Manchester United and a summer switch to Juventus would offer exactly that. Given that he earns a reported £85,000 a week at Old Trafford, it should come as no surprise that INEOS are keen to show the door to what has been a major transfer flop.

Appearances

85

Goals

24

Assists

6

Given their financial concerns, cashing in on the likes of Hojlund may well be a must for Manchester United this summer in what looks set to be an easier decision with every passing week.

Middlesex’s promotion hopes hit the skids with victory off the cards

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Sep-2025 Lancashire 105 for 0 (Wells 60*, Jennings 36*) trail Middlesex 211 (De Caires 52, Geddes 52, Aspinwall 4-62, Bailey 4-68) by 106 runsLuke Wells and Keaton Jennings enriched the penultimate evening of the season at Emirates Old Trafford with an unbroken opening stand of 105 but Lancashire’s Rothesay County Championship match against Middlesex looks certain to end in the draw that would almost certainly end the visitors’ chances of promotion.Replying to Middlesex’s 211, a first innings in which Tom Aspinwall and Tom Bailey both took four wickets, Lancashire ended another day shortened by rain and bad light on 105 without loss, with Jennings on 36 not out and Wells unbeaten on 60. However, only 31.4 overs were possible in Manchester on Wednesday and neither side appears to have a credible chance of forcing a win, even if Thursday’s weather permits a full 96 overs’ play. So far 210 overs have been lost in this match.
Heavy rain overnight and throughout the morning left the Emirates Old Trafford outfield saturated but after two inspections play got under way at three o’clock and Lancashire’s bowlers took only 6.4 overs to take the two wickets they needed to end Middlesex’s first innings.Tom Aspinwall had Zafar Gohar caught at long leg by substitute fielder Will Williams for 25 and then Henry Brookes followed for two in Aspinwall’s next over when he edged a cut to Matty Hurst behind the stumps. That left Aspinwall with figures of four for 62 while Tom Bailey finished with four for 68.Left with a possible 34 overs in which to bat this evening, Jennings and Wells quickly settled into their work. Wells pulled Toby Roland-Jones towards the party stand for six and Lancashire were 44 without loss at tea.
In the evening session, Wells played with even greater fluency levying maximums off both Seb Morgan and Zafar Gohar, reaching his fifty off 71 balls and ending the day just 25 runs of a thousand in first-class cricket this season. Jennings requires another 67 runs to reach the same mark but it is also a reflection of Lancashire’s recent problems that this was only the county’s second century partnership for the first wicket in the last 47 innings, a record stretching back to the end of 2023.Middlesex came into this match lying fourth in the table, 30 points behind second-placed Glamorgan. However, their hopes are almost certain to be scuppered if they fail to win this game and Glamorgan avoid defeat against Derbyshire.

Stead has previously coached New Zealand to the WTC title and three limited-overs finals in global events

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Sep-2025Gary Stead has replaced Tinu Yohannan as Andhra’s head coach for the 2025-26 domestic season. Stead was the head coach of the New Zealand men’s team from 2018 to June 2025 and oversaw them to the World Test Championship title in 2021. Yohannan moved to the MRF Pace Foundation earlier this year.”Andhra cricket enters a new era under his guidance, aiming for bigger milestones and top-tier performances this season,” the Andhra Cricket Association wrote on social media.Stead, 53, is New Zealand’s most successful coach with three global limited-overs final appearances (2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy) and a historic 3-0 Test series win in India. Before that, he had coached New Zealand Women to the final of the 2009 ODI World Cup and the 2010 T20 World Cup. He also coached Canterbury to three titles and a final in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s domestic red-ball competition, from 2013 to 2017.Related

Stead signs back with NZC as high-performance coach

Stead calls time on seven-year tenure as New Zealand coach

Not too high, not too low: Gary Stead did it his steady way

As a player, he made five Test appearances for New Zealand and made 278 runs at an average of 34.75. He also played 101 first-class games and 103 List A games, where he made 4984 and 2173 runs respectively.Andhra had finished sixth in their group in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy with just one outright win from seven games. They failed to qualify for the knockouts in the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy too, and lost in the preliminary quarter-final in the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Andhra will begin the 2025-26 season with a Ranji Trophy game against Uttar Pradesh on October 15.

Newcastle United have not been at the races this season. Wheeling off quickly at times – mostly at St. James’ Park – but suffering from dismal away form that is pulling Eddie Howe’s squad away from their potential.

We all know this, and Howe most of all. However, identifying solutions and then finding the right answers can be two wholly different things in football.

11

Games

8

8

Wins

1

0

Draws

3

3

Losses

4

16

Goals scored

8

8

Goals conceded

10

2.18

PPG

0.75

But the English tactician has done so countless times across his four years on Tyneside, adapting and overcoming obstacles that fall into his path.

Take, for example, the fumbled signing of Chris Wood from Burnley in 2022. One of the first to establish this new PIF era, the Kiwi striker flattered to deceive.

Remembering Chris Wood's time at Newcastle

Wood is one of the most consistent Premier League strikers of his time. Something of a journeyman, he has nonetheless enjoyed success throughout his career, truly coming into his own over the past several years with Nottingham Forest.

However, a brief stint at Newcastle stands as a blot on the copybook. Howe purchased the New Zealand star from Burnley for £25m in January 2022, right at the start of this new era.

Sometimes, it’s just not your day. And Wood simply didn’t click in black and white. The veteran goalscorer only scored five times across 39 appearances before leaving for Forest on loan and then making the move permanent.

Pundit Tam McManus said that he looked “a bit lost” at St. James’ Park, and the one bit of solace from the misfire of a signing was that Newcastle were otherwise going from strength to strength, and they signed Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad after realising Wood wasn’t going to make the grade.

Of course, no one would deny that Wood is a top-class Premier League striker. He was one of the most prolific in the division last season, after all.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

Alexander Isak

34

23

Erling Haaland

31

22

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Chris Wood

36

20

But this only emphasises the blunder on Newcastle’s part, one they would not wish to repeat.

For the most part, they haven’t. Newcastle’s success under Howe’s wing has been a product of care and accuracy in the market. But they don’t always get it right, having signed the new Wood this summer.

Newcastle's biggest disaster since Chris Wood

Maybe there’s just something that isn’t working for ex-Forest stars moving to Newcastle.

Anthony Elanga has not been a success since joining the club from the City Ground for £55m this summer, yet to score or assist across 16 appearances.

Renowned for his “special ability” on the ball, as said by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Swedish winger simply hasn’t succeeded in translating his physical strengths over to St. James’ Park.

It’s not just his output causing concern. As per Sofascore, Elanga has succeeded with only 17% of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League this season. For a player whose standout skill is his fleet-footedness on the ball, this isn’t good enough.

Elanga, 23, must be afforded more time, but given the desperate need for an efficient right winger in recent years at the club, his woes have been a concern, salvaged only by the ever-industrious Jacob Murphy’s consistency.

He’s still relatively young, and he has proven himself capable in the Premier League across the past two terms with the Tricky Trees.

But the early readings are not all that promising, with analyst Raj Chohan picking up on the winger’s poor form and claiming that the deal was a “massive overpay” on PIF’s part.

While he is young and with much potential still untapped – unlike Wood – Newcastle expected bang for their buck when filling a hole on the right wing.

If Elanga doesn’t improve quickly, the Toon are going to need to dig back into their pockets.

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Newcastle need to make some changes going forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025