James Rew’s rain-affected first day as county captain ends with team six-down for 94
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Apr-2025
Kyle Abbott claimed the wicket of Somerset’s captain James Rew•Dave Vokes/Hampshire Cricket
Kyle Abbott continued his impressive career record against Somerset as Hampshire made the most of little play on day one of their Rothesay County Championship fixture.Abbott added two wickets to take his tally to 71 scalps versus Somerset, with 40 of them coming at an average of 12 at Utilita Bowl.Fellow fast bowlers James Fuller and Brad Wheal also picked up a pair of wickets as Somerset collapsed to 94 for six at lunch – with three wickets falling in 11 balls just before the interval.But the visitors were spared any more damage as rain prevented any play taking place after lunch.Lewis Gregory’s abdominal injury meant that James Rew captained his county for the first time in the Championship – having previously led the Second XI and England Under-19. In doing so, he became the county’s youngest ever skipper, at the age of 21 years and 97 days.His first act was to call incorrectly at the toss, allowing Ben Brown to choose to bowl under threatening grey skies.The wait for the first wicket only lasted 34 balls, as Sean Dickson was late to deal with a Wheal in-ducker and was pinned in front.Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby stabilised and attempted to build a foundation but having eased to a 55-run stand both fell within 13 deliveries to Fuller.Fuller had been left out of the opening two rounds of the season in favour of former Somerset tearaway Sonny Baker. But Baker, who is on an ECB Development Contract, was rested, leaving the door open for Fuller.Having been hit for two boundaries in his opening over, he tightened up before rolling his fingers down one to find some away movement and the edge of Vaughan’s bat.To dismiss Lammonby, Fuller pitched it further up and angled it across the left-hander. He found the edge through to Brown.The morning looked like it would end fairly even at 93 for three around 10 minutes until lunch, but Abbott returned to make it clear who the session belonged to with Wheal.Tom Banton couldn’t have been more unlucky with his wicket. The middle-order batter whipped a half-volley with gusto but was sensationally caught by Nick Gubbins.And then five balls later, Rew tentatively pushed behind. Tom Abell added one run before Kasey Aldridge was beaten for pace and had his off stump clattered by Wheal. 11 balls had seen one run and three wickets.Rain at lunch meant not further action was possible, with an early finish confirmed just before 4.30pm.
A janela de transferências abre no dia três de julho, mas o São Paulo já vem monitorando nomes no mercado da bola para reforçar o elenco comandado pelo técnico Dorival Júnior. A diretoria foca em jogadores ofensivos no período de compras e alguns nomes já começaram a surgir.
Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!
O primeiro foi de Erick, do Ceará. Xodó de Dorival no Vozão, o atacante tem contrato até o final do ano e já pode assinar um pré-contrato com qualquer equipe a partir do fim desse mês. Essa, inclusive, pode ser uma forma do São Paulo contratar o jogador, que quer cumprir o restante do seu acordo com o clube cearense. A informação foi publicada incialmente no globoesporte.com e confirmada no L!.
Veja tabela da Copa Sul-Americana
Outro jogador que entrou no radar do São Paulo é o meia uruguaio Zalazar, de 23 anos. O São Paulo consultou a situação de Zalazar, mas ainda não ofereceu uma proposta. A informação foi publicada inicialmente pelo jornalista André Hernan e confirmada pela ESPN. Atualmente no Schalke 04 (ALE), clube rebaixado à segunda divisão do país, ele vem despertando interesse de muitas equipes, como o Vasco, por exemplo.
Os altos valores da negociação podem pesar contra o Tricolor, já que a situação financeira não é nada boa pelos lados do Morumbi. Segundo apurado pelo Lance!, o nome tem o aval de Dorival Jr, mas o São Paulo ainda estuda possíveis valores para uma investida.
Além dos dois nomes que estão em pauta, outra dupla chegou a negociar com o São Paulo, mas a negociação não andou: Savarino e Marinho. O primeiro, ex-Atlètico-MG, continuou no Salt Lake City (EUA), enquanto o segundo rescindiu com o Flamengo e acabou acertando com o Fortaleza.
Apesar das idas e vindas no mercado, já deu para perceber que o São Paulo dá prioridade a atacantes velozes e meias de criação. Uma situação que deve ser a tônica do Tricolor na janela de transferências.
Former D.C. United and Atlanta United player Mateusz Klich has delivered a scathing assessment of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami while highlighting several other Major League Soccer clubs as more appealing destinations. The Polish international spent two years in MLS between 2023 to 2025 before leaving for Polish club Cracovia.
(C)Getty ImagesHarsh verdict on Herons' internal structure
Klich painted a troubling picture of Inter Miami's culture, particularly while Messi remains at the club. The 35-year-old midfielder, who joined MLS in 2023 after thriving at Leeds United, went on to describe a dysfunctional environment where the Argentine superstar's father wields extraordinary influence.
"I don't recommend Miami as long as Messi is there,” Klich told . “It's a disaster; people are leaving, coaches and physiotherapists are leaving. Organizationally, it's bad. Messi's dad basically runs the club…Nothing can be done without their consent. The club itself is also 45-50 minutes from Miami."
AdvertisementNew York clubs and Midwest franchises highlighted
When discussing more attractive alternatives within the league, Klich highlighted both New York clubs as appealing options for European players considering the American soccer landscape.
"I would recommend New York,” Klich said. “The Red Bulls now have a better stadium, but City is also building an awesome stadium. There are clubs like Columbus Crew and Cincinnati that have great stadiums and great facilities, but the place itself is very boring to live in."
Getty Images SportNashville and West Coast atmosphere earns approval
Klich singled out Nashville SC as a particularly attractive destination for players seeking both professional quality and an enjoyable lifestyle. The Polish midfielder also praised the Pacific Northwest clubs for their passionate fanbases.
“I would recommend Nashville, if you have the option of Nashville SC,” Klich said. ”It's a beautiful place, the capital of country music. Portland and Seattle have a great atmosphere, but they're at the end of the world."
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AFPNow in Poland
Klich played in MLS for two years, starring at D.C. before heading to Atlanta. He scored six goals for United in 63 appearances before heading to Atlanta, where he made 16 appearances. After leaving MLS, Klich completed a free transfer to Polish side Cracovia in August 2025.
Back in February, reports emerged that Arsenal were set to spend big this summer. It was alleged this would be an unprecedented transfer window.
Well, the Kroenke’s have certainly put their money where their mouth is. This has indeed been a remarkable few months on the transfer front.
Having hired Andrea Berta to replace Edu in the early months of the year, the Italian has performed incredible work with regard to incomings.
The Gunners have added their elusive centre-forward at long last, welcoming Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.
They’ve signed back-up to Bukayo Saka in the form of Noni Madueke, they’ve replaced midfield departees with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, while they’ve strengthened the rearguard too.
Cristhian Mosquera arrived in a bargain deal from Valencia and Piero Hincapie, providing Jakub Kiwior leaves, also looks poised to arrive in north London.
But, of course, the standout addition in recent weeks has been Eberechi Eze. Could we smell another repeat of that in the last six days of the window? It’s unlikely, but there’s another player lusting after signing for the club he supporters.
An Eze repeat for Arsenal
A week ago to the day, Berta completed a remarkable hijacking, one we’ve very rarely seen in the Premier League in recent years.
Eze was all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur. The Crystal Palace playmaker had agreed personal terms and the Eagles were just putting the finishing touches on a deal with Spurs.
Yet, after a last-minute phone call with Mikel Arteta where Eze enquired about the possibility of signing for Arsenal, the decision makers met later that day and a deal was agreed by the evening.
It was a remarkable turn of events as the England international headed to the red side of the capital in a move worth an initial £60m.
This has been a brutal window for Spurs and should the Gunners conclude a move for Hincapie, it will have been another hijacking of sorts. Fabrizio Romano revealed that the Lilywhites had made a bid before their noisy neighbours came calling.
But, if Arsenal have their way, they could sign another Spurs target. Reports on Tuesday indicated that as Tottenham gear up for a busy end to the window, they have made calls to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.
Valued as highly as £69m, this news is significant because, as is well-documented, Semenyo is a boyhood Arsenal fan like Eze.
Earlier in the window it was reported that Semenyo was indeed keen on the idea of playing for Arsenal. So, why should they make a move?
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Semenyo could be the new Saka for Arsenal
It must be stated that the idea of Arsenal signing another forward after Eze this summer is highly unlikely.
However, there are still some supporters who believe Arteta’s side is lacking genuine quality on the flanks, Saka aside.
Eze might well take a role on the left side of the pitch but the jury remains out on fellow new signing, Madueke, while concerns have been held about Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s inconsistent form for over a year now.
Martinelli, in particular, is a cause for concern. He’s usually the first to be subbed and it was rather damning that he played zero minutes during Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds.
Martinelli and Trossard in pre-season
There has been talk of a move to Saudi this summer and if that did occur, it could well grant the Gunners the freedom to sign another forward, whether it be in the final week of the window or in future windows.
Semenyo has been a mighty fine player for Bournemouth. He’s two-footed, a “duel monster” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, and he can play on either flank.
Arteta loves positional versatility and that’s what the Cherries attacker would offer to the Spaniard if he moved to the club.
Last season, no player had more shots in the Premier League than Semenyo, a fact that rubberstamps the immense threat he holds in the final third. His performance against Liverpool on the division’s opening night was also really rather special.
But, with an ability to glide inside from the right and beat his man, there are shades of a certain Saka.
Goals
0.31
0.31
Assists
0.14
0.52
Progressive passes
3.06
3.65
Progressive carries
3.93
5.00
Successful take-ons
1.94
2.14
Carries into final 3rd
1.94
1.67
While Saka was evidently streets ahead as far as assists were concerned in the top-flight last term, their carrying ability is very similar.
Indeed, when it comes to take-ons and movement into the final third of the pitch, in particular, there’s not a lot to separate them.
Both players ooze quality, they glide across the right-hand side of the field with ease and they have proven themselves to be two of the most dangerous forwards in English football.
Admittedly, a deal is unlikely, but wouldn’t it be nice to steal another player away from Spurs?
Perfect for Saka: Arsenal submit bid to sign "complete" star after Hincapie
Arsenal have made their move to land another star for Mikel Arteta this summer.
The chances of Darwin Nunez playing in a Liverpool jersey for the upcoming campaign are negligible.
The Uruguayan striker is a priority target for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and he’s been anticipated to be heading for the exit on Merseyside for much of 2025, having only been started once in the Premier League by Arne Slot since Boxing Day.
While Liverpool have prepared for this eventuality through the initial £69m acquisition of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, FSG are hungry for more quality in the final third.
The Reds romped their way to the Premier League title last term, but fell short across the season’s offshoots. Slot will be hoping to change that.
And what better way to add enough firepower than to sign Alexander Isak?
The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool
Last week, Liverpool lodged a formal £110m offer for Newcastle United’s star striker. It was rejected, and the Toon seemed to feel rather aggrieved that such a figure had been tabled when they have made it clear his departure would only come about following a record-breaking offer.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
Liverpool broke the British transfer record when signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in June, after all.
It’s since been reported that sporting director Richard Hughes will bid again for the Sweden international, though everything hinges on the Tynesiders being able to identify and sign a suitable replacement.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is at the top of their shopping list, but Manchester United are also pushing to sign the number nine, and there’s no telling which way that saga will swing at this stage.
Benjamin Sesko
Though Isak is a world-class footballer and would be the cream of an extraordinary transfer window for Liverpool, he’s not the only incoming Slot yet wishes to bring through the door.
Liverpool preparing new offer
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make an offer for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, having registered their interest earlier in the transfer window.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Guehi has entered the final year of his and is understood to be a top target for the Anfield side this summer, with Slot lacking depth in central defence.
Newcastle United are also determined to sign the Three Lions star, who is valued at £50m. Due to his contract situation, FSG are unwilling to meet this figure.
Why Liverpool must sign Marc Guehi
While we’re on the topic, Newcastle have suffered a rather sobering transfer window thus far, missing out on a slew of top targets. Howe is no doubt simmering, not least because Liverpool continue to press for his side’s all-inspiring talisman.
But he might yet be foiled in his attempts for a mood-lifting arrival once again, with Liverpool already having taken Ekitike off their hands this summer.
Ekitike and Isak
Newcastle had identified the French forward as a potential replacement for Isak, should he leave St. James’ Park, but Liverpool stole ahead and completed the deal toward the end of July, ostensibly ending their pursuit of Isak.
But they are back in once more, and could further fan the flames by signing Guehi, who was described as “England’s best player” by analyst Ben Mattinson following his exploits at Euro 2024.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Technically sound and cool as you like, the 6 foot Guehi might not be the most physically imposing centre-half in the game, but he has a masterful understanding of the game and may yet bloom into a truly world-class star.
See, for example, how Guehi compared against Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League last season. To be sure, the 25-year-old isn’t on the Dutchman’s level, but his creative passing, firm defending and athletic robustness make an interesting comment on the player he could yet become.
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
37 (37)
Goals
3
3
Assists
2
1
Clean sheets
11
14
Touches*
64.9
90.4
Pass completion
84%
92%
Key passes*
0.5
0.3
Dribbles*
0.4
0.1
Ball recoveries*
4.3
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
2.5
Clearances*
4.6
5.1
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
4.7 (69%)
Errors made
2
4
In this way, you could argue that Liverpool are repeating their masterclass for Ekitike already. The 23-year-old has similarities to Isak, for he is mobile, powerful and pacy, with a keen footballing mind, but he’s still got a while to go before he reaches the same heights as the refined Newcastle superstar.
As you can see from the graphic below, Isak is far more clinical, and that while plying his craft in a more competitive division in the English top flight.
Howe is thought to be desperate to package his squad with more quality and quantity, but Liverpool are getting primed to steal another top target from them, one who was the subject of four failed bids from the club during the 2024 summer transfer window.
Having won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace last season, Guehi is no doubt looking to take the next step in his career, and where better to foster his developed qualities than at Anfield, where there is a clear pathway toward a nailed-down starting berth?
As per FBref, he even ranked among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions per 90. Just imagine the kind of ball-playing success Slot’s tactics could give rise to.
Arguably, Liverpool’s need for Guehi supersedes their interest in Isak, for Ekitike has the makings of a world-class centre-forward.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi against Man City's Omar Marmoush in the FA Cup final.
Guehi, however, is already a “monster in defence”, as claimed by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, and would provide invaluable depth to a backline that has parted with Quansah and may yet lose the non-committal Ibrahima Konate, who is being pursued by Real Madrid.
Much hinges on Palace’s firmness vis-à-vis their £50m valuation. However, if Newcastle do decide to advance their intrigue to the next level, you wouldn’t bet against Liverpool leaping forward and striking a blow to the Magpies once again.
Leeds United confirmed their latest signing of the summer transfer window on Tuesday when they welcomed 6 foot 4 defensive midfielder Anton Stach to the club.
The German star has put pen to paper on a four-year contract to join Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Lukas Nmecha in arriving at Elland Road this summer.
Whilst there is, clearly, plenty of work going on behind the scenes to bolster the club with new signings, there is also the possibility that Leeds could move on from some players.
It was recently reported that Spanish sides Real Betis and Celta Vigo are both interested in signing Mateo Joseph, who has asked to move on from Elland Road this summer.
The Whites are said to value the Spain U21 international, who came through the academy set-up at Thorp Arch, at a fee of around £10m, and it remains to be seen if either team are willing to pay that price for him.
Why Leeds may sell Mateo Joseph
On the face of it, selling a 21-year-old, academy graduate, Spanish youth international who has shown promise as a striker may not seem to be an attractive prospect for Leeds.
However, selling Joseph for £10m, should a team meet that valuation, would strengthen the club’s situation with PSR and potentially allow them to reinvest more money into their starting XI for the upcoming Premier League season.
Whilst the Spanish striker is an exciting prospect, it is fair to say that he is not expected to be a regular starter for the Whites in the top-flight, after the forward scored three goals in 39 appearances, including 11 starts, in the Championship last season.
Appearances
39
Starts
11
xG
5.10
Goals
3
Big chances missed
6
Big chances created
4
xA
1.47
Assists
3
Joseph failed to establish himself as a regular starter in the second tier, as Joel Piroe took the number nine mantle, and there is little to suggest that he is suddenly going to emerge as a Premier League-grade centre-forward in the next few months.
This is why it may make sense for Leeds to decide to cash in on him now to improve their team in the short-term as they look to avoid an instant relegation from the top-flight.
Whilst some may read that and think that the Whites would be ruining their long-term prospects, given Joseph’s age, in pursuit of a short-term objective, that may not be the case.
That is because the Premier League newboys are reportedly interested in a deal to sign another centre-forward who is even younger than Joseph, but could provide more quality on the pitch in the short term.
49ers in talks to seal new Leeds signing
According to Turkish-Football, the 49ers are interested in a deal to sign 19-year-old Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad.
The report claims that they have identified the Turkey international as a ‘prime target’, as they look to add to their attacking options ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It adds that the Whites are impressed by the teenage forward’s potential and that they believe that he could be an excellent long-term signing for the club this summer.
The outlet states that the Turkish giants would be willing to part ways with the young attacker for a fee of up to £18m, because they recently signed Tammy Abraham to lead the line for the team next season.
Leeds could take advantage of that situation by offering Kilicsoy a chance to come to Elland Road to play regular football in the Premier League, and he could play alongside another exciting new addition.
The Whites are reportedly chasing a deal to sign £30m-rated Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, who would love to play alongside the Turkish forward because of his potential as a finisher.
Why Leeds should sign Semih Kilicsoy
The 49ers could seriously bolster Farke’s options at the top end of the pitch by securing deals for both Paixao and Kilicsoy, who could form an exciting partnership in the final third.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the Feyenoord attacker created 12 ‘big chances’ and registered ten assists in the Eredivisie from the left flank, whilst he also assisted four goals in 11 games in the Champions League for the Dutch side, to go along with his 16 goals in the division.
Igor Paixao for Feyenoord.
This shows that the Brazilian star is a fantastic creative threat down the left wing, having assisted 15 goals in those two competitions last season, which is why he would love Kilicsoy, who could be an upgrade on Joseph in front of goal.
As aforementioned, the £10m-rated Leeds striker underperformed his xG by scoring three goals from 5.10 xG. Meanwhile, the Besiktas forward has shown promise as a finisher over the last two seasons in the Super Lig.
Appearances
55
Starts
31
xG
9.90
Goals
14
Big chances created
11
Assists
6
As you can see in the table above, Kilicsoy has overperformed his xG by roughly four goals in the last two seasons, whilst he has also created 11 ‘big chances’ in 31 starts.
The Turkish star, who was described as a “powerful” forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, has showcased his ability to ruthlessly finish the high-quality chances that are created for him, which is why Paixao could love him as a winger who has the quality to consistently create those kinds of openings.
Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy.
This means that Kilicsoy could come in as an upgrade on Joseph, due to his goal return and his overperformance as a finisher, whilst also being a dream partner for Paixao.
However, it is now down to the 49ers to ensure that they win the races for both of these players so that Farke has them as options to pick from when he comes to selecting his team in the Premier League next season.
He'll send Harrison packing: Leeds chase deal to sign "explosive" £30m star
Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign a star who could send Jack Harrison packing this summer.
B Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana have been drafted into India’s 15-member squad for the first two (of five) T20Is in Zimbabwe starting later this week. They will replace Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal, all of whom will return to India with the rest of the T20 World Cup-winning squad before flying out to Zimbabwe for the last three games.The victorious T20 World Cup squad was expected to land in India on Monday, but their arrival has been delayed because of Hurricane Beryl, which led to the airport in Barbados being shut down. ESPNcricinfo understands that Samson, Dube and Jaiswal will be part of a felicitation ceremony in India before they travel to Zimbabwe.Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, who were part of the reserves for the World Cup, are likely to join the squad in Harare directly from the Caribbean. Shubman Gill, who has been named captain of the squad in Zimbabwe, is set to join the squad directly from the USA, where he was on holiday after being released from India’s touring reserves at the end of the group stage.Sai Sudharsan, who made his international debut on the tour of South Africa last December, is currently playing for Surrey in Division 1 of the County Championship and is likely to join the squad in Harare on July 4 after the conclusion of Surrey’s ongoing fixture against Essex. Sai Sudharsan had re-signed with Surrey last month after an impressive maiden stint with the team last year. It’s Sai Sudharsan’s first call-up with the India T20I side.For Jitesh, the call-up is a lifeline of sorts after he fell out of favour with the selectors following a disappointing IPL 2024, where he scored just 187 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 131.69.Rana, for whom this is a maiden India call-up, was part of the victorious Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at IPL 2024. Rana had been at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy till late last month as part of a conditioning camp for rising fast bowlers. He was the joint-second-highest wicket-taker for KKR (19 wickets at an average of 20.15), the same as Andre Russell and only behind Varun Chakravarthy, who had 21.The series kicks off on July 6, followed by matches on July 7, 10, 13 and 14. All matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club.
India’s squad for 1st and 2nd T20Is vs Zimbabwe
Shubman Gill (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana
Newcastle United are said to have held initial talks with an “outstanding” defender over a move to the club in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle focus on attacking signings after missing out on Mbeumo
Eddie Howe knows the importance of strengthening his squad ahead of next season, and eye-catching reports continue to link the Magpies with potential signings this summer.
Contact has reportedly been made regarding a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the Englishman seen as an alternative to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who now disappointingly looks like he is off to Manchester United. The Blues ace scored seven goals in the Premier League in 2024/25, including a hat-trick away to Wolves.
Noni Madueke for Chelsea
Brighton forward Joao Pedro is also considered an option for Newcastle to bring in ahead of next season, as they look to give Alexander Isak healthy competition, as well as ease his workload with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park in 2025/26.
A right-sided attacker remains a priority, though, hence the Madueke links, and Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been backed to come in, having fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga giants. Now, one of his teammates has also been linked with the Magpies.
Newcastle hold talks with "outstanding" defender
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Newcastle have held “initial talks” with Bayern centre-back Kim Min-jae over a move to St James’. He is keen on a move away, and he could be available for £29.5m after his asking price dropped from £42m.
The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also mentioned as options for the 28-year-old, who is fresh off the back of winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern.
A new central defender is a must for Newcastle this summer and Kim could be perfect, coming in as a big name with proven pedigree at the top level.
Contact made: Newcastle now make approach to sign £50m Chelsea forward
Newcastle are now keen on striking a deal to sign an exciting attacker from Chelsea.
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By
Brett Worthington
Jun 5, 2025
The South Korean is now both an Italian and German champion, having won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2022/23, and Bayern teammate Joshua Kimmich spoke of his admiration for he and centre-back partner Dayot Upamecano last year.
In 2024/25, Min-jae outlined his dominance as a centre-back, averaging 3.2 clearances and three aerial duel wins per game, with his performances more impressive than Fabian Schar’s for Newcastle.
Kim Min-jae vs. Fabian Schar in the league in 2024/25
Min-jae
Schar
Appearances
27
34
Starts
27
33
Minutes played
2289
2938
Clearances per game
3.2
3.9
Aerial duel wins per game
3.0
1.7
Interceptions per game
1.4
1.3
Tackles per game
1.3
1.1
Goals
2
4
Assists
0
0
The Magpies should see the 69-cap South Korea international as a leading option to strengthen their defence, in what would feel like a statement signing.
Celtic will have to fight hard to keep hold of their best players during the summer transfer window, as teams are already circling around some of their top talents.
According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Italian side Como have made an approach to sign Nicolas Kuhn from the Scottish Premiership champions.
The journalist claims that the German winger is “in demand” and that German outfit RB Leipzig are also among the teams interested in a swoop to sign the 25-year-old star before the end of the summer transfer window.
Joseph adds, though, that the Hoops are in a strong position with the forward because he still has four years left to run on his contract at Parkhead.
Whilst losing Kuhn, who produced 13 goals and nine assists in the Premiership this season, would be a blow for the Scottish giants, Celtic must also be wary of losing their exciting young prospects.
The Hoops have been burned in the past by failing to keep hold of promising young players, and Ben Doak is one notable example of a starlet the club surely wished they had managed to keep.
Ben Doak's soaring market value since leaving Celtic
In the summer of 2022, the Scottish winger turned down a contract with the Bhoys and sealed a transfer to Premier League giants Liverpool on a ‘free transfer’.
The Reds had to pay a compensation fee of £600k for the young attacker, who had made two first-team appearances for the Hoops, and that deal has turned out to be a bargain for the English side.
Doak has only made ten appearances for Liverpool in three years, but played 24 games on loan at Middlesbrough this season and has been capped six times by Scotland.
At the time of writing, Transfermarkt values the 19-year-old winger at a whopping £12m, which is significantly more than the £600k that the Premier League team paid for him in 2022. This means that the Reds got a bargain deal and Celtic were left hard done by, as they did not get good value for his services.
Starts
21
Goals
3
Big chances created
7
xA
4.52
Key passes per game
1.9
Assists
7
Successful dribbles per game
1.5
As you can see in the table above, the teenage talent caught the eye with his performances on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship this season, showing off his creativity on the right flank on a regular basis.
Overall, the Hoops will surely rue not being able to convince Doak to stay at Parkhead because he has thrived since leaving Scotland for a minimal fee, and they must now avoid a repeat of that with Johnny Kenny.
English club bid for Johnny Kenny
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, English League One side Bolton Wanderers have made an offer to sign the Irish centre-forward.
The reporter claims that Celtic have turned down a bid worth up to £500k from the third tier outfit for the young marksman, as they value him at more than that.
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Joseph adds that Bolton are expected to come back in with a second offer to land the former Shamrock Rovers number nine before the end of the summer transfer window.
However, the journalist reveals that the Premiership champions are not actively looking to cash in on the 22-year-old striker, although they could sanction a loan move later in the window if the right move comes up.
The Hoops must, now, maintain this stance because they could find themselves on the wrong end of another Doak repeat if they allow Kenny to leave the club for anywhere near the £500k bid that Bolton have made for him.
Why Celtic must not sell Johnny Kenny
The Scottish giants must keep hold of the Irish marksman and either keep him as part of the first-team squad or send him out on loan to a good level for the 2025/26 campaign, because he is a promising young talent.
Although he is a bit older than Doak was when he moved on from Glasgow, at the age of 22, he is still very young for a centre-forward and has shown plenty of promise already.
Kenny spent 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers in Ireland and caught the eye in his home country, scoring 13 goals in 29 Premier Division matches for the club.
The young attacker, who was dubbed “brilliant” by Brendan Rodgers, also impressed on the European stage with his contributions in front of goal in the Conference League in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign.
xG
3.78
Top 8%
xG on target
5.56
Top 6%
Goals
5
Top 9%
Shots on target
10
Top 8%
Assists
1
Top 39%
Dribbles completed
7
Top 13%
As you can see in the table above, the Celtic loanee ranked highly among strikers in the competition when it came to scoring goals and testing goalkeepers with high-quality shots, firing in 5.56 xG worth of shots on target.
His form for Shamrock Rovers led to Rodgers making him a part of the Celtic squad for the second half of the season, and Kenny showed that he has something to offer to the team in his limited Premiership minutes.
Kenny only played 159 minutes across eight games in the division for the Hoops, but still managed to score one goal and provide one assist, with his goal coming in the form of a header against Aberdeen, as shown in the clip above.
His statistics for Shamrock Rovers and in limited game time for Celtic show that he has the potential to develop into an effective centre-forward option for Rodgers, because he has scored goals when called upon, which is why cashing in on him for a minimal fee this summer would be a big mistake.
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Kenny could follow in Doak’s footsteps and soar in the value if he continues to improve and grow as a player if the club allow him to leave for a small fee, and that is why they must either keep him or loan him out this summer to ensure that they benefit from his development in the future.
After officially appointing Russell Martin as their new manager, Rangers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are reportedly prioritising a move to sign a 20-goal striker who their new manager is a huge fan of.
Rangers appoint Russell Martin
From Steven Gerrard to Davide Ancelotti and all of the names in between, Rangers’ search for a new manager is finally over and the Martin era is officially underway. Taking his first job since being sacked by Southampton last season, the young manager arrives with a new ownership to work with at Ibrox and a fair few tasks to tick off this summer.
Speaking for the first time since arriving at the club, Martin told Rangers’ media channels: “It is a privilege to be named Head Coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
“I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. Now, as I return, I’m determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club. I’m here to set standards, work hard and do my very best to earn the respect of the Rangers fans.
“There’s a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of. We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments. Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in.”
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Alongside new sporting director Thelwell, Martin may not have to wait long before welcoming his first fresh face, either. Reports are now suggesting that the Gers have instantly turned their attention towards an impressive goalscorer.
Rangers prioritising Turgeman move
According to Daily Record, Rangers and Thelwell are now prioritising a move to sign Dor Turgeman from Maccabi Tel Aviv, who demanding around £4m to sell their impressive forward. What’s more, Turgeman is already a player that Martin is familiar with and a fan of, having set his sights on his signature during his time at Southampton.
Dubbed a “strong carrier of the ball” by scout Kai Watson, Turgeman is primed to hand Rangers the forward talisman that they’ve so desperately lacked at times after scoring 20 goals throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
As first signings go, Thelwell and Martin could do a lot worse than the talented striker at the bargain price of just £4m this summer.