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Leeds United officially confirmed the signing of German central midfielder Anton Stach from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim as their latest arrival on Tuesday.

The 6 foot 4 enforcer becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window after Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha, and Sebastiaan Bornauw.

Stach, 26, made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game across 30 outings in the Bundesliga last season, but has joined to compete in a bloated midfield set-up, with Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, and Longstaff also at the club.

This means that he has not arrived as an essential signing, albeit he may well go on to be a huge success, and that is why the club’s interest in a new goalkeeper could be an even better signing.

Leeds in the race to sign new goalkeeper

It is no secret that Leeds need to improve their options between the sticks, after Illan Meslier was dropped towards the end of last season after he conceded 2.73 more goals than expected, based on xG, and made three errors that directly led to goals.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to Het Laatste Nieuws, as relayed by TEAMtalk, Leeds United are eyeing up a potential swoop to sign goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp this summer.

The report claims that the Championship champions have emerged as serious contenders to sign the 23-year-old shot-stopper to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad for next season.

However, it adds that Manchester United are also interested in the Belgian star, who is valued at a fee of up to £17m by his club, which means that there could be significant competition for his signature.

Why Senne Lammens would be a big signing for Leeds

Lammens would be an even better signing than Stach for Leeds because he would arrive as a huge upgrade in a position that the club are currently desperately lacking in quality.

The latest Whites signing is part of a healthy group of quality midfield options, which means that he is not guaranteed to be a regular starter, but the Belgian goalkeeper would come straight in as Farke’s best goalkeeper.

Lammens, who saved four of the eight penalties he faced in the Pro League last season, produced outstanding performances for Royal Antwerp in the 2024/25 campaign, and could be a phenomenal signing for the club.

24/25 season

Lammens (Pro League)

Meslier (Championship)

Appearances

40

39

Save percentage

77%

71%

Penalties saved

4/8

1/4

Goals prevented

+15.57

-2.73

Saves

173

65

Error led to goal

2

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian goalkeeper would come in as an unbelievable upgrade on Meslier if he can carry his form over to English football, as he prevented a ridiculous 15.57 goals based on the xG against him.

These statistics suggest that Lammens, whose shot-stopping numbers were hailed as “remarkable” by Statman Dave, would be a huge positive between the sticks for Leeds, as a goalkeeper who can make game-changing saves to keep his team in matches.

Whereas, Meslier has let Leeds down too many times with his inconsistent shot-stopping, which has led to him conceding more than the average goalkeeper would be expected to based on the quality of shots against him.

Therefore, Lammens would be a huge upgrade on what the Whites currently have in goal, and he would arrive as a crucial signing for Farke ahead of their attempt to avoid an instant relegation from the Premier League.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2025

That is why the Royal Antwerp stopper would be an even better signing than Stach for the Whites this summer, because he would solve a problem position for the club, whilst the midfielder is competing in an area of the pitch that Farke has plenty of quality in.

The camp was organised as Pakistan stutter through one of the bleakest periods in their history

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Sep-2024

The PCB’s much-trailed ‘connection camp’ ended on Monday with what officials said was a roadmap to bring the game out of the doldrums it finds itself in at the moment.Officials and the team management, including both head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, described a day of open and robust conversations, including about the lack of unity within the national side, with the two national captains, Shan Masood and Babar Azam, and a group of other players.The camp was organised as Pakistan stutter through one of the bleakest periods in their history, with administrative tumult begetting a succession of disastrous on-field results. Over the last year, Pakistan have lost to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup, to USA at the T20 World Cup and most recently 2-0 to Bangladesh in a home Test series.Related

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PCB chairman questions depth of Pakistan's talent pool

Speculation has been rife throughout of growing differences in the dressing room, building from last year but propelled this year by the appointment and swift removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s T20I captain, and the return of Babar Azam as the T20I captain. Kirsten, the white-ball coach, is said to have been surprised by the degree of it when he first took up the job.Salman Naseer, the PCB’s chief operating officer, acknowledged that a lack of unity had been part of the discussions, not just within the team but between the board and players.”The session was about this, that we openly and candidly accept and identify [issues] and ask for a commitment from each other, demand it, on how we can improve our performances and how we work together as a team,” Naseer said at a press conference in Lahore after the camp ended. “Our unanimous view was that we need to resolve this going forward and need to identify how we do it.”Naseer did not go into the details of the discussions, saying that providing a “safe space” was essential in allowing people to open up. But tension between players and the board has also been building, especially after a number of top stars were denied NOCs to participate in leagues over the summer. Afridi, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah were all prevented from playing in leagues before the start of Pakistan’s home season, with workload management the primary reason cited by the board.”Where the talk is of unity, it wasn’t only about the team,” Naseer acknowledged. “It was between the team and management and how we can work together to do things more successfully. These were definitely part of the discussions. We talked about planning, we talked about workload management.”Everyone is feeling that the performances of players, and management, can be better. The idea was to sit together, identify issues and what can be better. What our vision is and how do we get there?”The camp is not believed to have brought up the more immediate questions facing the Pakistan side, in the immediate aftermath of the loss to Bangladesh and with England’s imminent arrival for a three-Test series in October. But Kirsten, who has been in Pakistan for the last 12 days watching the Champions Cup, struck a note of optimism in praising the depth of talent in Pakistan – in contrast to the chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent observations on the same.”I’ve been here the last 12 days or so watching the Champions Cup and have been really encouraged at the depth of quality of players in this tournament,” Kirsten said. “It’s been fantastic to see. I’ve really enjoyed the tournament. The quality of the competition has been high. Been great to see a lot of young players showcasing what they are capable of.”The discussions will continue, according to Gillespie. “Because we’re new to the job, our job is to listen and learn and look to implement ways where we can be more effective as players, as a team, and as coaches. What was really clear today was the pride the Pakistan players have in playing for Pakistan and how they want to inspire the country. That was really exciting to hear. The players care and are desperate to do well. We’re on this journey together and we’ll do everything we can to help.”

تحدث أندرو روبرتسون مدافع ليفربول بعد مساهمته في فوز فريقه على أتلتيكو مدريد 3-2 في الجولة الأولى بمرحلة الدوري في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وجاءت أهداف ليفربول في المباراة عن طريق روبرتسون ومحمد صلاح وفيرجيل فان دايك، بينما سجل لصالح أتلتيكو مدريد ماركوس يورينتي هدفين.

وقال روبرتسون في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية: “علينا العودة إلى أسلوب الفوز بطريقة أبسط وأسهل”.

أقرأ أيضاً.. تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وأتلتيكو مدريد بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا

وأضاف :”عندما التفت لي مساعد المدرب وقال إنه أصبح كبيراً في السن على ذلك لذا لا أستطيع تخيل شعور الجماهير، إنه لأمر رائع أن نتمكن من مواصلة اللعب حتى النهاية، عندما تكون متقدماً بهدفين نظيفين وتلعب بشكل جيد في الشوط الأول، كان من المفترض أن تكون ليلة أكثر راحة”.

وواصل عن هدفه: “كنت أحاول فقط الوصول لخط حارس المرمى لذلك لم يستطع الرؤية، إنها نهاية رائعة، أعطوني جائزة بوشكاش الآن، لكن لا، بصراحة لم أكن أعرف شيئاً، كانت بداية رائعة والحمد لله أن الكرة دخلت المرمى”.

وختم: “لدينا الكثير من اللاعبين الجدد وهم بحاجة للتأقلم، اللعب لنادي كبيراً ليس بالأمر السهل، قدموا جميعاً أداء رائعا، إنهم المستقبل، هم من سيقودون هذا النادي للأمام، لقد أظهروا لمحات وسوف يتحسنون فقط”.

While yesterday’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur has somewhat taken the shine off things, there’s no doubt that, so far, this summer has been a positive one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side have beaten the likes of AC Milan and Newcastle United on the pitch, and the club have been busy with transfers off of it.

So far, Andrea Berta and Co have welcomed in six first-team additions, with Viktor Gyokeres undoubtedly the pick of the bunch following his unreal tally of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games last season.

Yet, the North Londoners don’t seem to be done there, as they’ve been linked with a host of other players, including Xavi Simons, although it now looks like they could go for someone who’d be a far better signing.

Arsenal target big Simons upgrade

It was only a few weeks ago, if that, when Arsenal were being quite heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s exciting Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

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However, since then, it has looked increasingly likely that, should the Flying Dutchman come to the Premier League this summer, he’ll be doing so to join Chelsea.

The West Londers have reportedly agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, and that an offer could be made at any moment for the player valued at around £61m.

Now, some fans might be understandably upset at this development, but they shouldn’t be, as it would appear the North Londoners may well go for another talented attacker, someone who’d be a far better signing than Simons.

At least that is according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has reaffirmed Arsenal’s intense interest in Eberechi Eze.

In fact, in news that should delight fans, the Italian journalist has revealed that Crystal Palace “expect” the Gunners to make a move for the Englishman, and that he is now “very keen” on the move.

Interestingly, the £67.5m release clause in the 27-year-old’s contract has now expired, so it remains to be seen what the price needed to get him out of Selhurst Park will be, but whatever it is, Eze’s worth fighting for, and he’d be a far better signing than Simons.

Why Eze would be a better signing than Simons

Now, both Eze and Simons are brilliant players, and Arsenal would massively improve their squad by signing either one.

However, there are some key reasons why the former would be far better than the latter for the Gunners.

The first comes down to their output, as while both are dangerous in front of and around goal, the Englishman is that bit more so.

In 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the former QPR gem was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists for Palace last season, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.

In contrast, the Leipzig star was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, which comes out to a still good, but less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Eze vs Simons in 24/25

Players

Eze

Simons

Appearances

43

33

Minutes

3303′

2763′

Goals

14

11

Assists

11

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

132.12′

145.42′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, the Eagles’ midfield “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, is far more experienced than the younger Dutchman, and crucially is Premier League-proven, which, according to Opta analyst, is the toughest competition in world football, whereas the Bundesliga comes in as the fourth most challenging.

This is particularly important for the Gunners, as their second-place finishes in the last three years make next season a must-win year.

Therefore, they will want players in their prime, not those with significant development potential.

Moreover, with the 27-year-old already living in London, he surely wouldn’t need much time at all to settle in.

Ultimately, Simons is a great player and could be something truly special in a few years, but as things stand, Eze would be a far better signing for Arsenal.

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Pakistan captain relieved after change in tactics helps bring end to barren home run

Danyal Rasool18-Oct-2024

Not quite vindication just yet, but certainly relief. That was the tone Pakistan captain Shan Masood tried to strike after Pakistan had skittled England out for 144 in Multan. It gave them their first home win in four years, and on a personal note, Masood his first Test win as captain.”This was a very important win for Pakistan cricket,” he said. “The recent results were unacceptable. There is relief. This is a long process and journey. It won’t be fixed overnight. It’s been three years and 10 months since we last won a Test at home. That’s not acceptable for Pakistan cricket. We pride ourselves on how well we play this game and how we see ourselves as a team. For us to get a result and hopefully start something here in our own conditions is exciting. Going through that adverse situation for years and still getting a result: that’s the character you want from your players, staff and cricket board. Everyone’s responded well after the [first Test] loss which is very heartening.”Following an innings defeat that intensified focus on Masood’s captaincy and a seemingly endless losing streak, the newly established selection committee overhauled Pakistan’s template overnight. Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were dispatched from the squad, and Zahid Mahmood, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were brought in from the cold – none of them having played any first-class cricket since January. The same pitch as the first Test was recycled and reused.Masood, though, said Pakistan had not changed their line of thinking on the one subject that really mattered. “I said that in defeat, and I’ll say it in victory: 20 wickets is non-negotiable in Test matches,” he said. “Conditions in the 4th innings are only batting-friendly about 10% of the time. We have to understand our conditions and think first about what combinations get us 20 wickets. We need big first innings with the bat and then the bowlers to back us up to give us a lead. The lead took the third-innings pressure off us, and the 75-run lead helped us because where we scored 220-odd [that] resulted in a nearly 300-run target.”Sajid Khan and Noman Ali took all of the 20 wickets in the Test•Getty Images

Masood acknowledged the central gamble at the heart of Pakistan’s winning tactic this week though. Perhaps the most important act of the game was the flip of the coin before the first ball was bowled. Ben Stokes called tails, as he always does, and when the coin pointed the other way, the gambit had paid off.The rest was taken care of by two of the spinners they brought in, with Sajid and Noman splitting all 20 wickets between them – the first time two players have been responsible for all opposition wickets since 1972, and just the second time in Pakistan’s history. In the second innings, no other bowler even turned their arm over as England were wrapped up in 33.3 overs.”Today, we were solely focused on how to take eight wickets,” Masood said. “Since I’ve come in, we’ve had no issue taking risks. We’ve tried to play cricket that brings results, and we’ve lost a lot of matches doing that, too. When the selection committee came in, all of us had one concern: to take 20 wickets. We’d only taken 20 wickets once in my tenure. We looked at conditions and realised playing on a used surface and giving spinners an advantage [could work]. We thought why not try something different.”You’ll have to give credit to Noman and Sajid, the way they came back. It looked like two seasoned campaigners were bowling for Pakistan. These risks need to be taken to try and take 20 wickets, no matter what kind of pitch we do it on.”It’s been a familiar refrain for Masood this series, one where the result has justified the somewhat extreme methods Pakistan adopted. This is, as he pointed out, just the second time in seven Test matches under his captaincy that Pakistan have managed to take 20 wickets. He said Pakistan would be guided by the most efficient route from hereon, no matter how.It is a subtle departure from the message of belligerent positivity that Masood has preached for the best part of his stint, but at some point, idealism had to be abandoned at the altar of pragmatism. It leaves the question of what Pakistan do in Rawalpindi, a surface that has never been amenable to prodigious turn. And though Masood did say Pakistan would need to understand conditions at each specific venue, there was little attempt to conceal what Pakistan really wanted from the pitch for the third Test.”I would [like it to spin]. I don’t know if I’ve seen it turn in Rawalpindi, so that’s an issue. We’re hoping the sun can play its part and the wicket can be on the drier side. But it remains to be seen. We’ll go there on [Sunday] and have a look. The groundsmen are already there and working on a Test match pitch. We’ll try to create a good Test wicket where both teams can pick up 20 wickets.”

عبر جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد عن سعادته بعد قيادة فريقه للفوز بخماسية لهدفين ضد ريال مدريد، على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو في الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وقال ألفاريز في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “يوم مميز للغاية، كنا ندرك أهمية هذه المباراة، كونها مباراة ديربي، كنا نسعى لحصد نقاط من الفريق المتصدر”.

وحول ما قاله له سيميوني بين الشوطين أجاب ألفاريز :”سيطرنا على المباراة وسجلنا الهدفين بسرعة كبيرة، لم يتوقف الفريق عن الإيمان بقدراته، في بداية موسم الدوري، أتيحت لنا العديد من الفرص وتكرر الأمر نفسه اليوم لكننا كنا فعالين”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. موعد مباراة ريال مدريد القادمة بعد الهزيمة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد في الدوري الإسباني

وواصل حول ركلة الجزاء التي حصل عليها ضد ريال مدريد: “كل ركلة جزاء هي فرصة جديدة، كنت واضحاً بشأن الفريق، وكان ذلك مهم للغاية لأننا كنا متفوقين”.

وتحدث ألفاريز عن الهدف الرابع الذي سجله من ركلة حرة مباشرة مميزة في شباك كورتوا: “نتدرب من حين لآخر في التدريبات، أتعامل بشكل جيد مع المخالفات، لقد طلب مني نيكو تسديد الكرة، لقد اتخذنا قرارًا صائبًا”.

وختم عن هدف أتلتيكو مدريد في المرحلة القادمة: “سنواصل نفس النهج ونحسن الجوانب التي تحتاج للتحسين، علينا أن نسعى للحفاظ على نظافة شباكنا، لقد خلقنا أكبر عدد من الفرص في الدوري الإسباني وواحد من الأكثر في أوروبا أيضاً، كنا بحاجة لنكون فعالين وهذا ما كنا عليه اليوم، علينا أن نواصل على هذا المنوال”.

Nottingham Forest are planning to bring in more fresh faces at the City Ground and could now be at an advantage in their pursuit of a renowned midfielder with Premier League experience.

Nottingham Forest look to press ahead after Dan Ndoye capture

Last week, Nottingham Forest’s capture of Dan Ndoye became the latest part of an excellent few days for the club after Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract renewal, signalling Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition to push the East Midlands club in the right direction.

Speaking on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, BBC Nottingham’s Colin Fray believes Ndoye will bring ‘bags of pace’ to the Tricky Trees after Anthony Elanga’s departure.

He stated: “I think this was their big target in terms of replacing Elanga. When he left, there really is no substitution for pace, especially when he’s got end product with it, but Dan Ndoye has bags and bags of pace as well so it does seem to be a direct replacement.

“(I’m) excited to see him, a big signing for Forest and one they were desperate to get over the line, and I don’t think it will be the last, I think they’ll be busy between now and the end of the transfer window.”

With Nuno Espirito Santo set to remain busy, contact has been made by Nottingham Forest to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus. Labelled “underrated” by Paul Merson during his stint with Aston Villa, the Brazil international is aiming to put a frustrating year at the Old Lady behind him by seeking a swift exit.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jul 31, 2025

Inter Milan star Mehdi Taremi could also move to the City Ground as irons in the fire continue to burn, and there could now be a definitive sign of who their next arrival could be over the next few weeks.

Douglas Luiz expected to complete Nottingham Forest move

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, there is an ‘expectation’ Juventus midfielder Luiz will sign for Nottingham Forest despite a difference in the formula both clubs want to initiate to seal a deal.

Personal terms have already been agreed on a five-year contract worth £2.18 million a year, though the Turin outfit want an obligation for the Tricky Trees to buy the Brazilian for £34.8 million, while Forest are set on a loan deal with a purchase option.

Douglas Luiz’s Premier League record

Appearances

175

Goals

20

Assists

18

Still, Nottingham Forest want to pay just over £26 million in the event of a permanent transfer for the man in question, signifying that there is a gap in valuation that needs to be resolved. Luiz currently earns around £139,000 per week at Juventus.

Reports state there is an ‘expectation’ the proposed deal will eventually go through due to Juventus needing funds to bankroll their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

Complications are still at play and work is to be done before everything is tied up. Now, it remains to be seen if Nottingham Forest can come to a club-to-club agreement on a purchase fee.

يخوض منتخب مصر مواجهة قوية أمام نظيره الياباني اليوم السبت في افتتاح مشواره ببطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا.

وتقام مباراة مصر واليابان على أرضية ملعب “الوطني” في مدينة سانتياجو بتشيلي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من دور المجموعات لبطولة كأس العالم للشباب.

ويدخل منتخب مصر اللقاء بقيادة المدير الفني أسامة نبيه، ساعيًا لتحقيق انطلاقة قوية تمنحه دفعة معنوية كبيرة في مشوار البطولة، خاصة في ظل طموح اللاعبين للذهاب بعيدًا في المنافسات.

طالع | حكم مباراة مصر واليابان في كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا

ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى إلى جانب اليابان وتشيلي ونيوزيلندا، حيث يطمح الفراعنة الشباب لتخطي الدور الأول ومنافسة الكبار على بطاقة التأهل للأدوار الإقصائية. موعد مباراة مصر واليابان في كأس العالم للشباب

ويلتقي منتخب مصر أمام اليابان اليوم السبت 27 سبتمبر الجاري، في تمام الساعة الحادية عشرة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر واليابان في كأس العالم للشباب

وتذاع المباراة بين مصر واليابان، عبر beIN Sports المفتوحة، الحاصلة على حقوق بث البطولة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Masood on Babar, his working relationship with the new selection committee, and his awkward post-match interview with Ramiz Raja

Danyal Rasool02-Nov-2024

Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood said Babar Azam’s “break” from the Test squad will end up benefitting rather than harming him. Babar was omitted from the Pakistan squad for the last two Tests against England, which Pakistan won to claim the series 2-1, after a prolonged lean patch.”I think he’s one of the best batsmen in the world. I’m nobody to [say he doesn’t have] a future,” Masood told the radio programme. “He has every quality to be one of the greatest batsmen in Test cricket. He’s always there or thereabouts in the rankings. Sometimes, people need a break.”Pakistan have been swift to indicate Babar has not entered a period of international wilderness, calling him up for Pakistan’s twin white-ball series against Australia. It starts with a three-match ODI series – Pakistan’s first since their disappointing World Cup campaign that saw Babar reluctantly quit as captain. Pakistan have gone so long without playing a 50-over international that in the time since, Babar was reappointed white-ball leader and quit once more, all without having led the side in the format.Related

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Rizwan announced white-ball captain; Babar, Afridi, Naseem return for Australia tour

Gillespie frustrated by lack of clear communication in role as Pakistan coach

But, in the clearest signal yet that Babar’s absence from Pakistan’s Test side will be temporary, Masood said he expected him to “come back a stronger player”. Babar has not scored a half-century in Test cricket in 18 innings stretching back to late 2022, Pakistan’s next Test series is in South Africa, an opposition he has had some happy Test memories against. South Africa were Pakistan’s first opposition when Babar became Test captain as he led his side to a 2-0 series victory. In 2018, his assault on Dale Steyn in a blistering counterattacking innings at SuperSport Park was widely seen as Babar’s Test coming-of-age.”I think this break will do him a great deal of benefit and he’ll come back a stronger player,” Masood said. “There’s no harm in being pulled out at times and having a breather. He’s played a lot of cricket and gone through a lot, and he’ll always be one of the main batsmen to play for Pakistan.”Masood was less willing to be drawn in on the specifics of what his role entails. After the PCB appointed a new selection committee following a chastening innings defeat in the first Test against England, the captain – as well as the head coach Jason Gillespie – were removed from the selection panel. Gillespie called himself a “matchday strategist” in the press conference that followed, and said it “wasn’t what I’d originally signed up for”. The change also applied to white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, who resigned earlier this week.Masood said he had a good relationship with the incoming selectors, insisting he wanted to focus on the team instead of focusing on where individual credit should be apportioned. “People in Pakistan are quick to give success to individuals,” he said. “To make one person a hero. I think it’s always going to be a collective thing. I’d rather pass credit onto everyone else; it was a collective decision. When we sat down together in our first meeting, we were on the same page. We said ‘we need to take 20 wickets, how do we take 20 wickets?'”We thought playing on a used pitch, playing three spinners – that, we thought, would benefit us greatly. I’ve worked with three different setups in my tenure so far. My first series in Australia was different, the Bangladesh series was different, and then we’ve had this group of people that were involved in selection and leadership. I’ve been on the same page with them so far. At the end of the day, it’s about Pakistan cricket, and we’re very fortunate that the entire collective came together.”There were less consequential, if more combustible, issues at hand, too. Moments after the Pakistan captain struck the winning six, he sat down for an interview with the host broadcaster, which involved a few awkward exchanges with commentator Ramiz Raja, with Raja querying Masood clumsily about how he had led the side to six consecutive defeats. A trimmed version of the exchange went viral, with much criticism for Raja, who later posted a video clarifying the intent behind his questions.”There are no hard feelings from my side,” Masood laughed. “I’ve always been an open book in front of the media and tried to conduct myself in the best possible way. People have every right to ask questions however they want. I want to give the best account of myself and for my character to be reflected the way I am. I’m good at taking constructive criticism and I’m also good at filtering stuff out.”

After leaving David Moyes unimpressed during pre-season, Everton have now reportedly told one player to find a new club before the end of the transfer window.

Everton still seeking reinforcements

Even with Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry already signed and delivered, Everton are still in the market for attacking additions. The Friedkin Group will know how important it is to add goals to Moyes’ Everton side after they were outscored by every team outside the relegation zone in the Premier League last season.

Barry and Grealish represent a solid start, but it could be argued that the Toffees still need one more arrival. Just who that arrival is remains the big question, however. If recent rumours are anything to go by, then those at the Hill Dickinson are certainly still in the mood for reinforcements.

According to recent reports, Everton have submitted an opening offer worth around £37m to sign Artem Dovbyk from AS Roma, who are also owned by Friedkin.

Whether the American owners can help push the deal through remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that the Roma forward would hand Moyes a deadly strike partner for Barry this season.

League stats 24/25

Dovbyk

Barry

Minutes

2,418

2,559

Goals

12

16

Assists

2

4

Expected Goals

11.9

12.5

Two players who outperformed their expected goals and reached double figures, Everton would be adding 28 league goals to their side if they combined Barry and Dobyk this season.

Of course, however, any deal would need to advance in routine fashion to get over the line at this stage with around two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut.

Meanwhile, it’s not just incomings that Everton are focusing on. As one striker arrives, another has reportedly been told to find a new club.

Everton tell Beto to find a new club

According to Football Insider, Everton have now told Beto to find a new club with Moyes unhappy about his attitude during pre-season and seemingly at the end of his tether. The towering forward has only been at the club for a year and, to his credit, showed signs of finding his best form under Moyes before pre-season reportedly undid all of his good work.

In a ruthless decision by Friedkin and Moyes, Beto could go from the centre of praise to an Everton outcast if reports are anything to go by. And given the earlier interest of Leeds United this summer, the Yorkshire club could now be ones to watch as the door opens to sign the Portuguese striker.

Just how Beto and Moyes’ relationship has reached this point will be the big talking point if the forward does depart. It was only back in May that the Everton boss told reporters: “He’s a great boy, I’ve got to say.

Related £52m winger has now told club he wants to leave as Everton submit offer

A major boost for the Toffees in their pursuit.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Aug 14, 2025

“He practises like you wouldn’t believe to try and get better. Which, when you’ve got that, you know then that you’ve got something which is… at least he’s trying to get better. He’s incredibly humble. He’s very honest with himself, which gives a manager a great chance to try and improve. I have to say, he’s done great.”