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She also said she believed in her replacement Shafali Verma to do “something special” in the final

Edited PTI copy07-Nov-2025

Pratika Rawal gets off her wheelchair to celebrate with her team-mates•ICC/Getty Images

India opener Pratika Rawal, who missed the semi-final and final of the World Cup due to injury, said that she believed in her replacement Shafali Verma to do “something special” in the final. Rawal, who joined India’s celebrations after winning the final against South Africa in a wheelchair, also received her medal, which had initially not been given to her because she was ruled out of the tournament.”I have my own medal now,” she was quoted as saying by PTI Videos. “One of the support staff had lent me theirs temporarily because mine hadn’t reached on time. Jay [Shah, ICC chairman] sir has sent me a medal, someone told me. I was so happy but people made a big deal of it online, it will take some time but will come to me.”Shafali partnered with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order in the crucial semi-final against Australia as well as the final against South Africa, where she finished as Player of the Match, scoring 87 and also picking up two wickets. Rawal revealed the conversation she had with Shafali before the game.Related

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“Shafali doesn’t need motivation. She plays with instinct and belief,” Rawal said. “Before the final, she came up to me and said, ‘I’m really sorry you can’t play,’ and I told her it’s fine, these things happen. I had a feeling she would do something special that day.”Rawal, who had scored 308 runs in the tournament, finished fourth on the list of highest run-scorers after South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt (571), Mandhana (434) and Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner (328). She injured her ankle and knee while fielding against Bangladesh in the last league game. Being a psychology student, she said it was easy for her to process the setback.”…as someone who has studied psychology, it really helped me to understand human emotions better – including my own,” she said. “The first thing is to accept what’s happened. You can’t undo it. Once I accepted the injury, I focused only on what I could control – recovery, sleep, nutrition, and supporting the team.”There was disappointment, yes, but no breakdown. My dad was there, my coach (Shravan Kumar) kept checking on me, my mom and brother called every day. I have such a good support system. They didn’t let me spiral or feel alone,” she said.Her father took the injury harder than she did. “I don’t show emotions easily, but my dad cried a lot – I had to calm him down,” she said.On her recovery, Rawal sounded optimistic. “I’m feeling a lot better now. My X-ray is due in a few days, and I’m doing most things on my own. I’ve started light mobility work too. Once the doctors clear me, I’ll start batting again. I’m very excited to return – I miss holding the bat,” she said.”My next target is to complete rehab properly and come back for the domestic season. I don’t like rushing recovery. I’m a person who can bat all day and still not get tired – I want to get back to that zone.”Since her debut in 2024, she has scored 1110 runs in 24 ODIs with two centuries and seven fifties at an average of 50.45, numbers that underline her growing stature. But there was some criticism from the outside about her strike-rate, though India coach Amol Muzumdar had dismissed that concern during the tournament. Commenting on her batting approach, Rawal said she doesn’t believe in fixed roles.”Every match demands something different. If Smriti gets out early, I’m told to anchor and stay long,” she said. “If we need to score runs quickly, I’m asked to accelerate. For me, it’s never about personal milestones, it’s about the team’s rhythm.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is personally driving a move for Murillo, with Nottingham Forest’s stance on sanctioning a departure now being revealed.

The Blues have been solid from a defensive point of view in recent weeks, keeping clean sheets in their last three Premier League matches, most recently defeating Burnley 2-0 at Turf moor, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Trevoh Chalobah impressing at the heart of defence.

Adarabioyo particularly caught the eye, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 8.6, the highest of any player, courtesy of making six tackles, winning ten of the 12 duels he contested, while also completing a whopping 102 passes, including seven long balls.

Being assured in possession of the ball is an important attribute for any player in a Maresca system, and the manager is now keen on another centre-back who could be an ideal fit in the Italian’s backline…

Maresca now driving Chelsea move for Murillo

According to a report from Caught Offside, Maresca has now personally identified Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as a key defensive target, but it could take a huge offer to get a deal over the line, with the Tricky Trees looking to hold out for up to €90m (£79m).

Forest are hesitant to cash-in on one of their key players, but they could be tempted to sanction a departure if a huge offer is submitted, with some other huge clubs also showing an interest in the centre-back, namely Barcelona and Arsenal.

The Chelsea manager is said to be a fan of ball-playing defenders capable of creating chances from deep, which means the Brazilian could be the perfect fit in his backline, and he recently put in a fantastic display as Forest secured a shock 3-0 win at Anfield.

Liverpool’s struggles continued on Saturday, with Arne Slot’s side falling to a shock defeat against a side that had made a slow start to the season, and Murillo displayed his attacking prowess by opening the scoring just after the half-an-hour mark.

It was a solid all-round performance from the one-time Brazil international, winning five of the six duels he contested, creating one big chance, and making 19 defensive actions, the highest number of any player.

It wasn’t the first time the 23-year-old has put in a top performance against the Reds, receiving high praise after impressing against Slot’s men earlier this year.

As such, Chelsea should undoubtedly pursue a move for Murillo, and it is promising news that Nottingham Forest could now be willing to sanction a departure for the right price.

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The impressive international could be Chelsea’s answer to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 21, 2025

Tommy Brown, a former shortstop, left fielder and pinch hitter for three MLB teams from 1944 to '45 and 1947 to '53, died Wednesday, according to a Wednesday afternoon social media post from Ben Lindbergh of . He was 97.

A native of Brooklyn, Brown was the final living member of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers—the team for which Jackie Robinson debuted at first base on April 15, integrating the National League.

Additionally, Brown was the last living major leaguer whose career began during World War II. With able-bodied men in short supply on the home front, Brown debuted for the Dodgers in '44 at the age of 16. In 1945, he hit a home run at the age of 17; he's still the youngest player ever to homer in the major leagues.

After a one-year stint in the army, Brown played in 15 games for Brooklyn in '47. In 1949, he saw his only postseason action, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout as a pinch hitter in the World Series against the New York Yankees.

Brown finished his big-league career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs, and his baseball career more broadly with a quartet of minor-league teams.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has accepted his "share of responsibility" for his side's poor form following their Champions League exit. However, returning forward Tim Weah has blasted talk of a "total crisis" at the club, pointing out they are still second in Ligue 1 and just two points behind reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

• Weah dismisses 'total crisis' claims

  Marseille are reeling from a 1-0 home defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League which followed a disappointing league draw against Angers, amplifying the pressure on the squad.

  Despite their European exit, which leaves them 25th in the Champions League league phase, Marseille remain second in Ligue 1. They host Brest at the Stade Velodrome on Saturday, knowing a victory could send them to the top of the table – at least until PSG face Lyon the following day.

  Weah, who is returning from injury, was defiant when facing the media, expressing his confusion at the severe external reaction to the team's form.

  "I read that it's a total crisis and I don't understand anything," Weah stated. "It's not like we're 10th, we're two points behind Paris. We're not getting the results we want, but it's not the end of the world. We have to stay focused on our work and not look at the others."

  The United States international, who has played for other high-pressure clubs including PSG, Juventus and Celtic, insisted the internal mentality remains positive.

  "Pressure? It doesn't surprise me at all. When you lose it gets a bit crazy but players shouldn't look at that," Weah added. "The mentality of the group is very good. We just have to do the job, everyone is calm here, all the noise is outside."

  While Weah acknowledged the team is "not playing our best football," he attributed the difficulties to a significant injury list rather than a fundamental flaw.

  "There are a lot of injuries, important players, and it's difficult because you're playing matches every three days," he explained.

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  De Zerbi accepts 'justified' criticism of poor form

  De Zerbi, however, took a different tone and shouldered the blame for the performances that have frustrated the fanbase.

  "The criticism of our play in the last three matches is justified, I say that without shame and I take my share of responsibility," De Zerbi admitted. "It's a difficult moment – like after Rennes – because we're not playing well. Losing against Atalanta and drawing against Angers has frustrated us."

  He added: "The responsibility is mine."

  De Zerbi provided a detailed update on his squad's fitness, revealing the extent of the personnel issues that have forced his hand.

  Leonardo Balerdi remains unavailable for the Brest match. Geoffrey Kondogbia and Neal Maupay may only be fit enough for the bench with "reduced playing time." Weah's status will be assessed after training.

  On a positive note, Emerson will return from suspension. De Zerbi is optimistic that the situation will improve significantly next week, projecting the return of Balerdi and "perhaps" Facundo Medina, while Kondogbia is expected to regain 100% fitness.

  The manager also gave an update on Bilal Nadir, who collapsed last week, stating: "He trained with us yesterday. He's better but he's not yet at 100%. We'll assess him today, but if he's in the squad, he'll be on the bench."

• Manager defends controversial rotation policy

  The injury crisis was at the centre of De Zerbi's defence of his squad rotation, which has drawn criticism from supporters.

  "Some say I change the lineup a lot, but do you think I change it because I'm confused or because I don't want to worsen the injury situation?" De Zerbi asked. "We're trying to manage playing time, to avoid a Nayef Aguerd getting injured like he did at Auxerre. It's the same for Balerdi at Lens.

  "I don't like changing five or six players per match. But like all teams, you have to rotate the squad."

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• De Zerbi analyses Atalanta defeat and tactical approach

  Reflecting on the midweek Champions League exit, De Zerbi defended his tactical approach, including the team's tendency to pass backwards.

  "You get frustrated when we go back, and I get frustrated when we retreat too," he said. "But sometimes, to move forward more effectively, it's also enough to simply pass the ball back once."

  Despite the 1-0 loss, De Zerbi pointed to statistics as evidence that the performance was not as negative as the result suggested. Marseille registered 15 shots to Atalanta's six, with four on target.

  "We had more shots on goal than Atalanta, we entered the box more often, but they scored. That disappoints me," he said.

  Weah added that the team felt aggrieved by a refereeing decision in the match: "There's a real disappointment against Atalanta… It's a disappointment because there was a penalty, but we have to take responsibility because we didn't play a very good match."

Newcastle United’s wait to see Yoane Wissa in action goes on. The £55 million summer signing has suffered another delay in his recovery from a Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) injury sustained while on international duty with DR Congo. Eddie Howe has confirmed that Wissa is “not close” to making his debut and will almost certainly remain sidelined until after the November international break.

• Wissa's wait for Newcastle debut goes on

  Wissa’s highly anticipated debut for Newcastle United has been pushed back yet again as Howe revealed that the striker is still far from returning to full training. The 29-year-old sustained a PCL injury just a week after completing his £55 million transfer from Brentford on September 1, having picked up a knock while representing DR Congo. Despite earlier optimism that he could return before the next international break, Howe has confirmed that Wissa’s fitness is not yet at the required level for him to rejoin the first-team setup.

  Newcastle had initially hoped the DR Congo international might be available for selection ahead of their Premier League clash against West Ham this weekend. However, those plans have been scrapped after the medical team advised caution, prioritising Wissa’s long-term fitness.

  The injury setback is a frustrating twist for both player and manager, given how central Wissa was to Howe’s summer plans. Newcastle identified him as the ideal successor to Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for £130 million, but the club’s new marquee forward has yet to even train with his teammates since signing.

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  Howe admits Wissa still not ready for action

  Howe admitted his frustration at Wissa’s slow progress but stressed the importance of allowing the striker the time to recover fully. “It (his comeback) is definitely not West Ham (on Sunday),” the Newcastle boss confirmed. “He’s working very hard. He’s on the grass. He’s getting the fitness work in that he needs.”

  The manager added that while Wissa is over the worst of his injury, he is still short of the physical sharpness needed to train with the squad. “I’d say he’s not close to training with the group at the moment, not through injury but through fitness, and making sure we build his robustness. I’m not trying to be evasive. I don’t know when the moment will be when he’s back with the squad.”

  Howe also praised the DR Congo forward for his attitude during what has been a mentally testing period since his arrival on Tyneside. “He has a very strong character and that comes across,” Howe continued. “He’s good with the players, he’s very positive. He’s a leader. You can see that already.”

• Wissa's spectacular move to Newcastle this summer

  Wissa’s arrival on deadline day was seen as a major coup for Newcastle, following months of pursuit by the club’s recruitment team. The DR Congo star had been a standout performer for Brentford, scoring 19 Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season and earning widespread praise for his relentless pressing and clinical finishing. His £55 million transfer was part of Newcastle’s broader rebuild after Isak’s high-profile sale to Liverpool, with Wissa viewed as the perfect stylistic fit for Howe’s high-energy system.

  However, the timing of his injury, sustained during international duty just days after signing, has been an immense blow. The 29-year-old forward has yet to train with his new teammates and has spent the past several weeks in an intensive individual recovery programme. Newcastle’s medical staff have been careful not to rush him, given the nature of the ligament injury and the risk of recurrence if he returns too early.

  Off the pitch, Wissa has already made a strong impression in the dressing room. “He’s trying to inspire and help the players, which is sometimes very difficult when you come to a new club and you’re injured straight away,” Howe said. “That’s a real tough mental challenge for him to take on, especially with his transfer fee. There’ll be a lot of emotions going through him, but all he can focus on is trying to get fit and trying to make a difference on the pitch.”

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  Wissa won't return before the November international break

  Newcastle are mindful of easing Wissa into a squad that has struggled with injuries last season. Several key players, including Harvey Barnes, spent extended spells on the sidelines, making depth in attack a persistent issue.

  Newcastle’s upcoming schedule means Wissa will likely be absent for their next two fixtures — the Champions League home clash with Athletic Bilbao and the Premier League trip to Brentford, ironically against his former club. Should his recovery continue smoothly, his debut may finally arrive after the November international break, potentially giving him the chance to feature in a string of key matches leading into the festive period.

The step up from the Championship to the Premier League was always going to be a challenging one for Leeds United after they won the second tier title in the 2024/25 campaign.

In the last two seasons, all six of the newly-promoted teams have been instantly relegated from the Premier League after coming up from the Championship, which illustrates how big the gap between the two divisions is.

Daniel Farke and the board knew that the squad would have to undergo some changes during the summer transfer window to give the club a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

With a haul of eight points after seven matches, it is fair to say that it currently looks like the 49ers did good work in the window by signing the likes of Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Noah Okafor, among others.

Because of the step up in quality and physicality in the Premier League, some of the players who were instrumental for Farke in the Championship have found themselves falling down the pecking order.

One example of that is central midfielder Ao Tanaka, who is currently out of the starting XI and does not look like breaking into it any time soon.

Why Ao Tanaka is not a starter for Leeds

The Japan international was a star for the West Yorkshire outfit in the Championship in the 2024/25 campaign after his permanent move from Fortuna Düsseldorf in the summer of 2024.

Tanaka nailed down a place in the middle of the park, next to Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rothwell, or Ilia Gruev, to end the campaign with 37 starts in 43 appearances, per Sofascore.

The 27-year-old star was a midfield metronome for the Whites. He ranked within the top 2% of central midfielders in the league for pass accuracy (89.2%) and the top 7% for progressive passes per 90 (7.03), per FBref, which shows that he was incredibly reliable and progressive in possession.

Unfortunately, though, the step up in physicality in the Premier League appears to have been too much for the midfielder to deal with, as he has struggled physically and defensively this season.

Tackles

1

Bottom 4%

Duels won

5

Bottom 6%

Duel success rate

23.8%

Bottom 3%

Fouls committed

2

Bottom 24%

Ball recoveries

10

Bottom 32%

Dribbled past

6x

Bottom 10%

As you can see in the table above, Tanaka ranks among the worst midfielders in the division in a host of physical and defensive statistics, losing a whopping 76.2% of his duels.

Per Capology, though, the Japanese whiz is the third-lowest earner in the senior squad on £25k-per-week, which suggests that the Whites can afford to keep him as a back-up option.

Tanaka, who has started two matches in the Premier League this season, may have to settle for being a rotation player for Farke due to his lack of physicality, but his low wages suggest that the club should not be in a rush to move him on from Elland Road.

Meanwhile, there is a Leeds flop who earns more than the Japan international, despite playing fewer minutes, and should be on borrowed time in West Yorkshire.

Wage Burners

Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Illan Meslier has not played a single minute of competitive football in the 2025/26 campaign, and could be on his way out of the club in the not-too-distant future.

Why Leeds need to move on from Illan Meslier

Whilst Tanaka has, at least, started two league games and played in five league matches, the French goalkeeper has not made a single appearance for the club in any competition this season.

Per Capology, Meslier earns £30k-per-week at Elland Road. That is as much as Karl Darlow and Jayden Bogle, and more than Tanaka (£25k-per-week) and Ilia Gruev (£15k-per-week).

The left-footed goalkeeper, per Capology, has earned roughly £7m in wages in his Leeds career, which is due to soar to around £8.5m by the end of the current campaign, on top of the £5m fee that the Whites paid Lorient for his services.

This means that the Leeds flop, who was once dubbed a “massive liability” by journalist David Kent, has rinsed the club for £12m to date, and up to £13.5m by next summer.

The 25-year-old dud was the number one between the sticks for four seasons at Elland Road, including three in the Premier League and one in the Championship, but his underlying data shows that the situation was always heading to where it is now.

23/24 (Championship)

40

-3.1

22/23 (Premier League)

67

-12.4

21/22 (Premier League)

79

-16.2

20/21 (Premier League)

52

-3.4

Meslier consistently underperformed as a shot-stopper for the Whites and it finally cost him when Farke dropped him from the side at the end of the 2024/25 campaign to make Darlow the new number one.

The Wales international started the last seven games of the Championship season, after Meslier made three errors that led to goals (Sofascore), and Leeds won promotion to the Premier League with him in net.

The summer transfer window, as aforementioned, provided the club with an opportunity to bolster their squad and they brought Lucas Perri in from Lyon to start between the sticks.

This meant that Meslier started the current season as the third-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road. Although he is currently on the bench behind Darlow, whilst Perri is injured.

The 25-year-old is in no man’s land in West Yorkshire because Farke has clearly decided, by the signing of Perri and his use of Darlow, that the Frenchman is not a part of his plans moving forward.

That is why Meslier, who has already rinsed the club for £12m during his time at Elland Road to date, is on borrowed time at Leeds and should be moved on during the January transfer window.

Farke struck gold on Leeds star who came from "the school of Haaland"

Leeds United hit the jackpot on this star who Phil Hay compared to Erling Haaland.

ByDan Emery Oct 8, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Endrick, do Palmeiras, foi um dos principais destaques do time no empate por 0 a 0 com o Deportivo Pereira, resultado que garantiu vaga ao alviverde na fase de semifinal da Libertadores, na quarta-feira (30). Aos 17 minutos do segundo tempo, o centroavante entrou no lugar de Rony e protagonizou bons momentos no jogo. Depois da partida, porém, ele revelou que não está feliz com a falta de oportunidades, apesar de sua eficiência nos números.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasMurilo celebra marca defensiva inédita do Palmeiras de Abel FerreiraPalmeiras01/09/2023PalmeirasLuxemburgo será o sexto técnico que Abel Ferreira vai enfrentar em Dérbi pelo PalmeirasPalmeiras01/09/2023PalmeirasGoleiro do Boca Juniors prega respeito ao Palmeiras: ‘Eles têm grandes jogadores!’Palmeiras01/09/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Em dois lances na partida, Endrick conseguiu provocar a expulsão do zagueiro Juan Quintero. Ele também quase balançou as redes em duas oportunidades. Na primeira, finalizou dentro da área com a perna direita, levando perigo. A segunda chance, de perna esquerda, parou no goleiro Quintana, que impediu o gol.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

– Eu fico um pouco triste por não estar jogando, mas tenho que segurar um pouco isso. Tive uma conversa com o Abel e ele me tranquilizou. Não fico na azia, como ele fala, de jogar ou não. Ele fala que o importante é trabalhar – disse o garoto em entrevista para a ESPN na saída de campo.

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Apesar de ter atuado apenas 150 minutos nos últimos 10 jogos, Endrick é o quinto jogador do elenco que mais marcou nesta temporada. Ao todo, são sete gols, ficando atrás apenas de Raphael Veiga, artilheiro do time, Rony, Artur e Gabriel Menino.

+ Murilo celebra marca defensiva inédita do Palmeiras de Abel Ferreira

No atual plantel de Abel Ferreira, o centroavante é o terceiro atleta, empatado com Artur, que precisa de menos minutos para fazer um gol.

Com a grave contusão de Dudu, que rompeu o ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e lesionou o menisco, a tendência é que Endrick ganhe mais minutos na equipe principal. Logo na primeira oportunidade, após a lesão do camisa 7, o centroavante mostrou que pode ser uma das soluções para o ataque palmeirense. No entanto, essa alternativa não deverá ser no lugar de Rony.

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– Muito difícil o Rony sair, seja Endrick ou López, que precisam de sequência, a pergunta que eu faço é o que é melhor para o Palmeiras, é o que eu recorro quando eu tenho dúvidas. Eu sei o que é melhor para eles (sequência), mas muitas vezes não é o melhor para a equipe. Eu não treino um jogador, eu treino uma equipe – declarou Abel Ferreira após a partida.

Tudo sobre

EndrickPalmeiras

Leeds United desperately needed additions during the summer transfer window if they were to have any chance of securing survival in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The hierarchy have already backed manager Daniel Farke during the off-season, making nine additions to the first-team squad, spending nearly £100m in the process.

Noah Okafor is the latest player to make the move to Elland Road this summer, arriving in Yorkshire from Italian giants AC Milan, costing a fee in the region of £18m.

Despite the big money being splashed already this window, further additions are also being lined up ahead of the September 1st deadline to further bolster the chances of top-flight survival.

Experience in such a division will be vital to avoiding an immediate return to the second-tier, leading to multiple players currently plying trade in the Premier League being touted with moves.

Leeds targeting numerous Premier League talents this summer

Former loanee Manor Solomon has been on Leeds’ radar constantly this summer, understandably so given his record of 23 goal contributions for the Whites in the promotion-winning campaign.

He could be allowed to depart Tottenham Hotspur this window, opening the door for the 26-year-old to return to Elland Road on a permanent basis before the September 1st deadline.

However, he’s not the only player in England’s top-flight to appear in their sights, with Farke’s men considering a move for Bournemouth star James Hill, according to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam.

He claimed that the Whites have been tracking a deal for the 23-year-old in recent weeks, potentially making a move for his signature in the coming days.

It’s also been confirmed that the defender only has one year left on his deal at the Vitality, which could see the Cherries cash in on him to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months time.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be a repeat of Longstaff

During the current window, Leeds completed a deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, handing needed Premier League experience to the middle of the park.

The Englishman joined the Whites on a four-year deal from the Magpies, costing a fee in the region of £15m – after making 214 appearances for Eddie Howe’s men.

He was utilised off the bench during the opening day win over Everton on Monday night, with his arrival undoubtedly bolstering the squad at Farke’s disposal.

Whilst he didn’t start the win, the 27-year-old will have a huge role to play throughout 2025/26, potentially seeing the hierarchy land a bargain deal if he can replicate his form from 2023/24, which saw him score eight times.

However, the Whites could be about to replicate a move for Longstaff should they pursue a move for Hill, with the Bournemouth ace also able to offer an excellent squad option to the current first-team squad.

The Englishman made 14 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions last season – mainly being the backup for Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi – who both left for a combined £107m this summer.

Despite his lack of minutes in the Premier League, he managed to produce some impressive numbers, many of which would make him a superb addition to Farke’s outfit.

Games played

10

Minutes played

448

Pass accuracy

72%

Chances created

0.6

Dribbles completed

50%

Tackles won

1.6

Duels won

7.1

Aerials won

3.1

Interceptions made

1.8

Hill, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by one podcast host, achieved a 50% dribble success rate and completed 72% of the passes he attempted – handing the side another option should they want to play out from the back.

The youngster also ranked in the 97th percentile for aerial duels won (3.1) and the 95th percentile for ground duels won (7.1) – offering a dominant presence at the heart of the backline.

His impressive numbers didn’t end there, making 1.8 interceptions per 90 and 1.6 tackles per 90, highlighting his talented ability to regain possession for his side.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Englishman would cost the Whites this summer, but it’s clear from the stats produced that he would improve the options at Farke’s disposal.

Such a move would replicate a move for Longstaff, potentially being another shrewd addition in the club’s hunt to maintain their Premier League status beyond the 2025/26 campaign.

Their new Raphinha: Leeds could hijack late move to sign £32m "magician"

Leeds could pull off a last-minute hijack

1 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 22, 2025

Leroy Sane’s surprise move to Galatasaray has drawn heavy criticism from Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn, who claimed the winger “doesn’t want to be a top player” despite having all the qualities to dominate at the highest level. The German international left Bayern this summer after five years, turning down a contract extension in favour of a new challenge in Turkey.

Sane’s Galatasaray switch questioned by Bayern great

Sane opted to leave the Bavarians at the end of his contract negotiations, ending a five-year spell in which he scored 61 goals and provided 55 assists in over 220 appearances. Despite interest from other European clubs, he rejected several offers to join Galatasaray, citing the atmosphere at Rams Park as decisive. His choice, however, has not gone down well with the former Bayern figure.

AdvertisementImago ImagesKahn: Sane has everything, absolutely everything

Speaking to , the former Bayern goalkeeper expressed disbelief at the winger's decision, insisting he has all the natural gifts to be an elite player.

"When you see him, what qualities he has – in training, on the pitch, his speed, his style of football, his dribbling, even his finishing when he's focused: The boy has everything, absolutely everything, you need to become a truly top player," said Kahn

The German stressed that the biggest question around Sane isn’t his ability, but his mentality and desire to consistently reach the very top.

"If he doesn't want that, then it's his decision, then his career will just follow a little differently, and now he has to make sure he finds his place at Galatasaray. If I don't come today, I'll come tomorrow – that's just his character, often with his entire body language."

Bayern forced into transfer reshuffle

The 29-year-old's exit left Die Roten short of experience out wide, prompting the German giants to splash €75 million (£65m/$87m) on Liverpool’s Luis Diaz. While Galatasaray have enjoyed a flawless start to the Super Lig, winning all seven games, Sane himself has struggled to settle. With just one goal and three assists in eight starts across competitions, his output has fallen short of expectations.

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Getty ImagesNext steps for Sane in Istanbul

Sane remained on the bench during Galatasaray’s Champions League victory over Liverpool. However, with a crucial clash against Besiktas up next, the German international will be eager to break into the starting XI and prove that his move to Turkey was not a step down from European football’s elite stage.

Everton’s need for reinforcements at right-back has become a top priority for David Moyes as the start of the new Premier League season looms.

Following the departure of Ashley Young, the position remains one of uncertainty.

Nathan Patterson has featured consistently in pre-season but has yet to convince as a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, 36-year-old Seamus Coleman, though an influential presence in the dressing room, is no longer expected to start regularly.

The club had pushed hard to sign Kenny Tete from Fulham, but their advances were rebuffed when the Dutchman signed a new contract at Craven Cottage.

With the window moving into its decisive phase, Everton – who are also pushing ahead with their bid to sign Southampton’s Tyler Dibling – are now casting a wide net.

Among the options is a player whose career arc and profile make him a particularly intriguing fit for Everton’s evolving blueprint.

A versatile operator with Premier League experience, European pedigree, and the kind of adaptability that Moyes has historically favoured.

Everton's search for a right-back

Moves are now being made, amid Moyes’ cry for more additions, with a £35m bid having been lodged for young Dibling, while the Toffees are also closing in on a deal for Chelsea’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. As per Romano, the former Leicester City playmaker is set to sign for a fee of around £25m, plus add-ons.

As for their right-back search, Ainsley Maitland-Niles may not be the headline-grabbing name Everton fans were expecting this summer, but he could prove to be one of the most effective.

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The 27-year-old former Arsenal man is currently with Lyon, where he quietly enjoyed a strong 2024/25 season.

He featured 32 times in Ligue 1, scoring once and registering four assists, while also appearing 11 times in the Europa League and contributing a further three assists.

Now, with several Premier League and European clubs interested, TEAMtalk revealed that Everton are among those assessing his potential return to England.

Maitland-Niles’ ability to play at right-back, central midfield and right midfield makes him a valuable asset in any squad.

Mikel Arteta once described him as having “a huge talent” due to such versatility, a quality Everton currently lack in key areas.

From a financial perspective, the deal makes sense. Maitland-Niles’ market value sits at around €12m (£10m), a relatively modest figure in today’s market.

At a time when the Toffees are navigating tricky financial waters, the prospect of bringing in a seasoned, multifunctional player without breaking the bank would be a significant win.

Perhaps most compelling, though, is how Maitland-Niles mirrors the path of one of Everton’s success stories from recent windows: Jake O’Brien.

Why Maitland-Niles could be the next Jake O’Brien

O’Brien’s rise at Everton is a blueprint worth examining.

Signed from Lyon in a £16.4m deal last year, Everton’s most expensive signing of the summer, the Irishman struggled initially.

He failed to start a single game under Sean Dyche, and many feared he was another big-money misstep. But under David Moyes, O’Brien has flourished.

Now a regular in the back line, the 24-year-old has shown composure, athleticism, and maturity well beyond his years.

He even chipped in with two Premier League goals last season.

Speaking on his difficult start, O’Brien said: “It was disappointing. It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I still trained really hard every day and knew once I got my chance, I’d grab it.”

Maitland-Niles could offer a similar redemption arc. Statistically, he already ticks plenty of boxes.

According to FBref, he ranks in the 93rd percentile for tackles per 90 (3.09) and the 80th percentile for blocks per 90 (1.41), figures that would suit a Moyes team that prioritises defensive grit.

His pass completion rate of 86.3% (86th percentile) and progressive passes per 90 (4.52) (74th percentile) indicate composure on the ball and the ability to progress play in tight spaces, vital for a full-back expected to contribute both defensively and in buildup phases.

He also averages nearly one successful take-on per 90 (0.95), showing that he can beat a man when required.

Like O’Brien, Maitland-Niles comes with a Ligue 1 education and the hunger to prove himself in the Premier League once more.

His time at Arsenal, where he made 132 appearances over nine years, demonstrates not just pedigree, but also resilience. He knows the demands of top-flight English football and has shown he can compete in a range of roles.

Crucially, Maitland-Niles also aligns well with players Everton admire across Europe.

His statistical profile mirrors that of Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ian Maatsen, players known for their versatility, athleticism, and tidy technical skill.

With Maitland-Niles still just 27, Everton would be investing in a player entering his prime years.

Whether used as cover for Patterson, a starter in his own right, or even in midfield, he brings balance, intelligence, and experience to a side that desperately needs those traits.

Given the club’s well-documented recruitment missteps in years gone by, a move for Maitland-Niles would represent a pragmatic, potentially high-upside piece of business, especially if he can replicate the impact of O’Brien on the pitch.