يقترب سيرجيو راموس المدافع الإسباني المخضرم صاحب الـ39 عاماً من نهاية عقده مع مونتيري المكسيكي، وترددت تقارير صحفية كثيرة عن مستقبله.
وقد عرض راموس على عدد من الأندية الكبرى لينضم في صفقة انتقال حر، وأكدت تقارير صحفية أن المدافع الإسباني المخضرم قد يتم لم شمله مع زميله السابق لوكا مودريتش في ميلان.
وبحسب “MilanPress” فإن ميلان غير مقتنع بالتعاقد مع سيرجيو راموس ولن يسعوا للتحرك للحصول على خدماته.
أقرأ أيضاً.. سبب مفاجئ وراء رحيل سيرجيو راموس عن مونتيري المكسيكي
وكان لوكا مودريتش النجم الكرواتي السابق لريال مدريد العامل الحاسم وراء ارتباط راموس بميلان، ولم يكن احتمال لم شمله مع الكرواتي سببًا كافيًا أيضاً.
ويتمثل السبب الآخر في شجاعة ميلان بالتعاقد مع لاعبين كبار في السن على غرار لوكا مودريتش وزلاتان إبراهيموفيتش في وقت سابق، ورؤيتهم بأنهم لا يزالا قادرين على العطاء.
وكان لوكا مودريتش قد تأقلم بشكل جيد في خط وسط ميلان، ولا يزال قادرًا على لعب مباراة كاملة مما يثبت لياقته وقدرته على التحمل، ومع ذلك من غير المرجح أن ينضم الإسباني للكرواتي في سان سيرو وقد يشكل راتبه الكبير جداً عائقاً آخر أيضاً على الرغم من حاجة ميلان لتعزيز مركز قلب الدفاع.
Watching Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-1 defeat to their bitter rivals in the Premier League on Sunday made it clear where Thomas Frank’s priorities need to be moving forward.
Whilst you could look at that loss and suggest that they need to improve defensively, which would be a fair comment after they conceded four goals, it is in possession where they really need to improve.
25/26 Premier League
Spurs
League rank
xG
11.0
17th
Non-penalty xG
11.0
16th
Progressive passes
413
12th
Shots
110
19th
Shots on target
40
15th
Average shot distance
15.6 yards
17th
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Spurs are one of the worst teams in the Premier League at progressing play with passes, creating shooting opportunities, and creating high-quality chances.
The Lilywhites ended the match against Arsenal with three shots on goal and 0.07 xG, per Sofascore, with their goal coming from Richarlison’s stunning long-range lob over David Raya.
Tottenham’s struggles at the top end of the pitch explain why the club are reportedly considering a move to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
The Ghana international has a £65m release clause that can be activated at the start of the January transfer window, and Spurs are one of the teams vying for his signature.
How Antoine Semenyo could solve Tottenham's attacking problems
Whilst a lot of Tottenham’s problems could come down to coaching issues, with how players are asked to play, the team selections, and the patterns that are or are not coached in training, having a top talent in the final third can make up for some coaching problems.
Semenyo is the kind of forward who can create things for himself with his incredible speed, power, ball control, and ability in front of goal when he gets near the opposition’s box.
The former Bristol City striker’s goal against Liverpool at Anfield earlier this season is the perfect example of the kind of quality that he could bring to North London in the second half of the campaign.
With Tottenham’s lack of progressive passing and high-quality chances this season, having a player who has runs and goals like that in his locker would be invaluable for Frank.
That strike against Liverpool was also not a flash in the pan for the versatile attacker, who can play out wide or through the middle, because he has been in impressive form in the Premier League this term.
25/26 Premier League
Antoine Semenyo
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
4.58
Top 1%
Goals
6
Top 1%
Shots
23
Top 10%
Shots on target
14
Top 1%
Assists
3
Top 6%
Successful dribbles
21
Top 5%
Touches in the opposition’s box
45
Top 12%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Semenyo has been one of the most productive wingers in the division for Bournemouth this season, with more goals than any other winger in the league.
These statistics, and the nature of his goal against Liverpool in particular, suggest that signing the Cherries star would go a long way to solving some of the attacking issues that Frank’s side have.
Therefore, Spurs should push hard to win the race for his services by activating his release clause at the start of the January transfer window and trying their hardest to convince him that a move to North London is the best next step in his career.
£65m, though, would make him the club’s joint-record signing alongside Dominic Solanke, who also came from Bournemouth, so it would take a big financial commitment from the Lilywhites.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
In order to make a move for the 25-year-old star viable, sporting director Fabio Paratici should look to ruthlessly sell some of the club’s current players to fund a transfer for Semenyo.
One of the sellable assets who should be cashed in on by Paratici to create funds for a swoop for the Cherries sensation in January is right-back Pedro Porro.
Why Spurs should sell Pedro Porro
Ahead of the summer transfer window, CaughtOffside reported that the Spain international was attracting interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
It was claimed that Spurs were not interested in selling the full-back at the time, which was in May, but that they would have changed their tune if an offer of around £57m came across their desk.
Whilst Porro ultimately remained in North London, that report in the summer shows that there are some top clubs across Europe who would be interested in him if he became available, although it remains to be seen if any of them would pay the £57m price tag.
The Spaniard attracted interest from those teams after a return of four goals and nine assists in 51 appearances in all competitions for Spurs in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, but his form this season has left a lot to be desired.
Polish journalist Michał Okoński described his crosses into the box as a “disaster” earlier this month, and it is hard to disagree with that assessment when you consider that he has lost possession 222 times and delivered one assist in 12 Premier League games, per Sofascore.
Pedro Porro – Premier League
24/25
25/26
Appearances
33
12
Possession lost per game
17.5
18.5
Key passes per game
1.7
1.2
Big chances created
10
2
Assists
6
1
Pass accuracy
76%
73%
Cross accuracy
31%
17%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Spain international’s use of the ball has regressed since the end of the 2024/25 campaign. He is currently giving the ball away more frequently whilst creating less for his team.
Porro has been far too wasteful with the ball at his feet at right-back for Tottenham. That is evident in his regressing creative stats, but it is also evident in that he has made four errors leading to shots for the opposition in the Premier League, twice as many as he made in 33 matches last season.
As well as his struggles on the ball, the former Sporting star has gone from averaging 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game last season in the Premier League to averaging just 1.7 per match in the current campaign, per Sofascore.
These statistics show that Porro has regressed in and out of possession at right-back for the Lilywhites, which is why it could be the right time for Paratici to cash in on him in January, amid interest from City, Barcelona, and Bayern, to avoid his value dwindling if his form does not improve.
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ByEthan Lamb Nov 24, 2025
Whilst it remains to be seen how much teams would be willing to pay for him, any fee in the region of the quoted £57m would go a long way to funding a deal for Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause.
أعرب توماس توخيل مدرب منتخب إنجلترا، عن ثقته بفرص الأسود الثلاثة في كأس العالم 2026 على الرغم من وقوعه في مجموعة صعبة إلى جانب منتخبات كرواتيا وغانا وبنما.
وقد تعرف منتخب إنجلترا على منافسيه في القرعة التي أجريت في العاصمة الأمريكية واشنطن أمس الجمعة.
وسيواجه منتخب إنجلترا منتخب غانا لأول مرة، وسيلتقي كرواتيا والذي أقصى الأسود الثلاثة من نصف نهائي كأس العالم 2018، بينما تغلب فريق المدرب السابق جاريث ساوثجيت على بنما بسداسية لهدف في دور المجموعات.
وقال توخيل في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “ESPN” :”مجموعة صعبة، مباراة افتتاحية صعبة، المجموعة صعبة بجانب منتخبات كرواتيا وغانا والذين يشاركون بانتظام في كأس العالم ويمتلكون القوة”.
وأضاف: “أما عن بنما، لا أعرف الكثير عنها حالياً، لكننا سنعرف المزيد عنها قبل انطلاق البطولة”.
أقرأ أيضاً.. سكالوني: لا يوجد منافس سهل في كأس العالم.. وهذا المنتخب العربي لا أعرفه جيدًا
وواصل: “بالنسبة لي، خبرتي تقتصر على دوري أبطال أوروبا وكانت الطريقة الأمثل للتعامل مع هذه البطولة هي منحها أقصى درجات الاحترام والتركيز على الفوز الجماعي”.
وشدد توخيل: “دائماً ما تكون المجموعة صعبة، كما هو الحال الآن لكننا واثقون من أنفسنا وسنكون مستعدين بشكل جيد عند وصولنا”.
وتابع عن لقاء كرواتيا في المباراة الافتتاحية يوم 17 يونيو: “لم نكن نرغب في أي شئ، تعاملنا مع الوضع كما هو، نحصل على أيام إضافية قبل انطلاق البطولة ثم نحصل على جدول مباريات مكثف لاحقاً في البطولة”.
وأكمل :”نعرف خصومنا الآن، نعرف أننا سنبدأ متأخر إذا شارك لاعبونا في نهائيات البطولات الأوروبية، لا يجب الاستهانة بأي منتخب، كرواتيا الأبرز لأنها الأعلى تصنيفاً، لكن غانا دائماً مليئة بالمواهب ويمكنها دائماً صنع المفاجأة، وتملك تاريخا عريقا في كأس العالم، بنما ستحاول الاستفادة القصوى من دورها كمنتخب ليس حوله أي ترشيحات،الجميع يستحق الاحترام ونحن قادرون على إظهار ذلك”.
West Indies gave a better account of themselves with the bat than in Ahmedabad, but India remained in control of the Delhi Test
Sidharth Monga11-Oct-20252:57
Chopra: Gill destined for greatness
West Indies gave a better account of themselves with the bat than in Ahmedabad, but India still remained in control of the Delhi Test after Shubman Gill scored his 10th Test hundred and declared midway through the day at 518 for 5. In response, West Indies put on their first half-century stand of the series – a contrast to at least 57 for every wicket for India in this Test, Alick Athanaze posted their highest individual score of 41 and they went 43 overs with the loss of four wickets. It was an improvement after they failed to bat 50 overs in either of their innings in Ahmedabad, but they still needed 179 to avoid the follow-on.The day began on a sour note for India when the voracious Yashasvi Jaiswal was run-out after he had added just two to his overnight 173. He was quite demonstrative in letting his partner, Gill, know it was his call and that he should be looking at him and not the ball. However, Jaiswal had hit the ball to mid-off a little too well, and Gill had been quick to turn his back. Jaiswal, though, kept going, and left himself no opportunity to recover.The ever-calm Gill took it in his stride, and – at least for the spectators – more than made up for the run-out with sumptuous strokeplay to bring up his fifth century in just seven Tests as captain. For company he had 40s from Nitish Kumar Reddy, promoted so he can play some role in home Tests, and Dhruv Jurel, whose dismissal brought about the declaration.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
For most part, Gill hardly played a shot in anger. When the seamers produced a mildly testing spell in the morning, Gill prospered with short-arm cuts and defensive pushes for boundaries into the leg side, often after stepping out of the crease. He brought up his half-century with slight abandon, a lovely flick through midwicket. When Justin Greaves tried to mix cutters, he picked one even as he stepped out and then lofted him for a six.Reddy, who bowled just four overs in the first match and didn’t get to bat, was sent in at No. 5 so that India can give him time in the middle and give him every opportunity to develop into an allrounder when he is next needed overseas. It wasn’t the smoothest of innings, with an early edge falling short, but featured two sixes against the turn before a third attempt ended it on 43 off 54.Jurel was a more reliable ally, once again showing good judgement of length against spin. He preferred to press forward in preparation to face the ball, but was quick to rock back every time the spinners dropped short.Gill strolled through to his hundred before flicking into a higher gear, scoring 27 off 19 after reaching the landmark. In trying to match Gill’s pace, Jurel tried to manufacture a pull and was bowled off Roston Chase, the first man other than Jomel Warrican to take a wicket.Gill pulled the plug on the innings with that dismissal. Unbeaten, he now averaged 43.47 in Tests and 84.81 as captain. No India captain has scored more hundreds in a year than Gill’s five after he took over practically in the second half of 2025.1:08
Warrican: Need to be ‘extremely disciplined’ bowling here on first two days
Averaging 20 over the last 40 innings, the West Indies opening wicket failed to change that number either way, although this time they were unlucky. John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul had looked comfortable against pace. Campbell welcomed Ravindra Jadeja’s spin with a paddle-swept boundary, but the next sweep, nailed off the middle of the bat, hit the short leg’s helmet and lodged itself in the fielder’s arms. B Sai Sudharsan, the fielder, stayed off the field for the rest of the day, but had brought about a breakthrough.Chanderpaul and Athanaze then put together West Indies’ most assured phase with the bat, using their feet, sweeping, lofting down the ground, and then Chanderpaul was beaten in the air by a quick Jadeja delivery, which he steered for a sharp catch at first slip.Athanaze then hit Kuldeep Yadav’s first ball of a new spell straight to midwicket, having got too close to the pitch of the ball on this slog-sweep. Captain Roston Chase tamely flicked one back to Jadeja. In the stands, Viv Richards and Brian Lara were seen gesturing he should have defended it with the turn and not flicked against it.Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach saw West Indies through to stumps without further damage but they still had a mountain to climb.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League triumph at the end of the 2024/25 campaign has brought added expectations, after finally ending their 17-year wait for a piece of silverware.
Ange Postecoglou’s triumph in Bilbao ended a generational wait for a trophy, but he was sacked after such victory, handing the responsibility to Thomas Frank in the process.
The Dane was handed a huge sum of money to try and build on the triumph, with the hierarchy backing the new manager after taking the reins ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Over £100m was spent on new additions, which has led to the Lilywhites already making an impact in the Premier League – as seen by their fifth-placed standing after the third international break.
Mohammed Kudus has already hit the ground running, registering one goal and one assist in the league, but the same can’t be said for one of their big-money summer additions.
How Simons compares to other PL midfielders in 2025/26
During the summer transfer window, Spurs forked out a total of £52m for the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, with the youngster joining the club from RB Leipzig.
The move ended their summer-long pursuit of a new attacking midfielder, with numerous options being targeted before completing a deal for the Dutch international.
Premier League options such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze were both considered, but various factors saw the Lilywhites miss out on both of the player’s signatures.
As a result, Simons was the man chosen to fill the void, with such a move generating huge excitement within the fanbase – undoubtedly aided by the sizable transfer fee.
However, a couple of months on from his big-money transfer to North London, the 22-year-old has ultimately failed to deliver, as seen by his tally of just two assists in his first 14 outings.
His underlying stats further showcase his lack of quality, with the youngster being massively outperformed by numerous players also in a single position in England’s top-flight.
He’s only created an average of 1.01 chances per 90, with such a tally ranking him in the bottom 25% of all other midfielders in the league, with right-back Pedro Porro creating more chances in the same time period.
Simons has also been dispossessed an average of 2.1 times per 90, subsequently placing him in the bottom 18% of all players in the division for the same category.
He will certainly need time to settle into life in England after his big-money transfer, but there’s little denying that he’s been a huge disappointment in recent months.
As a result, he could find himself struggling to nail down a starting role in the near future, especially if one player continues his phenomenal development at the club.
The Spurs star who could end Simons’ Spurs career
Over the years, the Spurs faithful have been blessed with countless talents who have operated in the attacking midfield role – subsequently handing the fanbase moments to last a lifetime.
James Maddison was the latest player in the role before his ACL injury, with the Englishman achieving some phenomenal levels during his spell in the first team in North London.
He’s racked up 16 goals and 19 assists in his 75 appearances for the Lilywhites, with his tally of 12 goals in 2024/25 the highest he’s managed after his £40m switch.
Dele was another Englishman who filled such a role in the years prior, with the former first-team star managing to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award on two separate occasions.
However, whilst he failed to match the expectations over a sustained period, Frank could be about to rely on Luca Williams-Barnett during his spell in North London.
The 17-year-old has generated huge excitement over the last couple of months, with the youngster making huge waves within various age categories in the academy.
He’s been starring way above his age group over the last few seasons, with the youngster featuring in the U18s side for the vast majority of the previous campaign.
He ended the year with a staggering 23 goals and nine assists in his 24 outings for the Lilywhites, resulting in a jump up once again – now becoming a key member of the U21 side.
At just 17, he’s arguably made himself one of the age group’s biggest stars, with his numbers from the ongoing season further reflecting his star quality despite his tender age.
Most Goals and Assists – Spurs U21s (25/26)
Player
Tally
Luca Williams-Barnett
10
Rio Kyerematen
5
Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny
4
Tynan Thompson
4
Yusuf Akhamrich
4
Oliver Irow
3
Dane Scarlett
2
Dante Cassanova
2
Stats via FotMob
Williams-Barnett has made just eight appearances, but it hasn’t stopped him from catching the eye, as seen by his remarkable tally of seven goals and five assists.
Back in September, he registered three goals and an assist in the 6-3 victory over Leicester City – with such a display undoubtedly his best in the 2025/26 campaign to date.
As a result of his performances, the youngster was named in the England U17 World Cup squad, with the midfielder already scoring twice during the ongoing competition.
Williams-Barnett has also made his senior debut during Frank’s tenure, as he was brought on in the 87th minute of the Carabao Cup victory over League One Doncaster Rovers back in September.
His performances across various teams in 2025/26 has led to huge praise being directed his way, with analyst Ben Mattinson labelling him as “one of England’s best talents”.
At just 17, the club will certainly have to manage the expectations placed upon him, but it’s undeniable that the Lilywhites have a phenomenal young prospect on their hands.
It’s unclear what his route to first-team success would be, but the hierarchy need to prepare a plan to allow him to match the potential he currently possesses at present.
As for Simons, he will need to rapidly buck his ideas up after his big-money transfer, with his spell in North London certainly being one to forget in recent months.
His future at the club could be in huge jeopardy in the years ahead, especially if Williams-Barnett is able to continue on his current development path in the youth ranks.
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كشف ديفيد أورنستين، الصحفي المعروف بصحيفة ذا أتلتيك، تفاصيل جديدة حول حقيقة رحيل محمد صلاح عن صفوف نادي ليفربول خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل في يناير.
ويعاني محمد صلاح الأمرين مع نادي ليفربول خلال هذا الموسم، حيث بقي الدولي المصري على مقاعد البدلاء خلال آخر ثلاث مباريات لعبهم الريدز في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
وقام محمد صلاح بالرد على بقاءه كبديل، حيث أشار إلى أن علاقته مع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، قد انتهت تمامًا، مؤكدًا أن إدارة الريدز قد خدعته ولم تنفذ الوعود التي قدمتها له.
ورد ليفربول على تصريحات محمد صلاح، حيث قام باستبعاده من مباراة الفريق المقبلة أمام إنتر ميلان، والتي سوف تلعب غدًا الثلاثاء في دوري أبطال أوروبا.
طالع .. قائمة ليفربول لمباراة إنتر ميلان في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف محمد صلاح
وأفاد أورنستين، أن ليفربول لا يرى أن استبعاد محمد صلاح من مباراة إنتر ميلان إجراء تأديبي ، ولا ينظر إلى هذا الاستبعاد على أنه إشارة على رحيل اللاعب في يناير.
وأضاف أورنستين، بأن ليفربول أكد التزامه التام بصلاح وعقده، الذي يمتد حتى عام 2027، مع التأكيد على أن الوضع الحالي مؤقت ويمكن تحسينه.
وأوضح أورنستين في حديثه، أن ليفربول ربما كان يحتاج إلى وجود محمد صلاح في تشكيلة الفريق الأساسية لولا تصريحاته الأخيرة، حيث تعتبر خسارة لاعب بمكانة الدولي المصري ضربة موجعة.
واختتم أورنستين حديثه قائلًا، إن استبعاد محمد صلاح من تشكيلة ليفربول سوف يزيل بعض الضغوط من على سلوت، وفي انتظار ما سيحدث لحين مباراة برايتون يوم السبت المقبل في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
Pedrinho, presidente do Vasco, foi ao CT Moacyr Barbosa na manhã desta sexta-feira (31). O dirigente foi recebido pelo diretor executivo de futebol, Pedro Martins, e se encontrou com os jogadores. Confira no player acima.
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A ação mostra que Pedrinho está cada vez mais próximo ao futebol do Vasco. Vale lembrar que a Justiça do Rio concedeu uma liminar dando o controle da SAF ao clube associativo.
O presidente do Vasco tem sido cada vez mais presente e tem ajudado em negociações de jogadores. É o caso de Philippe Coutinho.
– Sempre usei as palavras colaborar e contribuir. Tudo que eu possa vir a indicar futuramente, eu indiquei para a 777 lá atrás. Indiquei membros para a comissão técnica, jogadores com números financeiros bons e capacidade técnica acima da média (…) – disse Pedrinho em coletiva.
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Os gestos de Pedrinho estão sendo reconhecidos e elogiados por cabeças do futebol do Vasco. O diretor de futebol, Pedro Martins, é um dos que tratou publicamente o assunto.
A conversa do Pedrinho foi muito positiva
disse Pedro Martins. E completou:
– Ele foi para passar tranquilidade, reforçar a confiança em todo trabalho que está sendo executado. Acho que a presença dele foi muito importante para os jogadores perceberem que ele está junto, está no barco para que a gente consiga os melhores resultados.
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Desde que assumiu a presidência do Vasco, Pedrinho sempre reclamou da distância do futebol com a associação. O ídolo do clube entende que deveria ser mais influência mesmo sendo acionista minoritário.
The series will be tagged onto the tour of South Africa although ZC had also held out hope for a Test match
Tristan Lavalette28-Nov-2025
Australia faced Zimbabwe in three ODIs in northern Australia in late 2022•AFP/Getty Images
The long Test drought between Australia and Zimbabwe is set to continue, but the countries will contest a three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe next year ahead of the 2027 World Cup in southern Africa.Before their Test and ODI tour of South Africa, earmarked for September-October 2026, Australia will have a brief stopover in Zimbabwe for a trio of ODIs, a development first reported by and likely to be officially announced in the coming weeks.The series is to be played in Harare, and possibly Bulawayo, with the flagship 10,000-seat stadium at Victoria Falls unlikely to be ready by then.ESPNcricinfo has learnt that Zimbabwe Cricket had been pushing for a one-off Test match to be included in what would have been a showpiece of the tour. But it will not eventuate with Australia to undergo a heavy Test schedule, playing at least 19 Tests from mid-2026 to the Ashes tour of 2027. An ODI series also looms as important preparation for Australia with Zimbabwe to co-host the next 50-over World Cup along with South Africa and Namibia.Zimbabwe and Australia have only played three Tests against each other with the last two being in October 2003 in a short series best remembered for Matthew Hayden briefly setting a world record score of 380 in the first Test at the WACA.The only Test in Zimbabwe was played in 1999 when a Steve Waugh-led Australia won by 10 wickets in what proved to be wicketkeeper Ian Healy’s last Test match.The ODI series will end an eight-year absence for Australia in Zimbabwe. Australia were part of a T20 tri-series, also involving Pakistan, in 2018 while they last played the 50-over format there in 2014.While Test cricket between the nations remains on pause, Zimbabwe power brokers are confident that England will visit for a one-off Test match as an extension of their tour to South Africa in late 2026-early ’27. It is hoped the match will be played at Victoria Falls, named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium.England and Zimbabwe in May ended a 22-year Test drought with a four-day match at Trent Bridge. The countries have played just seven Test matches against each other, with only two in Zimbabwe – a 0-0 drawn series in December 1996.ZC have been actively trying to encourage countries to stopover en route to neighbouring South Africa and long circled late 2026 as opportunities to negotiate rare fixtures with Australia and England.”We are a Test nation, so playing the top countries like Australia and England at home will go a long way to making this format popular in Zimbabwe,” ZC chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani told ESPNcricinfo.”Playing against the best teams will help our players develop their skills in Test cricket. Understandably Australia wants to prepare for the World Cup, but hopefully we can play them in Test cricket in the future.”As ESPNcricinfo reported earlier this month, the next World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is likely to feature all 12 Full Members in one division.It means teams will have more incentive to play Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland, who aren’t part of the current nine-team WTC. If the 12-team, one division WTC eventuates as expected – a final decision is likely at the ICC meetings in March – it has been widely assumed that those teams will mostly host one-off matches. No extra funding is expected to be available for hosting Tests.But Zimbabwe plans to host longer series in the next WTC, doubling down on their commitment to Test cricket. “Some countries might just play a minimum number of Tests, but we are hoping to play more,” Mukuhlani said. “We will aim to stage two or more Test match series against the likes of Australia and England.”
Quite simply, Liverpool have been a shambles in defence this season. Arne Slot’s side have a slew of problems, mounting by the matchweek, but the crux of it comes down to disorganised, error-strewn defending.
Five defeats from six Premier League games, nine losses from 12 in all competitions, successive Anfield defeats against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven, seven goals shipped, this is a crisis for the Reds.
It beggars belief. And right at the struggling heart of it is Ibrahima Konate, whose future on Merseyside is very much up in the air.
Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool future
It really cannot be understated how dismal Konate has been throughout the 2025/26 campaign. He has been indescribably weak in key battles, his resolve far too brittle.
Errors have littered the France international’s campaign, and Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher even suggested that it has been a “sackable offence” on Slot’s part for continuing to field the 26-year-old after such consistent inconsistency.
It’s clear that the centre-back’s contractual conundrum, out of a deal next summer, has been weighing heavily on his mind, especially since Real Madrid have made their vested interest known over the past year.
However, the £70k-per-week defender has been so unconvincing that Los Blancos have ended their pursuit. Liverpool remain committed to renewing their struggling star’s deal, even with interest from further suitors sure to intensify come January.
There is surely a way back to the ascendancy for a player who served so confidently in a title-winning campaign, but with Virgil van Dijk getting old, it’s clear that FSG need to find new defenders regardless.
There’s no doubt that sporting director Richard Hughes will feel rueful after missing out on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, a deal effectively in place on deadline day and the Three Lions star ready to complete his medical before the Eagles failed to source a replacement.
However, there is another who could end up succeeding Konate, though this Liverpool prospect has endured a tough start to his career at the club.
Liverpool have a teenage Konate upgrade
Liverpool’s dearth of defensive options this season have meant that Slot has been unable to drop Konate and bring in another. However, Giovanni Leoni was slated to be that man.
Leoni, 18, joined Liverpool from Serie A side Parma this summer in a £27m deal, Hughes drawn to his potential to become one of the best in the business. The Italian is powerful, dynamic and prodigiously talented on the ball, with his long and limber frame making him the perfect fit in the Premier League.
However, disaster struck on his debut in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton, when Leoni ruptured his ACL, sidelining him until the end of the season.
It was only one fixture – and against second-tier opponents at that – but Leoni showed a lot of promise for his new club, very much at place on the ball and winning four of five contested duels, including each of his three aerial battles.
It was the kind of display that proved Leoni is “one of the best young centre-backs in the world”, something noted by Liverpool reporter James Wathland as the fanbase chews on their frustration over losing such a shrewd defensive solution for the campaign.
Giovanni Leoni vs Southampton
Match Stats
#
Minutes played
81′
Touches
102
Accurate passes
88/91 (97%)
Possession lost
3x
Recoveries
3
Tackles won
0/1
Interceptions
3
Clearances
6
Ground duels
1/2
Aerial duels
3/3
Data via Sofascore
Liverpool’s defenders are often tasked with initiating forward moves from the back, and while Leoni is not refined in this regard, there is undeniable promise that Slot and Liverpool’s coaching team will be developing even in the teenager’s period of convalescence.
Liverpool have a sensational defensive talent in their mix, and while fans won’t be able to witness him in action again until the latter months of 2026, they can rest assured that Leoni has what it takes to reach superstar status down the line.
This may be considered when Hughes and co weigh up Konate’s value and whether they should extend his time on Merseyside for his prime years.
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