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It came down to 20 off the final over and six off the last ball but Mustafizur held his nerve

Vishal Dikshit03-Sep-2021A fighting New Zealand side lifted themselves from the pits of 60 all out a couple of days ago to nearly stun Bangladesh. They needed six off the last ball but managed just a single as Bangladesh continued their wonderful run of wins – their sixth in seven games.In pursuit of a stiff 142 on another slow and turning pitch, captain Tom Latham tried seeing his side home with an unbeaten 65 off 49, but with lack of experience at the other end combined with the lack of pace offered by the Bangladesh quicks meant they fell short.New Zealand needed 36 from 18, 20 off the last over and 13 off two balls when Mustafizur Rahman delivered a beamer that Latham edged for four. This brought the equation to eight off two with a free hit to come. Rahman then sent down two deliveries that didn’t have any length or room to work with, and all Latham could manage was three runs off them.An unchanged Bangladesh batted first on a track that turned from ball one again. They were set up first by an opening stand of 59 between Mohammad Naim and Liton Das and later by an unbeaten 37 off 32 from captain Mahmudullah. The New Zealand spinners couldn’t quite apply the pressure early on like they did two days ago, but Rachin Ravindra’s 3 for 22, which accounted for the top three, meant the hosts didn’t run away to a 150-plus total.Latham nearly takes them through
Captain Latham promoted himself to No. 3 and dropped anchor once they were 18 for 2. He knew attacking was no good on a turning pitch, so the best chance was to take the game deep and try and hit out in the end. And he did exactly that. He first stitched a steady 43-run stand for the third wicket with Will Young. He looked content by going just over run a ball until the 14th over to take them to 85 for 3.When he slog-swept a slower delivery from Mohammad Saifuddin for six to bring the equation to 57 from 36, Bangladesh were still on top. New Zealand lost two more wickets in the next two overs to spinners, but Latham found boundaries in each of the last four overs to make sure the equation didn’t go completely out of hand.He lofted Shakib Al Hasan over the covers, heaved Mustafizur wide of long-on, ramped Saifuddin over the keeper, and expertly edged a beamer from Mustafizur in the last over. But when it came to the last two balls of the match against the wily Mustafizur, Latham couldn’t get the deliveries away that were right on the money.Hardly any partners for Latham
New Zealand’s most experienced batter in the squad gave them an unlikely chance of winning and the result might have been different had he found some support at the other end. Apart from Young’s 22 off 28, they all crumbled against spin again.A nervy Ravindra struck Shakib for a straight six but was bowled next ball for 10, Tom Blundell was stumped for 6 when he charged down against a straighter one from Mahedi Hasan, and Young sliced one to short third man off Shakib. Colin de Grandhomme scored eight off his first nine balls but fell as soon as he took the aerial route, handing a catch to deep backward square leg and Henry Nicholls top-edged his fifth ball.New Zealand will still take a lot from this game, having taken a full-strength Bangladesh to the last ball, and not looking as clueless as they did in the first game, or like Australia last month.Mohammad Naim and Liton Das gave Bangladesh a solid start•AFPBangladesh’s solid opening stand
After 13 wickets fell in under 27 overs in the opening game, Liton and Naim gave the hosts a wicketless powerplay after eight T20I innings. New Zealand started with spinners again, but a circumspect Naim and a risk-taking Liton set a strong base with 36 in the powerplay. Liton was even given a life on 0 in the second over when de Grandhomme put down a sitter at square leg and Liton continued to find leading edges, also collecting two fours off Ajaz Patel in the next over to kickstart the innings.Ravindra, Ajaz apply the brakes before Mahmudullah accelerates
Ravindra was brought into the attack late compared to the other spinners and he was smoked over midwicket for a six in the 10th over by Liton. But the left-arm spinner struck two balls later when Liton chopped on in strange fashion by going across to turn a delivery from well outside off to leg, only to deflect it onto his stumps.Ravindra handed the hosts another blow as he deceived the promoted Mushfiqur Rahim in flight as Latham effected a smart stumping. Rahim was out for a golden duck. On a hat-trick by then, he nearly had Shakib first ball when he almost chipped a return catch. Shakib then counterattacked for two quick fours but went after one too many and holed out to long-off to leave the hosts on 72 for 3.Mahmudullah and Naim steered them to the death overs in which Ravindra got his third and Ajaz his first when both Naim and Afif Hossain found long-on in a bid to accelerate. The captain came to the rescue to post a competitive total by using Doug Bracewell’s pace. Mahmudullah struck two fours in an over twice against Bracewell, in the 15th and 19th overs, and collected another 11 in the last over with Nurul Hasan off Hamish Bennett.

Manchester City target Omar Marmoush put on a show with a goal and two assists for Eintracht Frankfurt against Freiburg on Tuesday.

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Frankfurt beat Freiburg 4-1Marmoush scored one and set up two moreMan City nearing agreementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Freiburg took the lead in the 37th minute, courtesy of Ritsu Doan’s close-range finish from a well-crafted Merlin Rohl assist. However, Frankfurt responded emphatically. Just before the half-time whistle, Robin Koch rose above the Freiburg defence to head home a corner delivered by Marmoush, levelling the score at 1-1. In the second half, Marmoush took centre stage. The Egyptian forward put Frankfurt ahead in the 65th minute with a precise finish. Shortly after, he showcased his creative side, setting up Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt’s third goal just six minutes later. The hosts added a fourth through Nmandi Collins to seal a convincing victory, further asserting their dominance.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With his goal in the match, Marmoush’s tally for the season now stands at 15, placing him in direct competition with Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane for the Bundesliga’s top-scorer honour. This surge in form has not gone unnoticed, as Marmoush continues to attract attention from top European clubs, with Manchester City in contact.

DID YOU KNOW?

has reported that discussions are ongoing between City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, and Frankfurt regarding Marmoush’s potential transfer. The Premier League champions have expressed a willingness to pay €70 million (£59m/$71m) to secure the Egyptian’s services. However, Frankfurt remain firm with their demands of a fee closer to €80 million (£67m/$82m).

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The clock is ticking for City to finalise the deal as Marmoush is reportedly eager for the transfer to be completed swiftly to avoid any last-minute complications. However, for now, Marmoush remains focused on delivering for Frankfurt and could be back in action against Borussia Dortmund on Friday evening. City, meanwhile, will travel to Ipswich this weekend off the back of a late 2-2 draw away at Brentford.

After a disappointing campaign last year, Eddie Howe and his Newcastle side will be looking to qualify for European football once again, having tasted Champions League action during the 2023/24 season.

However, Newcastle were unable to make big investments this summer due to PSR, making two big sales, and only spending €68.20m (£57m) on five incomings this summer.

The two players that left for big fees were Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, two highly-rated youth players who could have helped Newcastle this season, both of whom have started strong for their new clubs and would fit in like a glove alongside the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle attack's start to the campaign

Isak has started this term fairly slowly, only managing one goal and one assist in his five Premier League games played. Gordon has also had a slow start, only scoring the one goal in his five Premier League appearances.

However, despite an underwhelming opening few games for their main men, Newcastle have got off to a strong start as a team, winning three of their opening five matches and sitting sixth in the league on ten points.

It is actually Harvey Barnes who has started the campaign strongest, scoring three goals, and providing one assist in his 248 Premier League minutes.

But if Howe had his way this summer, Barnes could have found himself with far fewer minutes, and may not have started the season in red-hot form, as the English manager was eyeing a possible right-wing addition to boost Newcastle’s chances.

Newcastle's interest in Noni Madueke

Newcastle reportedly had a strong interest in Chelsea winger Noni Madueke this summer with the Blues changing their stance on his availability over the course of the transfer window.

The 22-year-old has got off to a flyer under new manager Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, scoring four goals in his opening six games in all competitions. Madueke has been described as an “elite talent” by scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and he is definitely showing that level this season so far.

Goals

0.77

0.14

0.73

Assists

0.26

0.00

0.24

xG

0.36

0.24

0.57

Progressive Carries

5.00

3.48

4.64

Progressive Passes

1.67

0.87

5.00

Shots Total

4.36

1.74

3.17

Key Passes

0.83

2.61

2.14

Shot-Creating Actions

2.22

3.91

4.29

Successful Take-Ons

1.39

1.96

1.07

Madueke has started the season best in terms of goal threat, scoring 0.77 goals per 90 minutes, and taking a crazy 4.36 shots per 90, really showing his confidence and intention to test the opposition goalkeeper, and make things happen in the final third.

Barnes and Gordon have better passing metrics, averaging more key passes per 90 than Madueke, and more shot-creating actions. However, Madueke still averages more assists per 90, with 0.26 compared to Barnes’ 0.24.

With how Maresca sets up his Chelsea team, Madueke’s responsibilities lie in the final third, receiving the ball out wide, looking to beat his man 1v1, and then attack the goal, something he has done effectively to start the season, especially in their 6-2 win against Wolves, where the young forward netted a hat-trick.

The question is, would Madueke have started so strong for Howe’s side, and if he did join, would it have stopped Barnes thriving? One thing is for sure, the English winger definitely would have made the Newcastle squad stronger.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

GOAL gets the measure of the latest from the football zeitgeist, including a throwback Predator colourway and some FA Cup magic being snuffed out

Welcome to the Culture & Clobber Axis, where GOAL runs the rule over the latest goings-on at the intersection of football and culture – from the sublime to the ridiculous, the beautiful to the hideous, what's very hot and what's definitely not.

It's 2025, and the New Year has brought with it new boot drops from all the major players, new kits and plenty of weird and wonderful talking points from across the footballing sphere.

But where do the week's biggest topics from the football zeitgeist place in our comprehensive axis? Let's get into it…

adidasRed Preds are back

The adidas' Predator train shows no sign of slowing down, with the reboot of the unmistakable 'champagne' colourway late in 2024 followed up with a sizzling hot nod to the red 1998 Predator Accelerator to kick off 2025.

Predator 25 is the latest iteration of the silo, arriving in a vibrant new colourway and featuring the three stripes on the instep and outside of the boot, as well as new technology and fresh Predator branding on the heel and tongue. There is just something about a Pred in red; these hit different.

GOAL's shout: Blatant worldie

AdvertisementAFPArteta & the Carabao Cup ball

Oh Mikel, Mikel, Mikel. Rather than just taking the 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle on the chin in midweek, Arsenal boss Arteta quite bafflingly decided to deflect blame away from his players, who couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo on the night, and onto…the match ball – inevitably resulting in widespread ridicule online.

"I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it's tricky that this ball flies a lot," he said after the semi-final first leg loss. "It's just different, it's just very different to the Premier League ball, and you have to adapt to that because it flies differently." Whatever you say, Mikel.

GOAL's shout: Maverick own goal

Williamson's bespoke Arsenal jacket

We all love Leah Williamson, who is one of the most prominent ballers to toe the intersection of football and fashion as well as being an elite centre-back. Her latest foray into the fashion sphere is very cool.

The Arsenal and Lionesses favourite has donned a bespoke leather Gunners jacket designed by Antonia Bronze and taking inspiration from the 2002-04 home shirt, complete with Williamson's No.6 and 'GOONER' emblazoned across the back. As Chloe Kelly says in the comments: Hard.

GOAL's shout: Maverick worldie

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The Nike 'Mad Energy' pack

Now, there's nothing objectively wrong with Nike's new boot drop, with a fresh paintjob for the Mecurials, Phantoms and Tiempos to ring in the New Year. The problem is, they're just lacking a little something.

As adidas continue to dominate with another stunning pair of Predators, Nike's three new colourways lack a bit of oomph and originality; they used a pale blue for the Phantoms last year and it's not been long since we saw a red Mercurial. It feels like the American sportswear behemoth needs to do more to keep pace…

GOAL's shout: Blatant own goal

Kohli’s men go 1-0 up after hosts fold for 120, chasing 272, in the last hour

Varun Shetty16-Aug-20216:25

Harmison: England openers have reached an all-time low

Another overseas Test, another flourish from India’s lower order. Jasprit Bumrah’s day began as a batter in a hostile environment; by the end of the day, he and Mohammed Shami had turned the pressure around on England so swiftly and clinically that the hosts, who were in control of the game coming into the last day, folded in the final hour as India went 1-0 up in the series.India were 154 ahead when the day began, with Rishabh Pant and the bowlers left to contend with the second new ball. For the first half an hour, everything went according to plan for England. Their relentless, disciplined attack at India on Sunday evening had set them up to go all guns blazing.Pant has foiled a plan or two this year, including on England’s tour of India in February, and he was priority number one. They got him early, when he nicked behind on the forward defensive. India were 167 ahead then, with three wickets in hand.It was a big gamble they had taken on the first day to play four fast bowlers, bringing a pure bowler in Ishant Sharma to replace the injured Shardul Thakur while they had allrounders R Ashwin and Axar Patel on the bench. Given that reality, England couldn’t have imagined what came next – a dogged resistance that took victory out of the picture, and ended on India’s terms 104 runs later, ten minutes after lunch, when they declared after Shami and Bumrah had added 89 runs for the ninth wicket. England never recovered.Related

Disciplined Mohammed Siraj providing depth, intensity to India's pace pack

James Anderson vs India: A history of wickets and verbals

Jos Buttler dredges deep but can't block out reality as England come crashing down

India refuse to go on the back foot thanks to quicks

Bumrah and Shami, and England's great malfunction

In the post-mortem, they’ll identify their bowling to India’s tail – particularly Bumrah – as the phase where everything went awry. Mark Wood, who had gone off with a shoulder injury on Sunday, didn’t start the day on the field; he did, however, come back in, although not at full fitness, for a burst of short-pitched bowling. That seemed to be the plan from the other end as well, as England attacked India’s lower order with intimidating bowling, ostensibly for the treatment they had dished out to James Anderson at the end of England’s first innings.The execution was good enough, but Bumrah and Shami weathered a storm that turned out in the end to be a major distraction for England from the job at hand. Bumrah, usually a genteel figure on the field, argued and battled on, wearing a few blows on the body. One of them hit him on the helmet and pinged in third man’s direction, only for him to hold his hand up and deny a single, with two balls remaining in Wood’s over. The clear message was that he was ready to take what he had previously dished out.It was a message England didn’t heed as bouncer after bouncer was delivered at the pair, to the point of the bowlers tiring out of sheer frustration, and eventually being unable to breach the defenses of Bumrah and Shami. When England attacked the stumps, they both picked off boundaries, and soon enough Shami was past fifty, bringing out his favoured heaves over midwicket against Moeen Ali.India finished that opening session, having gone at more than four an over, and the possibility of a win was now distant for England.3:23

Why were India’s quicks more effective than England’s on day five?

Bumrah and Shami remained the protagonists in India’s script, nabbing Rory Burns and Dom Sibley for ducks in the first two overs to seize complete control of the match. Haseeb Hameed and Joe Root had to face four bowlers in 15 overs before Ishant – India’s hero the last time they won at Lord’s – was introduced. Ishant struck immediately, catching Hameed deep in the crease with an inducker. Jonny Bairstow didn’t look nearly as assured as he had in the first innings during his brief stay, and Ishant trapped him in front as well – with an assist from DRS – to pin England down to 67 for 4 at tea.And so, once again, England’s fortunes seemed directly dependent on how deep Joe Root would go in the game. Coming back after tea, the England captain knew he had to bat through a majority of the remaining 38 overs. But once again, Bumrah was around to foil his plans.Root only lasted until the third ball after tea, stabbing one to Virat Kohli at first slip, leaving England’s flamboyant line-up of batters – Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran – with a steep task.A majority of the work India put in to remove the trio might have ended in the 27th over, but Kohli dropped Buttler off Bumrah, creating another plot in the thread that would threaten India until the final hour.Mohammed Siraj, however, showed up, prickly and persistent as ever, to account for all three of them. Buttler and Ali hung around for close to 16 overs before Siraj had got the latter edging behind on the angle; next ball, he inflicted a king pair on Curran.With just the bowlers to come in, India’s chirp turned into raucous chatter. Ollie Robinson had to take most of it – staring, encircling, unrelenting pressure between balls from the moment he came in. During his brief stay alongside Buttler, it seemed to stir him on. He got more and more resolute, in congruence with Buttler, and soon enough the sun had come out over Lord’s. Their vigil took England into the final ten overs of the 60 they had been asked to bat. And then they ran into Bumrah again.Bumrah went around the wicket to Robinson, and sent two bouncers past his left shoulder, before slipping in an offcutter to flummox England’s No. 9. It pitched just in line with the stumps, caught Robinson on the back leg in front of the wicket, and returned three reds when India reviewed it.The clock had begun ticking as soon as it happened. Siraj replaced Ishant, and Buttler’s nerves showed immediately as he fenced one in the channel to Pant. Anderson received a similar welcome to Robinson, but he would not be worried with any short-pitched bowling; Siraj went full, and knocked his off stump in the same over to seal the win for India.Purposeful, tactical bowling – which England had done for the most part as they came from behind in this Test – finished them off.

With Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool contract coming to an end next summer, Arne Slot has reportedly been convinced by the Reds’ recruitment team that one player is capable of replacing the Dutchman.

Liverpool transfer news

As things stand, it’s set to be panic stations around Anfield this time next summer, with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all on course to leave the club as free agents. And whilst that could still change, contract talks are seemingly yet to take place with any of their star men, potentially leaving Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to frantically search for replacements.

Slot must axe Liverpool ace who earns more than Diaz & Konate

It’s time for this wider member to move on…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 25, 2024

Alexander-Arnold recently spoke about his future, choosing to remain coy. He said via Fabrizio Romano: “I’ve been at Liverpool for 20 years now. I’ve signed four or five contract extensions and none of them have been said in public. This one won’t be either.”

With Real Madrid sniffing around, however, Liverpool will certainly be sweating over the right-back’s future, given just how irreplaceable he is. When it comes to Van Dijk, meanwhile, there will undoubtedly be the same concerns regarding his new deal, though it seems like the Reds have more of a plan in place in the Dutchman’s case.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool’s recruitment team have now convinced Slot that Marc Guehi can replace Van Dijk at Anfield just months after the former Feyenoord boss was of the belief that the Crystal Palace defender was not at that level.

Given a resounding endorsement by Edwards, Hughes and Co, Guehi may yet find himself on his way to Anfield next summer just one year on from Newcastle United’s persistent attempt to secure his signature before ultimately failing to agree a deal with Crystal Palace.

Earning a reported £50,000-a-week at Selhurst Park, Guehi wouldn’t disrupt Liverpool’s wage bill and represents a solid option to turn towards when it comes to boosting Slot’s backline.

"Great" Guehi could be handed impossible Liverpool role

Like in the case of Alexander-Arnold, anyone who attempted to step into the role of Van Dijk at Anfield would be replacing the irreplaceable. But Guehi’s attempt would at least be one to watch. His recent rise saw him thrown into the deep end at Euro 2024, before he arguably became England’s most consistent player at the tournament as they lost out to Spain in the final.

It was a tournament which saw the Palace star earn plenty of deserved praise, including from centre-back partner John Stones, who told BBC Radio 5 Live via The Metro: “So good, so good. For him to come in, not having felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances have been great.

“I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well.”

Replacing Van Dijk would be his toughest job yet, but Liverpool’s recruitment team and now reportedly Slot believe that Guehi is more than capable of doing just that.

Tim Ward made 81 and nightwatchman Lawrence Neil-Smith made 71 not out from 201 deliveries

Alex Malcolm10-Oct-2021Tim Ward and Lawrence Neil-Smith posted half-centuries as Tasmania batted out the final day for a draw against Queensland despite the Bulls’ invitation to try and force a result with a sporting declaration on the third afternoon.Tasmania began the day at 1 for 59, with a lead of 204 and 96 overs available to set up a fourth-innings run chase on another benign Karen Rolton Oval pitch in Adelaide. But the Tigers showed little to no intent to try and set a target with nightwatchman Neil-Smith failing to score from his first 35 deliveries on day four to be 1 from 61 balls at one stage before going on to make 71 not out from 201 deliveries. Ward fell for 81 just after lunch.Queensland captain Usman Khawaja said he was “a little bit disappointed” with the approach of Tasmania.”We declared hoping they’d set us a chase, and then try to chase it,” Khawaja said. “It was always going to be hard to get lots of wickets on that [pitch] so it had to be a sporting declaration and get them to set us a total and us try to chase it down.”That was the only way there was going to be any result. But they obviously didn’t want to play that way.””They batted for a session too long…they could have pushed the game more on day two expecting them to declare around lunch, that’s when you normally declare. But that was just their game plan. I guess they were happy to get first innings [bonus] points and that’s what it was.”Ward said: “We knew it was going to be tough to take 10 wickets and the decision was made just to go out there and keep batting and make sure we didn’t lose this one.”Ward, coming off a superb 144 in the first innings, played fluently compared to Neil-Smith reaching a brisk half-century and moved to lunch on 80 not out, within sight of twin centuries in just his second Sheffield Shield match.But the break did him no favours, with Matthew Kuhnemann producing a stunning delivery in the second over after lunch to remove him for 81. A shorter-length ball ripped out of the footmarks and forced Ward to chop onto his stumps.Charlie Wakim then followed Neil-Smith’s lead making 3 for 61 deliveries before becoming Kuhnemann’s third victim of the innings. Neil-Smith reached his maiden first-class half-century before the game was called off after Khawaja and Joe Burns each delivered an over to put an exclamation point on another high-scoring three-innings draw in Adelaide to start the Sheffield Shield season.

How much do the Marseille players earn annually and who receives the most into their account?

Since Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion as the new head coach of Marseille, the club has transformed into one of the most exciting teams in Europe.

After finishing a disappointing eighth in Ligue 1 last season, Marseille have experienced a remarkable turnaround under the Italian’s guidance, skyrocketing to second place in the current campaign.

Now sitting just behind Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the table, Marseille are in hot pursuit of a return to the Champions League for the 2025-26 season, with their eyes set on securing a top-four finish with an outside chance at winning Ligue 1. For those who might be unaware, Les Phoceens have not won the league since the 2009-10 season.

Marseille boast an impressive roster, with some of the brightest talents from around the globe calling the Stade Velodrome home. However, compared to other big clubs in Europe, OM's wage bill isn't as hefty as their ambitions might require. In fact, their annual payroll is on par with some of the weakest teams in the Premier League this season.

So, who is the highest earner at Stade Velodrome this season? And who is on the opposite end of the spectrum?

GOAL delved into the numbers from Capology and found out!

*

AFPGoalkeepers

Argentine international Geronimo Rulli is currently the highest-paid keeper in the squad. Having played for teams like Real Sociedad, Villarreal and Ajax in the past makes him a reliable shot stopper. Rulli has only recently joined the French side, ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, former Celta Vigo goalkeeper Ruben Blanco comes in at second, with Jeffrey de Lange finishing at the bottom of this three-man list.

Name Salary

Geronimo Rulli€2,540,000Ruben Blanco€2,500,000Jeffrey de Lange€640,000AdvertisementAFPDefenders

Leading the way in a different category is Argentina's Leonardo Balerdi, a key figure in Marseille's defence. His reliability and leadership make him indispensable to the squad, earning him a spot among the club's top five earners.

In second place is Chancel Mbemba, who forms a solid partnership with Balerdi at the back. The Congo international is now in his third season with Marseille and is the second-highest earning defender at the club.

Lilian Brassier, currently on a season-long loan from Brest, finds himself in third place, ahead of Quentin Merlin, Michael Murillo, and Pol Lirola.

Bamo Meite is the lowest-paid defender.

Name Salary

Leonardo Balerdi€4,000,000Chancel Mbemba€3,840,000Lilian Brassier€1,820,000Quentin Merlin€1,200,000Michael Murillo€1,000,000Pol Lirola€1,000,000Ulisses Garcia€900,000Derek Cornelius€720,000Bamo Meite€300,000AFPMidfielders

Topping the list for midfielders is Adrien Rabiot, the club's marquee signing from Juventus. With over 150 league appearances for both Juventus and PSG, his vast experience at top clubs makes him the clear choice for the number one spot.

Second is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a seasoned defensive midfielder with over 250 Premier League games under his belt. His earnings are on par with Rabiot's. Geoffrey Kondogbia, a former Atletico Madrid midfielder, comes in at third.

Moroccan attacking midfielder Amine Harit and Argentina's Valentin Carboni are not earning as much as the three names mentioned above, but they are still on respectable wages.

Youngsters Bilal Nadir and Gael Lafont are the lowest-paid midfielders.

Name Salary

Adrien Rabiot€6,360,000Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg€6,180,000Geoffrey Kondogbia€5,400,000Valentin Rongier€3,960,000Amine Harit€3,100,000Valentin Carboni€2,730,000Ismael Kone€1,360,000Bilal Nadir€270,000Gael Lafont€140,000ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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AFPAttackers

Mason Greenwood, once regarded as a top young talent, has rediscovered his form since joining Marseille under De Zerbi. After kicking off his resurgence at Getafe following legal issues at Manchester United, Greenwood is Marseille's top scorer in Ligue 1 this season, justifying his status as the highest-earning attacker.

Neal Maupay, who is on loan from Everton, is the second-highest paid forward, with Brazil's talented 23-year-old Luis Henrique at third spot.

18-year-old striker Keyliane Abdallah is the lowest-paid attacker.

Name Salary

Mason Greenwood€4,550,000Neal Maupay€3,000,000Luis Henrique€1,280,000Faris Moumbagna€1,100,000Jonathan Rowe€900,000Keyliane Abdallah€120,000

Tottenham are now working to sign a new midfielder in 2025, and have reportedly leaned on a former employee’s expertise to help them get a move over the line for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Tottenham enjoy strong season start

Spurs followed up their 3-0 Premier League win over Manchester United with a 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros in the Europa League, helping them record five straight wins since a home defeat in the north London derby.

They are one of five sides to have taken maximum points in the Europa League to date, while a poor start to the season is now firmly behind them, having surged up the table in domestic action too.

It has all come while Postecoglou trials a new system in north London, which sees Dejan Kulusevski playing as a central midfielder alongside James Maddison, rather than on the right flank where he had spent the majority of his Spurs career to date.

“Deki [Kulusevski] is doing great. He’s been out of this world in many respects as to what he’s able to do in a central role,” Postecoglou said ahead of his side’s clash with Brighton.

“We used him wide last year because we didn’t have too many options out there and that’s where he was comfortable. We started using him inside and I felt he felt that it unshackled him a little bit.

“He has an unbelievable capacity to run on and off the ball, his physical numbers are ridiculous and he has the quality to hurt teams with that.”

The base of midfield remains of some concern to Spurs, with Yves Bissouma yet to truly be trusted this season by Postecoglou and Rodrigo Bentancur often struggling to complete 90 minutes. Now, reports suggest that Spurs may have identified the future of that position, and could look to sign him in 2025 with a little bit of help.

Spurs eye Serie A maestro

That comes as former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson revealed that Italy international Samuele Ricci is a player that Tottenham could look to move for in the summer, with Spurs “certainly interested in signing” the Torino starlet.

The midfielder has become a stalwart in their midfield and has racked up four caps for the Italian national side. Still just 23 years old, he has reportedly caught the eye of Manchester City too, as they look to find an alternative to the injured Rodri.

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As it stands, Ricci is down to the final two years of his £30,000 a week deal in Turin, and is yet to pen fresh terms. He was described as a “very strong” and “complete” defensive midfielder by Rising Ballers on X, which is precisely what the Lilywhites are missing, and he could be on the move this summer.

Tottenham have recently had success in the Serie A market, and remain alert to it thanks to the work of former chief Fabio Paratici, with Football Insider claiming that the club and Paratici have “maintained contact” despite a football ban for the latter.

Samuele Ricci 24/25 stats

Appearances

6

Goals and assists

0

Shot creating actions per 90

2.48

Pass accuracy

92.2%

Tackles and interceptions per 90

1.40

They add that “the majority of Spurs’ scouting and recruitment system was established under his guidance”, which has resulted in strong links to Serie A that has allowed them to beat clubs to the signings of Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and more in recent seasons.

Now, he could have lent a helping hand to land one of Europe’s most promising midfielders, with the same report claiming that Paratici’s team are “now working” on a deal. Though well stocked in that position, Spurs are lacking a truly world-class option at the base of midfield. Should they beat Manchester City to Rodri’s replacement, they may well have found one.

The Paraguay international returned back to Atlanta after six years away and was met by a horde of fans at the airport

The 30-year-old played for Atlanta United between 2017 and 2019Spent six years with the MagpiesAlmiron has signed a contract until 2027 with the MLS side
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED

After weeks of rumors, Atlanta United FC and Newcastle United confirmed that the two parties had agreed to a move for Miguel Almiron. The 30-year-old forward signed for the Magpies in 2019 and made over 200 appearances for them in the process. However, he has struggled to gain a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI and had dropped down the pecking order this season.

It meant that the St James Park side were open to a move for the Paraguayan and managed to reach an agreement with Atalanta United over a potential $10 million fee. The move was met with great aplomb from fans with a crowd of people gathered to greet the forward as he landed at the airport.

The reception showed that the Atlanta fans clearly haven’t forgotten the star, who led Atlanta to their first MLS Cup in 2018.

AdvertisementWATCH THE MOMENTGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The 30-year-old signed for Newcastle United in 2019 from Atlanta United and a lot was expected from the forward after the big money move. However, things didn’t quite go according to plan for the Magpies although Almiron eventually became a fan favourite. That was thanks to his performances in the 2022-23 season for the Magpies, where he contributed to 15 goals across all competitions as the club finished fourth in the Premier League.

However, with his situation at St James Park changing, the move was one that Atlanta United were happy to make with Chris Henderson overjoyed at the deal.

Henderson, the Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director at Atlanta, gushed about Almiron, saying “We’re thrilled to welcome Miguel back to Atlanta United and know we’re getting a top player and someone with excellent character. He’s a dynamic attacking player with proven success in MLS and at the highest level in Europe."

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Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT FOR ATLANTA UNITED?

After a quarterfinals loss to Orlando City FC in the 2024 MLS Cup, Atalanta United have used the off-season window to reinforce their squad.

Almiron joins former Atalanta BC attacker Alexey Miranchuk (who arrived last season) and former Leeds United and D.C. United midfielder Mateusz Klich alongside several other players. It has given fans hope for the future especially with the club kicking off their 2025 MLS season with a home game against Montreal CF.