All posts by h79snht.top

Sarfaraz Khan remains with the India B squad to play the second round of Duleep Trophy matches

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-20242:03

Duleep Trophy: Who stood out in round one?

Uttar Pradesh batter Rinku Singh will join the India B squad while all of the Test players picked for the series against Bangladesh, except for Sarfaraz Khan, have been withdrawn from the next round of Duleep Trophy matches beginning on September 12 in Anantpur.Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav and Akash Deep are leaving the India A team and will be replaced by Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, Shaik Rasheed, Shams Mulani and Aaqib Khan. Mayank Agarwal will take over the India A captaincy from Gill, while fast bowler Vidhwath Kaverappa will move from India A to India D for the second round.India B will be without Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant and Yash Dayal, and their spots will be taken by Suyash Prabhudessai, Himanshu Mantri and Rinku, whose omission from all squads for the first round of the tournament had been viewed as a surprise. Sarfaraz, who is part of India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, will stay with India B for the second round of Duleep Trophy matches that are scheduled to end on September 15, three days before the start of the Chennai Test.India C are unaffected by the changes, but India D will be without Axar Patel and Tushar Deshpande, who is injured. Kaverappa and Nishant Sindhu will join their squad.Related

Suthar's seven-wicket haul sets up India C's win

India B fight past Rahul's defiance to register comfortable win

Pant, Rahul return to Test cricket with Bangladesh series; maiden call-up for Dayal

India’s Test squad is set to assemble in Chennai on September 12 for a preparatory camp ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh starting on September 19.In the first round of Duleep Trophy matches, India B beat India A with Musheer Khan playing a starring role by scoring 181, and India C beat India D with 22-year-old left-arm spinner Manav Suthar taking a a match-winning seven for in the third innings.Squads for 2nd round of Duleep Trophy matchesIndia A: Mayank Agarwal (capt), Riyan Parag, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat, Pratham Singh, Akshay Wadkar, Shaik Rasheed, Shams Mulani, Aaqib KhanIndia B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk), Rinku Singh, Suyash Prabhudessai, Himanshu MantriIndia C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Gaurav Yadav, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep WarrierIndia D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Nishant Sindhu

Have West Ham United reinvested the money that they gained from selling Declan Rice to Arsenal in 2023 well? They made over £100m from that sale, and whilst they have signed plenty of big-name players since then, including the now-departed Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta, they have yet to have a better season than when Rice was in their midfield.

Of course, losing your captain to a London rival is never going to be an easy pill to swallow. However, they have spent money on two midfielders since his departure, namely Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, and signed Guido Rodriguez for free and Kalvin Phillips on a brief loan.

Yet, there still feels like a Rice-shaped hole in the midfield for the Hammers. Perhaps that will change this summer.

West Ham’s latest midfield target

It has certainly been a frustrating time for the Hammers when it comes to replacing their captain, and an England starter. Rice’s influence in the middle of the park has certainly been missed as they slowly slide down the table.

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However, a report from Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, suggests that the Hammers may have found the man to finally replace Rice, in the form of Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The report states that the Hammers have actually made a loan bid with an option to buy the Brazilian.

Indeed, the option to buy the 27-year-old could become obligatory if certain conditions are met. Luiz, who earns £138k-per-week according to Capology, would cost the Hammers £8.6m ahead of the loan.

They’d then need to pay a further £26m if he ends up moving to the London Stadium permanently.

Why Luiz would be a good signing

Despite a tough campaign for Juve in the 2024/25 season, with the midfielder constantly out of favour under a couple of managers, his quality is undeniable. He has already had success in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

His single season playing for the Old Lady so far certainly did not go to plan. He only made 27 appearances last term in all competitions, without scoring or assisting. The former Villa star notched up just 877 minutes, the equivalent of only 9.7 full 90-minute games.

Despite the outrageously low number of minutes played for Juve to date, Luiz certainly has the mettle to play in the Premier League. He racked up 204 Villa appearances, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists in that time. Statman Dave described him as a midfield “engine”, which is certainly what the Hammers are looking for.

Stepping into the shoes of Rice at the London Stadium will not be an easy task for Luiz. Let’s not forget just how much of an iconic figure the former Hammers captain is at the club.

He lifted the Conference League as captain in 2022/23, just weeks before he left.

In total, the London-born midfielder played 245 times for the East Londoners, scoring 15 goals, including this solo effort in their run to the Conference League final. Chelsea and England legend John Terry described him as “the best in his position in world football” back in 2021.

So, for former winger turned pundit Jermaine Pennant to claim that Luiz “can do everything that Rice can do and better” shows just how good of a midfielder he is. Indeed, there are stats which back up this bold claim from the former Liverpool winger.

Looking at numbers on FBref from 2023/24, Luiz’s last season in the Premier League, there are some standout stats. For example, that season he averaged 5.53 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to 4.97 each game from Rice, while providing more of an impact in terms of goal contributions.

Luiz and Rice key stats 2023/24 PL season compared

Stat (per 90)

Luiz

Rice

Goals and assists

0.42

0.35

Pass accuracy

85.7%

83.4%

Passes into penalty area

1.17

1.11

Blocks

0.96

0.86

Ball recoveries

5.53

4.97

Stats from FBref

Signing Luiz on a loan deal with an option to buy him could be the dream move for West Ham. He is proven in the Premier League, and perhaps better, whisper it quietly, than Rice, a player they have struggled to replace over the last two years.

This relatively risk-free move could be ideal for the Hammers to help strengthen in midfield and climb back up the table.

Related Dream Kudus replacement: West Ham open talks to sign "special" £30m star

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jul 15, 2025

أعلن نادي برشلونة بشكل رسمي منذ قليل، عن عودة تياجو ألكانتارا من جديد إلى صفوف الفريق الكتالوني، وذلك بعد سنوات من الرحيل عن النادي الإسباني.

تياجو يعتبر من بين أبناء نادي برشلونة وتدرج في الفئات السنية لحين أصبح لاعبًا في الفريق الأول، ومن ثم غادر إلى نادي بايرن ميونخ عام 2013.

اقرأ أيضًا.. “علاقة سامة” بين فيرمين لوبيز وجافي في برشلونة.. وفليك ينتظر المنقذ

وعاد ألكانتارا هذه المرة إلى برشلونة في ثوب المدرب وليس اللاعب، حيث اعتزل ابن الـ34 عامًا كرة القدم قبل عامين.

وأكد برشلونة في بيان عبر موقع النادي الرسمي، أن تياجو أصبح عضوًا في الجهاز الفني للفريق بناءً على طلب من المدير الفني هانز فليك.

وقال برشلونة في البيان: ”بدأ لاعب برشلونة السابق تدريباته على العشب اليوم كعضو في الجهاز الفني للفريق الأول كمدرب مساعد لهانز فليك، وسيشمل دوره المساعدة في الجوانب التكتيكية والتحضير لجلسات التدريب، من بين أمور أخرى مستفيدًا من خبرته ورؤيته الكروية لإثراء العمل اليومي للفريق”.

ويعرف فليك ألكانتارا جيدًا حيث دربه في نادي بايرن ميونخ وقدم وقتها تياجو أفضل مستوياته في مسيرته الكروية، مساهمًا في حصول الفريق البافاري بموسم 2020 على ثلاثية تاريخية.

He has admitted to breaching article 2.4.7 of the code, which relates to obstructing or delaying an ACU (anti-corruption unit) investigation

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Oct-2024

Praveen Jayawickrama has played five Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is for Sri Lanka•BCCI

The ICC has banned Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama from all cricket for one year, of which the last six months are suspended, after he admitted to breaching the global body’s anti-corruption code.In August the ICC charged Jayawickrama with two breaches of the code. He has admitted to breaching article 2.4.7, which relates to: “Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU [anti-corruption unit], including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.”Related

Sri Lanka spinner Praveen Jayawickrama faces ICC corruption charges

The charges, according to an ICC release, relate to international cricket and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).Having made his international debut in a Test against Bangladesh in April 2021, Jayawickrama has played five Tests, five ODIs and five T20Is. His last appearance for Sri Lanka was in a T20I series at home against Australia in 2022.In LPL 2021, Jayawickrama was a part of the Jaffna Kings side that won its second title. He played one match that season, taking two wickets. In LPL 2024, he turned out for Dambulla Sixers.

Liverpool came into their pre-season clash with Milan full of optimism.

They’ve arguably had the best transfer window of any team this summer, namely signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.

Arne Slot’s team looks set to pack a firmer punch even than they did during their Premier League-winning campaign and things could get even better.

Indeed, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d like to explore an exit this summer.

That positivity, however, was not enough to carry them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s side 4-2.

Work to do then, largely at the back where options look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Still, they seem intent to taking steps to add more to the forward line.

Who could replace Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool

Any moves Liverpool complete between now and the end of the summer are likely to depend on what happens to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.

It’s largely been expected that the former takes his leave but where he ends up feels a little uncertain right now. As for Diaz, his future will be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to sign the Colombian winger for a fee of around £65m.

Should Nunez leave alongside Diaz, then the Reds could turn their attention to a record-breaking bid for Isak.

Yet, with Ekitike already through the door, signing an out-and-out replacement for Diaz would make a great deal more sense.

That’s where Liverpool’s wide options come into the equation. Another Toon star in the form of Anthony Gordon has been linked but that feels unlikely.

What’s more likely is concluding a deal for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s according to reports in Spain.

Reports a few weeks ago noted that Liverpool had begun talks to sign the Brazilian and now they are said to be leading the race to sign him.

It’s alleged that Arsenal are now out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds firm favourites. That being said, they will have to sell in order to find a move for a player being valued at around £87m.

That’s certainly a lot of money, but for a player compared to Wirtz, it’s easy to see why they’ve cast their eyes in the direction of the 24-year-old.

How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz

Described as the “best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer.

Many think the classic number 10 has died out but in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the heir to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.

He’s a creative machine, having assisted 15 goals last season, but he’s also more than competent in front of goal, netting 16 times in all competitions.

Not just capable of playing through the middle, Wirtz has also found a home in wide areas, just like Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t much of a number 10, however, like Wirtz, he’s played as a false 9 and out wide. His statistical data is also very similar.

Indeed, according to FBref, the German is the seventh-most similar attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year. Here’s why.

Rodrygo vs Wirtz in 2024/25 (league only)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Rodrygo

Wirtz

Goals

0.28

0.38

Assists

0.23

0.46

Shots

2.52

2.84

Pass success %

85.9%

78.3%

Shot-creating actions

4.95

5.66

Key passes

2.29

2.18

Progressive passes

5.05

6.74

Successful take-ons

2.29

3.14

Progressive carries

5.28

5.02

Progressive passes received

11.8

11.8

Stats via FBRef.

While Wirtz’s output is supremely better – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their data was comparable in other areas.

Looking at the numbers, it was actually the Real winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, although only marginally.

In the dribbling department, their ability to manipulate the ball in tight areas and advance beyond the defence is uncanny.

They’re dazzling with possession at their feet, something that’s backed up by the fact that they both average over five progressive carries per 90.

Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they receive an identical number of progressive passes, underlining their ability to be given the ball between the lines where they can impact proceedings in the final third.

While Rodrygo did go 17 games without a goal at one stage in 2024/25, his ability is obvious and if you’re a player earning comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a very talented footballer. After all, he is a “world-class superstar” in the words of Luka Modric.

For Liverpool, this would be a great move if Diaz departs.

Related New Fabinho: Liverpool prepare bid for "one of the best DMs on the planet"

Liverpool are looking at signing a new defensive midfielder this summer.

Posts 4 ByMatt Dawson Jul 20, 2025

يخوض منتخب مصر لكرة الطائرة “رجال” مباراة قوية وهامة أمام منافسه تونس، اليوم الخميس ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للكرة الطائرة.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع تونس، في إطار الجولة الثالثة من عمر مباريات المجموعة الأولى لبطولة العالم لكرة الطائرة.

وتلعب منافسات بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة 2025، في الفترة من 12 إلى 28 سبتمبر الجاري، في دولة الفلبين.

طالع | اتحاد الطائرة يتوصل إلى اتفاق مع ماركو بونيتا لتدريب منتخب مصر

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة مع منتخبات الفلبين وتونس وإيران.

ويحتاج منتخب مصر للفوز بمباراة اليوم أمام تونس من أجل حجز بطاقة التأهل إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة. موعد مباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تقام مباراة مصر أمام تونس، اليوم الخميس 18 سبتمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة 08:30 صباحا بتوقيت مصر والسعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة مصر وتونس اليوم في بطولة العالم للكرة الطائرة

تنقل المباراة بين منتخبي مصر وتونس، عبر قناة أون سبورت 1.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المصرية المحترفة، برئاسة أحمد دياب، بشكل رسمي، اليوم الخميس، عن الأندية المشاركة في بطولة السوبر المصري 2025-26.

وكان الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم قد قرر منذ موسمين إقامة بطولة كأس السوبر المصري بشكل جديد، بمشاركة 4 أندية بدلاً من نظامها القديم بين بطلي الدوري والكأس فقط.

طالع.. لتكافؤ الفرص.. تعديل مواعيد مباريات رباعي السوبر المصري في الدوري

وكانت آخر بطولة لـ كأس السوبر المصري في الموسم الماضي أقيمت في دولة الإمارات، وحقق الأهلي اللقب بالفوز في المباراة النهائية على الزمالك بركلات الترجيح.

وبحسب بيان رابطة الأندية، فإن بطولة كأس السوبر المصري ستقام في الإمارات في الفترة من 6-9 نوفمبر المقبل.

وأكد البيان أنه من المقرر مشاركة فرق الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز وسيراميكا كليوباترا في بطولة كأس السوبر المصري. الأندية المشاركة في كأس السوبر المصري 2025

1- الأهلي “بطل الدوري”

2- الزمالك “بطل كأس مصر”

3- سيراميكا كليوباترا “بطل كأس الرابطة”

4- بيراميدز “صاحب الكارت الذهبي”.

Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to bring a “truly great” player to Ibrox, according to a big update from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Russell Martin unhappy after Rangers draw

The Gers kicked off their Scottish Premiership season in disappointing fashion on Saturday, only managing to draw 1-1 away to Motherwell after conceding a late equaliser.

It’s fair to say that Rangers manager Russell Martin wasn’t holding back after the game, telling certain players to “drop their ego” and making it clear that improvements are needed.

“Some of them have to drop their ego, I’ll look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it. But today, it’s not really tactical, it’s a mentality problem, and we got more than what we deserved actually.

“We need work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t. But Europe is not an excuse. This club demands to play in Europe. We’ve qualified for that, so we’re going to be playing in Europe a lot and we’re going to have games after the European games a lot, and we have to manage them way better than today.”

There is still time for Rangers to make new signings, which Martin may want if he is unhappy with some of his current squad, and it now looks as though one piece of business is edging closer to being completed.

Rangers agree deal to sign "truly great" player

According to Joseph on X, Rangers have now agreed a deal in principle to sign Oliver Antman from Go Ahead Eagles this summer, worth £3m.

This is great news for the Gers, with the draw at Motherwell showing that added quality is required this summer, not least in wide attacking areas. Antman has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Scottish giants, with Ibrahim Afellay showering him with praise in the past.

“That Antman is really… I think the treasurer is rubbing his hands. He’s just going to make a great transfer at the end of the season. That boy is so smart. He is also technically skilled and has depth in his game. A truly great player. If I were AZ, I would take him blindly.”

Oliver Antman’s international stats

Caps

Goals

Finland

22

7

Finland Under-21s

11

2

Finland Under-19s

5

0

Finland Under-18s

2

1

Still only 23 years of age, there is so much time for Antman to improve as a player, and his ability to thrive on either flank will appeal greatly to Martin.

Related Rangers in talks to sign another "exciting" PL ace who the 49ers know well

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Aug 2, 2025

A tally of 16 assists in just 36 appearances for Go Ahead Eagles speaks volumes about his creativity, while seven goals in 22 caps for Finland is also an impressive return.

Gambhir also said he was not thinking about the team’s “transition and that kind of stuff”

S Sudarshanan11-Nov-20241:32

Gambhir: Rohit and Kohli ‘are still very hungry’

Gautam Gambhir has backed the senior batting duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the lead up to the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, which has gained a lot more significance for the WTC final qualification after India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home. Questions around their form gained momentum after both batters scored only one half-century each in ten innings combined against New Zealand and Bangladesh in the current home season.While Rohit tallied 133 runs in those ten innings with only one score of over 25 to average a mere 13.30, Kohli fared marginally better with 192 runs in as many outings, for an average of 21.33. The fact that India lost a Test series at home for the first time in 12 years, and were whitewashed 3-0 for the first time at home, added to the chatter.”Not at all,” Gambhir shot back at the press conference when asked if there were any concerns around the form of the duo. “I have got no concerns whatever over Virat and Rohit. I think they are incredibly tough men. They’ve achieved a lot for Indian cricket, and they will continue to achieve a lot in future as well. I think for me at the most important thing is that they still working really hard, they are still passionate, they still want to achieve a lot more and that is something which is very important. The hunger in that dressing room is incredibly important for me and for the entire group as well. I feel there’s a lot of hunger, especially after what has happened in the last series.”Related

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: What India and Australia can expect at the five venues

Gambhir: Rahul can open if Rohit misses first Test

Jurel, Prasidh thump Test door but opener conundrum persists

Rohit 'more comfortable' with match simulation than tour game

Questions around Kohli have been a lot louder compared to those around Rohit, who started the year with two Test centuries, against England in Rajkot and Dharamsala. Kohli had missed that entire series against England and scored his last Test century 16 months ago, in the West Indies. In the last five years, Kohli’s batting graph has seen a significant dip with only two hundreds to his name from 60 innings, at an average of under 32, which has taken his overall Test average down from nearly 55 in November 2019 to 47.83.Since Kohli is 36 and Rohit 37, there have also been raised questions around the inevitable transition of the India Test team. With R Ashwin 38 and Ravindra Jadeja turning 36 next month, Gambhir was asked how he was looking at this phase as the coach, especially since he was part of the earlier cycle of change as a player when the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and others retired.”Look, honestly I’m not even thinking that the team is in transition and that kind of stuff,” Gambhir said. “The only thing that is there at the moment in my mind is we go to Australia to play five Test matches. And I’ve said it that there are some incredibly tough people in that dressing room who have to achieve a lot of good things in the future as well. So you guys can keep talking about the transition and all that stuff. For me, I think they’re still very hungry and till the time they’re very hungry, I’m sure that they’ve got a lot of fire to achieve a lot of success for the nation.1:48

Gambhir: ‘I knew it was going to be a highly difficult job’

“And you should never doubt their passion for the country. So I feel that transition or no transition, those things can happen, and those things will keep happening in Indian cricket, but at the moment it’s the five Test matches that are important.”Looking back, Gambhir accepted India were “outplayed” by New Zealand but were not looking at the WTC scenarios, and banking on the experience in the squad to tackle the challenges of winning a series in Australia.”I am not going to sit here and defend [the loss against New Zealand]; I think we were outplayed in all the three departments,” Gambhir said. “They were more professional and we accept that. And I think the criticism what we are receiving, we take it with both hands and we keep moving forward, keep getting better every day. Three Test matches before, we had an incredible Test match in Kanpur [against Bangladesh]. So I know that we haven’t played our best cricket, but it doesn’t change that Australia is a new series and we go out there thinking that we’re going to definitely try and win that series.”The first and foremost challenge is obviously the conditions. In these ten days, if we can get good, proper preparation before the start of the series, I think we are going to be in a really good shape. And we’ve got a lot of experienced players who’ve been to Australia a lot many times. Their experience will come in handy for the young players as well. These ten days are going to be very crucial but come 22nd morning, I think we should be absolutely ready to fire from ball one.”

After a huge 4-1 win in the Summer Series last night, Manchester United are finally showing glimpses of the quality of a side that could achieve something under Ruben Amorim.

Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams all managed to get on the scoresheet, highlighting the talent the side possesses within the final third.

However, despite the four-goal haul, Benjamin Sesko still remains a key target for the Red Devils this summer, with talks being held for the RB Leipzig striker.

The 22-year-old registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, potentially being one of the key targets the hierarchy are pursuing at the top end of the pitch.

However, other targets are also being considered across other areas of the pitch, as the boss looks to make his side as competitive as possible ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The midfield department has been subject to interest in recent days, unsurprisingly so, given the lack of options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Morten Hjulmand, Eberechi Eze and Douglas Luiz all appear to be on their radar, but the latter could be going elsewhere after Nottingham Forest entered talks to sign him.

However, the goalkeeping department is also subject to investment this summer, with Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach for the German’s signature, after the 32-year-old was made free to leave the Etihad this summer.

It also states that the player himself is open to discussing a move to Old Trafford despite the rivalry, but no final decision has been made about his next destination.

Why United’s latest signing would be bad news for Onana

Andre Onana has been United’s number one option between the sticks in recent times, costing a staggering £47.2m from Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

The Cameroonian was seen as the perfect replacement for David de Gea, but his time in Manchester has been a disaster, subsequently being subject to anger from the fanbase.

He’s been massively prone to mistakes during his stint at Old Trafford, notching a tally of eight errors leading to goals – ultimately costing the side in numerous key areas.

Altay Bayindir was utilised as an alternative at multiple points of the recent campaign, which has highlighted the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Ortega would cost this summer, he could provide Amorim with an excellent option to help him improve the situation currently playing out in Manchester.

When comparing his stats to those of Onana in England’s top-flight last season, the German managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a great fit for their number one position.

Ortega, who’s been labelled “incredible” by teammate Rodri, managed to register more saves per 90, along with a higher save percentage – handing Amorim a more confident and reliable option between the sticks.

How Ortega & Onana compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Ortega

Onana

Games played

13

34

Save percentage

69%

68%

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Clean sheet percentage

27%

26%

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

% of long passes

32%

66%

Crosses stopped

7%

5%

Errors leading to goals

0

6

Stats via FBref

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer being long balls, having the ability to play out from the back should the side need that option.

The City star’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of fewer errors leading to goals, having the tools to massively improve such a situation ahead of next season.

The next few weeks will be interesting for the player if he is to move, with the Red Devils fanbase undoubtedly sceptical about the move given his status at their rivals.

However, it’s evident that the player himself would be an excellent addition this summer, ending any lingering doubts about the quality currently at the manager’s disposal at the back.

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 31, 2025