Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu had quite the unique game Monday night, hitting both an inside-the-park home run and a grand slam in the team's 13–6 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park.
He made it all the way around the bases and home safely in the fifth inning after he striped a ball to center field that took an awkward, unplayable bounce off the triangle wall at Fenway. Reds center fielder TJ Friedl slipped trying to redirect and track down the ball, allowing Abreu to make it home without a play at the plate. Then, in the eighth inning, he cleared the shallow wall at Fenway with the bases juiced to open up Boston's lead to eight runs.
He joined a small club of players who have hit an inside-the-park homer and a grand slam separately in the same game—a feat which hasn't been seen since Roger Maris in 1958 according to MLB reporter Sarah Langs.
Abreu's big day marked the sixth time in history a player has had an inside-the-parker plus a grand slam. Other than Maris, he joined Jim Tabor (1939), Charlie Gehringer (1930), Everett Scott (1923) and Jocko Fields (1890).
What a game for Abreu, which helped spark Boston's struggling offense to give the team just their second win over the past nine games. It's not every day you see a first for this century, let alone in the past 67 years. Keep this one in the back of your mind for a trivia question down the road.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has offered a staunch defence of under-fire Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, insisting he has "seen this movie" of crisis talk many times before. Despite the champions suffering back-to-back defeats and facing intense scrutiny over their form, the league chief believes the Basque coach has the "Madrid DNA" required to survive the storm and turn the season around.
Same old story at Real Madrid
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu has turned toxic in recent weeks, with Alonso's tenure reportedly hanging by a thread following a disastrous run of results in which they have won just two of their last eight matches. However, amidst the clamour for change and the swirling rumours of an imminent dismissal, the president of La Liga has stepped in to offer a calming perspective. Tebas, speaking ahead of a pivotal weekend for the Spanish giants, dismissed the panic surrounding the club, suggesting that such dramatic narratives are par for the course at Real Madrid.
When asked about Alonso’s precarious situation with his future reportedly on the line this Sunday, Tebas was defiant in his support, telling reporters: "I have seen this movie many times before. Real Madrid is a team that knows how to overcome situations. Xabi Alonso has Madrid DNA and I believe that he, the players and the club will move forward. They have had that mentality since they were children and Xabi has lived it from home."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportA week from hell in Madrid
Tebas’ confidence stands in stark contrast to the mood in the Spanish capital. Alonso is currently navigating the darkest period of his short managerial career at Madrid, with the pressure gauge firmly in the red following a catastrophic week. The crisis began last weekend with a shock home defeat to Celta Vigo – a result that saw the Galicians secure their first league victory at the Bernabeu in 19 years – and was compounded midweek by a humbling loss to City in the Champions League.
Reports emerging from Spain suggest that the board's confidence in Alonso was already fracturing before the City defeat. The hierarchy is believed to be deeply concerned not just by the results, but by the manner of the performances. The team have looked disjointed and lethargic, with the exciting, structured football Alonso implemented at Bayer Leverkusen failing to translate to a squad built on individual brilliance. The loss to Pep Guardiola’s side has reportedly pushed the board to the brink, with many outlets suggesting that anything less than a convincing victory this Sunday could spell the end for the Basque coach.
Alonso is 'perfectly prepared' to turn it around
Despite the noise, Tebas believes Alonso has the character to ignore the speculation. He highlighted the coach’s extraordinary achievement in the Bundesliga – where he went unbeaten with Leverkusen and sealed the club's first ever top-flight title – as proof of his elite managerial credentials. For Tebas, the key is for Alonso to remain true to his principles rather than bending to the external pressure.
"Let him continue to be himself," Tebas advised when asked what counsel he would offer the beleaguered manager. "He is a coach who has triumphed and it is not easy to do so in a Bundesliga with the level of competition that exists.
"He is perfectly prepared to carry this forward. I encourage him and Real Madrid, because they always get out of these situations."
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Getty Images SportVinicius tensions add to the fire
While results on the pitch are the primary driver of the crisis, the situation is being exacerbated by significant internal friction, particularly concerning Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian winger has been at the centre of a storm due Alonso occasionally dropping him to the bench. His angry reaction to being substituted against Barcelona caused a stir in the Spanish media, too. The lack of public sanction for that dissent has led to accusations that Alonso has lost authority over the dressing room.
Real Madrid face a do-or-die encounter against Alaves this Sunday in La Liga. They are currently four points behind leaders Barcelona in the table and failure to win will likely see them fall further behind and could result in Alonso's dismissal.
Diego Simeone has stirred the Champions League conversation by boldly naming Inter as the competition’s “strongest team” even after Atletico Madrid edged them with a dramatic 93rd-minute winner at the Wanda Metropolitano. The Argentine’s remarks come as Arsenal maintain a perfect record in the tournament, adding further intrigue to a campaign where momentum, form and perceptions are shifting every week.
Atletico stun Inter but Simeone points praise elsewhere
Los Colchoneros kept their Champions League hopes alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter, decided by Jose Maria Gimenez’s towering 93rd-minute header. The Uruguayan rose highest to meet Antoine Griezmann’s corner, finishing off a gripping contest that had swayed back and forth all night. Earlier, Julian Alvarez opened the scoring for the hosts before Piotr Zielinski equalised for the Nerazzurri, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale. The win, Atleti's third in the competition, pushed them up to nine points, keeping alive their slim but real hope of reaching the last-16 round without having to navigate a knockout play-off tie. The visitors, meanwhile, suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season under Cristian Chivu. Yet Simeone’s post-match tone was anything but triumphant.
Despite Arsenal defeating Bayern Munich 3-1 to remain the only team with a perfect record and despite Atleti being thrashed 4-0 by the Gunners earlier in the campaign, Simeone refused to name Mikel Arteta’s side as Europe’s benchmark. Instead, he offered a firm and unexpected verdict on who leads the pack heading into the decisive phase of the competition. As the celebrations at the Metropolitano tapered off, the Argentine shifted the focus from the result to the bigger European picture and his comments set up the perfect moment for his headline-grabbing declaration.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'Inter are the strongest team in the Champions League' – Simeone
Before celebrating the magnitude of Atletico’s win, Simeone made it clear where he believes the real power lies in Europe right now. Speaking to after the final whistle, he said: “There’s no doubt about it. Inter are the strongest team in the Champions League right now.”
He then reflected on how Atletico approached the match and the impact of his substitutes: “That’s why we played a first half to hinder their play. We knew that in the second half we could express our full repertoire, with top-class players like Griezmann, [Alexander] Sorloth, and Nico Gonzalez, who came on very well and allowed us to score in the final move. It was very nice, but the idea, regardless of the result, was the same. I don’t know how to live in my comfort zone; I prefer to stay that way. You have to work with faith, love, and quality. I have players who follow me, and that’s crucial for every coach. Today, there were strikers on the bench who wanted to start, and when they came on, they showed their worth.”
Praise from their future manager?
The 55-year-old's admiration for Inter did not come out of nowhere. His connection to the Nerazzurri remains deep and he had already stirred headlines on the eve of the match. When asked openly about the possibility of managing Inter in the future, the Atletico boss offered one of the most candid answers of his career.
With calm confidence, he said: “It doesn’t depend on just me, but in my coaching career I can imagine myself managing Inter one day. I think it will happen one day.”
Those comments, paired with his glowing praise after full-time, underline the esteem in which Simeone holds the Serie A club. It also places his verdict in context: Atletico may have beaten Inter, but he still views them as Europe’s most complete and balanced side, even ahead of Arsenal, whom he notably did not select despite their perfect start to the Champions League.
Los Rojiblancos themselves have been erratic in Europe this season, mixing strong wins with heavy setbacks, and Simeone’s words reflect both respect for Inter’s structure and recognition of his own squad’s inconsistency.
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Getty Images SportAtletico back in the hunt but tougher tests await
Atleti's late winner lifts them to nine points, keeping alive their slim but realistic hopes of reaching the knockout rounds. The victory comes at a crucial time, as their Champions League campaign had been hanging in the balance. Simeone will now look to carry that momentum into domestic action. Atletico return to La Liga on Saturday with a home fixture against Real Oviedo, aiming to stabilise their league form and build confidence ahead of their next European challenge.
The Champions League journey resumes on December 9, when they travel to face PSV, a match that could define whether this revived campaign becomes a genuine knockout run or another season of missed opportunities. For now, though, the Argentine has made his stance crystal clear: Inter are the team to beat, and beating them only reinforced his belief.
After the 15th-place finish in the Premier League during 2024/25, all eyes were on Ruben Amorim this campaign to try and resurrect his career as Manchester United boss.
The 40-year-old was certainly on borrowed time before a ball was kicked, but there’s no doubt the pressure has been eased, given the recent results in England’s top-flight.
He’s led his side to a five-game unbeaten run in the last couple of weeks, with such a period even seeing the Red Devils claim three wins in a row for the first time in his tenure.
As a result, Amorim claimed the division’s Manager of the Month award for October, also achieving such a feat for the first time since taking the reins a little over 12 months ago.
However, he wasn’t the only United representative to receive recognition for their efforts, as one player endured a month to remember at Old Trafford under his guidance.
Why Bryan Mbeumo won the October Player of the Month award
Like Amorim, Bryan Mbeumo was a player with expectations placed upon him by the United faithful, after the hierarchy splashed a reported £71m on his signature in the summer window.
The Cameroonian scored a staggering 20 league goals at Brentford last season, with the supporters placing faith in the forward to transform the club’s fortunes in the final third.
However, upon his move to Manchester, it was evident he would be asked to operate in a slightly different position compared to his right-wing role in West London during 2024/25.
Amorim’s system operates with two narrow number tens behind the striker, with the big-money addition being brought into the club to feature in such a position rather than out wide.
However, it hasn’t seemed to have hindered his progress, as he scored his first league goal against Burnley back in August, before springing into life at Old Trafford back in the month of October.
The 26-year-old featured in three games during the aforementioned month, subsequently registering a goal or assist in every one of his appearances for Amorim’s side – leading to his Player of the Month award.
His first contribution came at the start of the winning run, with his assist for Mason Mount helping secure the Red Devils a 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sunderland.
Mbeumo’s biggest moment in October undoubtedly came against Liverpool at Anfield, with the forward slotting home just minutes into the clash and securing the club their first win at Anfield in nearly a decade.
His final outing came against Brighton & Hove Albion on home soil, with the Cameroonian netting twice and securing a phenomenal 4-2 triumph over the Seagulls.
The United star who’s been a better signing than Mbeumo
Whilst it’s still early days in his career at United, Mbeumo has already made an immediate impact and is starting to showcase why the hierarchy splashed such a huge fee on his signature.
He’s already found the back of the net on five occasions, with his latest effort against Tottenham Hotspur cementing his place as the club’s top scorer in 2025/26.
Other figures, such as 1.3 shots on target per 90 and a 2.5 assist xG, rank him top within the Red Devils squad, further highlighting his incredible start to life in Manchester.
Mbeumo wasn’t alone in moving to Old Trafford during the off-season, with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko also joining him in the final third to transform the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
Senne Lammens was the final addition made by the United hierarchy in the summer window, with the Belgian coming in to provide competition in the goalkeeping department.
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir both struggled to nail down the starting position last campaign, with the former of the duo registering eight errors that led to goals last season alone.
The Cameroonian was subsequently shipped out on loan to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, leaving new addition Lammens to stake his claim for the number one shirt under Amorim.
Whilst he was an unused substitute in each of his first three matches for the Red Devils, the 23-year-old was handed his maiden start against Sunderland at the start of October.
Since then, the player and supporters haven’t looked back, with Lammens providing the quality which the first-team have massively lacked between the sticks in recent seasons.
He’s already claimed two Man of the Match awards in his first five appearances, with the club yet to taste defeat when the Belgian is named in the starting eleven.
His underlying stats further prove his importance to Amorim’s men, as he’s undoubtedly saved the side in numerous key matches since his arrival at Old Trafford.
Games played
5
Minutes played
450
Saves made
14
Goals prevented
0.3
Goals conceded
7
Clean sheets
1
High claims
5
Passes completed
75
The goalkeeper is currently averaging 2.8 saves per 90, whilst he also has a positive goal prevented record, with most of his efforts coming in the superb triumph over local rivals Liverpool last month.
Lammens, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by one analyst, has also made 1.2 high claims per 90, subsequently offering the needed aerial presence in the 18-yard box – something which Onana massively struggled with last season.
One of his most important assets is his ball-playing ability, which has seen him register 9.1 long balls per 90 – which ranks him in the top 5% of all ‘keepers in the division.
There’s little denying that Mbeumo has transformed the club’s frontline in recent weeks, with his transfer one that has proved to be a success in the early stages.
However, the goalkeeping situation was the glaring problem for Amorim last season, with Lammens now handing the club an incredible option to rely upon for at least the next decade and beyond.
Should he carry on such a path, there’s no reason why the Belgian can’t play a vital role in any success endured during Amorim’s tenure at the Theatre of Dreams.
Their own Anderson: Man Utd to make £53m bid to sign "world-class" CM
Manchester United are set to make a January move for another top-level central midfielder.
If Danny Röhl did not know he had a big job on his hands already at Rangers, he certainly knows that now.
On Thursday night, the Glasgow outfit were swatted aside 2-0 by Roma at Ibrox, the club’s seventh successive European defeat, leaving them rock bottom of the gigantic Europa League table, still yet to get off the mark.
Having also been beaten by Brann and then Celtic in Sunday’s League Cup semi-finals, Röhl has become the first ever permanent Rangers manager to taste as many as three defeats across his first five games in charge.
In his press conference after the game, the German insisted that this job was not bigger than he first thought but, even though he currently has the fans onside, this can quickly turn, as Russell Martin found out, lasting only 17 games in the Ibrox hot seat.
So, with a game against Dundee at Dens Park next up for the Light Blues on Sunday, which regular starter should be on borrowed time, as Röhl targets an upturn in both performances and results?
Rangers' catastrophic summer spending
Earlier this year, 49ers Enterprises completed their takeover of Rangers, which was supposed to commence a new era of success on Glasgow’s south side.
Well, they inarguably got the appointment of manager Russell Martin wrong, while a huge amount of money was spent in the summer, albeit not very well, as the table below documents.
Lyall Cameron
Dundee
Compensation
Joe Rothwell
Bournemouth
£400k
Emmanuel Fernandez
Peterborough
£3.5m
Thelo Aasgaard
Luton Town
£3.5m
Nasser Djiga
Wolves
Loan
Djeidi Gassama
Sheff Wednesday
£2.2m
Mikey Moore
Tottenham
Loan
Oliver Antman
Go Ahead Eagles
£3m
Jayden Meghoma
Brentford
Loan
Bojan Miovski
Girona
£2.6m
Youssef Chermiti
Everton
£8m
Derek Cornelius
Marseille
Loan
Cyriel Dessers
Panathinaikos
£3.5m
Hamza Igamane
Lille
£10.5m
Rıdvan Yılmaz
Beşiktaş
£2m
Jefté
Palmeiras
£6m
Robin Pröpper
Twente
£1.5m
Václav Černý
Beşiktaş
End of loan
As the table documents, Rangers spent over £23m in the summer, while recouping a similar amount, all of which has made the squad substantially worse.
£8m, potentially rising to £10m in add-ons, was splashed to bring in Youssef Chermiti from Everton, who has scored just one goal for the club to date, replacing Hamza Igamane who departed for Lille for a similar amount, but has been on fire in Northern France, netting seven times for les Dogues already.
Similarly, Bojan Miovski has so far been a sub-par replacement for last season’s top-scorer Cyriel Dessers, who netted 29 times across all competitions, while star attacker Václav Černý simply has not been replaced, with teenager Jayden Meghoma appearing out of his depth, which isn’t ideal considering both senior left-backs Jefté and Rıdvan Yılmaz were sold.
Speaking on TNT Sports after Thursday’s defeat to Roma, Rangers legend Ally McCoist asserted that it will take at least three transfer windows to fix Rangers current predicament, asserting that he hopes the board back Röhl, noting that recruitment has to be a concern, given what sporting director Kevin Thelwell has delivered so far.
For now, Röhl has to work with the players in his squad and is under pressure to deliver results, so which of the summer recruits is on borrowed time?
The Rangers summer signing Danny Röhl must axe
They say first impressions are the most important, which is not ideal for Nasser Djiga.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
After arriving on a season-long loan from Wolves, aforementioned sporting director Thelwell backed the new defender to “flourish”.
Well, the Burkinabé international marked his home Premiership debut by being sent off against Dundee during a dismal 1-1 draw at Ibrox.
Nevertheless, mistakes happen and the 22-year-old former Crvena zvezda defender is only young, we’re sure he will learn.
Well, ten days later, Djiga’s catastrophic error presented Romeo Vermant with the opening goal just three minutes into the Champions League play-off tie, a two-legged affair Club Brugge would go onto win 9-1.
As a result, Djiga then spent a few weeks left in reserve, but has started the last three matches, with Röhl switching to a back three, seeking extra defensive solidity.
Nevertheless, Graham Falk of the Scotsman was not impressed with his performance against Roma, labelling the centre-back ‘unconvincing’, adding that he ‘completely lost his man’ for the corner from which Roma opened the scoring, concluding that he is one of many ‘poor summer signings’,
Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman meantime documented his ‘really difficult’ afternoon for the defender against Celtic at Hampden last Sunday, while Gazzetta dello Sport described him as the ‘worst’ player on the pitch after that game.
Against Roma, Djiga started in the back three alongside captain James Tavernier and John Souttar, meaning Derek Cornelius and Emmanuel Fernandez, who has made just three appearances for the club to date, were left in reserve.
Thus, even if he does stick with this back three shape, Röhl does have alternative options to the ticking time bomb of defensive errors that is Djiga.
Fernandez, who has played just one minute since August, and Cornelius, who has been generally impressive, are surely better options, starting at Dens on Sunday, facing the side Djiga has already been sent off against, so the Wolves loanee must improve if he’s to remain in the first-choice XI.
Fewer touches than Butland: Rohl must axe Rangers man who lost the ball 11x
Rangers have now lost four out of four in the Europa League, and Danny Röhl must drop the flop who lost the ball 11 times against Roma on Thursday.
Ayush Mhatre raced to an 80-ball 126 but with all results on the table, rain had the final say again
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Jul-2025Ben Dawkins struck a century and Ralphie Albert claimed a ten-wicket haul as England Under-19 drew against India Under-19 in the second Youth Test in Chelmsford. Kent opener Dawkins made an impressive 136 and shared a 188-run opening stand with Adam Thomas before England declared on 324 for 5 thanks to some middle-order firepower, as they looked to pursue an unlikely win. But Ayush Mhatre’s century extinguished those hopes despite Surrey spinner Albert’s eventual match figures of 10 for 129. The result meant that the two-match series finished level.With the pitch offering little assistance at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, England’s openers picked up where they left off and Dawkins brought up his half-century with a flick off his pads for two in the fourth over of the day.Thomas provided ample support, on his way to 91, as England quickly extended their lead towards 200 in the first hour as the Indian attack toiled.India had a half-chance for an opening wicket as both openers entered the nervous nineties, but Dawkins narrowly avoided a run-out after taking a hasty single to cover.With lunch looming, Aditya Rawat finally got the breakthrough, taking a regulation caught-and-bowled chance as Thomas fell short of a century.Dawkins brought up a deserved hundred on the brink of lunch with a piercing cover drive for four, having nearly been caught on 99 playing the same shot on the previous ball.Ben Mayes looked to counterattack but was dismissed by Rawat for a quickfire 11 when a leading edge flew straight down the throat of Henil Patel at deep third.As England’s lead passed 250, Dawkins and Thomas Rew began to attack more with the skipper hitting a flurry of boundaries before Rawat bowled him for 19.As the runs flowed, so did the wickets, as Dawkins and Rocky Flintoff continued the boundary assault before both were caught in the deep.After Aaryan Sawant and Ekansh Singh smashed a few sixes of their own, England eventually declared on 324 for 5, leaving India with 65 overs to chase down 355 or simply survive.England got off to a dream start when Alex Green’s opening delivery was chopped on by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, fuelling the hopes of victory.But India soon extinguished these hopes. While Vihaan Malhotra dug in, Mhatre attacked, racking up 50 in just 25 balls as India steadied the ship.Albert’s drop at long on when Mhatre was on 54 looked like a potentially pivotal moment as the clouds grew darker and the floodlights switched on.But Albert wasted no time in making amends with the ball, as he dismissed Malhotra in his first over, leaving India 100 for 2 as tea beckoned.India also harboured dim hopes of victory as Abhigyan Kundu joined Mhatre and hit two sixes in the first two overs after the break to keep ahead of the required run rate.Mhatre also kept the momentum going and made the most of his earlier reprieve to bring up a remarkable century off 64 balls.Kundu was equally aggressive in the middle and brought up his half-century with a well-placed four, striking at over 150 in the process.But Mhatre finally fell for 126, caught by Mayes on the long-on boundary as Albert got his revenge, triggering a mini-collapse for India.Kundu edged to slip 15 minutes later before Rahul Kumar chipped the ball straight back to Mayes, swinging the momentum back towards England.However, India’s lower order rallied and when drizzle forced the players off the umpires ended the match as a draw.
Ruben Amorim has admitted that his Manchester United side 'still have a lot to do' after their 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Saturday. Matthijs de Ligt scored a late equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League's lunchtime kick off as the spoils were shared in north London. While United can take solace from the commendable point, Amorim still believes there is more to come from his side.
AFPUnited rescued a late point at Tottenham
United went ahead on the half hour mark at Tottenham through Premier League Player of the Month for October Bryan Mbeumo, who was on hand to head Amad Diallo's cross past Guglielmo Vicario. Amorim's side went in at the break ahead, prompting the home fans to boo the players off as they looked to improve upon their dire home league form.
Spurs were level in the 84th minute as substitute Mathys Tel saw his effort deflect past Senne Lammens, the Belgian having denied both Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha earlier in the second half as Thomas Frank's side pushed for an equaliser. And the north London side thought they'd won it in second half injury time as Wilson Odobert's effort came off Richarlison's head and past Lammens.
However, United drew level in the 95th minute as De Ligt rose highest at the back post to meet Bruno Fernandes' corner to rescue a point for the visitors.
Advertisement'We have a lot to do'
While pleased with the result, Amorim believes his United side 'have a lot to do' as they look to build upon Saturday's stalemate. "During the game we felt like the three points were there to take home. But then with everything that happened, Harry Maguire and Casemiro coming off and conceding two goals… we scored again and it's a point," Amorim told TNT Sports after the game.
"When you cannot win you don't lose, once again we did that. We have so much to grow as a team, because today was our day to win this game. We need to look at ourselves, we were not pressing with the same intensity, we felt comfortable but we need to understand that if we had more bravery we kill the game. But sometimes this happens, you have a better first half than second.
"We believe in our capacity to score goals until the last minute. It's a little frustration, but also pride at the response of the players at the response to second goal of Tottenham.
"This is the tip of the iceberg, we are at the beginning of becoming a strong team, so we have a lot to do."
Getty Images SportAmorim praises Lammens after draw
Amorim also praised Lammens following the draw at Spurs. The Belgian could do little to prevent Tel and Richarlison from scoring a quickfire debut but managed smart stops to prevent Romero and Palhinha from scoring early after the restart.
"He is doing really well, he understands in a game a lot of things can happen, but as a goalkeeper you have to move on. It's a like a new game every time the ball is on the pitch," Amorim said of the summer signing.
And on Benjamin Sesko, who took a knock after a fine last ditch Micky van de Ven tackle, the United boss added: "We have to see, we think he has a problem but let's see."
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United looking to extend unbeaten run vs Everton
United's 2-2 draw with Tottenham means they are now unbeaten in five heading into the international break, though have drawn their last two at Nottingham Forest and Spurs. They return to domestic duties later this month with the welcome of Everton, before travelling to Crystal Palace at the end of November.
Tottenham, meanwhile, face a testing trip to north London rivals Arsenal when they return to league action in two weeks' time. Frank will hope to recover key men for the North London Derby as the Dane looks to improve upon a run of two wins in their last seven Premier League outings, both victories of which came away from home as Spurs beat Leeds and Everton, respectively.
Rohit Sharma confirmed that he would continue to play ODI cricket, where he is India’s captain
ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-20252:16
Kumble: Straight from the heart, that’s Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect, meaning India will need to name a new full-time captain almost immediately after the end of IPL 2025, with India’s five-Test series in England scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley.”Hello everyone I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format,” Rohit, who had retired from T20Is after India won the T20 World Cup last year with him as captain, said in a post on social media on Wednesday evening.Rohit retires with 4301 runs in 67 Test matches, averaging 40.57 despite the poor recent run. He scored 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries over the years, with a best of 212, against South Africa in Ranchi in October 2019.Related
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Gill leads the race for India's next Test captain after Rohit's retirement
Gambhir: India should not play Pakistan at all
Roger Binny, the former India allrounder and current BCCI president, paid tribute to Rohit.”Mr Rohit Sharma’s impact on Indian cricket transcends records and statistics,” Binny said in a statement. “He brought a sense of calm and assurance to the team – both as a player and as a captain. His ability to stay composed under pressure and to consistently put the team’s needs above his own made him a truly special player and leader. Indian cricket has been fortunate to have a figure like Rohit – someone who upheld the highest standards of professionalism and sportsmanship. He leaves behind not just a remarkable playing record, but a culture of discipline and selflessness that will inspire future generations.”ESPNcricinfo LtdAs recently as Tuesday, Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach across the three international formats, had said in response to a question on the future of senior pros Rohit and Virat Kohli that “Till the time they are performing, they should be a part of the team. When you start and when you end is your individual decision. No coach, no selector, no BCCI can tell you when you should call it quits. If you perform, then why 40, you can jolly well play till 45, who’s stopping you?”Rohit’s decision comes after poor home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand late last year and then a horror tour of Australia across December 2024 and January 2025, where he crossed 50 just once and averaged 10.93 from eight Test matches. India won both the Tests against Bangladesh, but were swept 3-0 by New Zealand under Rohit’s captaincy, and then lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia 3-1.Rohit missed the first and last Tests on that tour of Australia, the first to be at home in India for the birth of his child, and the last, in Sydney, where he “stood down”. At the time, he had stressed that it was just that, a reaction to his poor batting form, not a “retirement decision”, and that he was not “going to take myself out of the game”. Jasprit Bumrah is currently India’s designated vice-captain and led in the first and last Tests in Australia in Rohit’s absence.Speaking to ” during the Test match, Rohit had said, “I sat out of this match because runs are not coming off my bat. There is no guarantee runs won’t come five or two months down the line. I have seen a lot in cricket that life changes every second, every minute, every day.”I have confidence in me that things can change, but at the same time I have to be realistic as well. So life won’t change by what people with a mic, pen or laptop write or say. They can’t decide when we should retire, when we should sit out, when we should captain. I am a sensible man, mature man, father of two kids. So I know what I need in life.”5:13
Kumble on Rohit’s Test retirement: ‘You know when it’s time and you don’t regret it’
Immediately after returning from Australia, Rohit played a one-off match for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in January after the selectors in coordination with BCCI made it mandatory for contracted players to feature in domestic cricket. Rohit’s batting woes continued as he made 3 and 28 against Jammu & Kashmir.While the selectors decided to keep him as India’s captain for the Champions Trophy, Rohit was aware success in the ICC event wouldn’t guarantee his spot in the Test format. And, so, despite his leading India to the title in March, Rohit decided to bring the curtains down on his Test career.The development comes with little over a month to go for the start of India’s five-Test tour of England on June 20. The selectors are expected to finalise the Test squad in the coming weeks, but with Rohit retiring, the biggest question for the Ajit Agarkar-led panel would be naming the next Test captain.Bumrah is an option but putting that responsibility on a fast bowler, particularly one who has just returned from injury might not be easy. He shouldered a heavy workload during the Australia tour and was diagnosed with a stress reaction on his lower back, resulting in his being unable to bowl in the second innings of the final Test in Sydney. Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy thereafter and only resumed playing since April in the IPL where he represents Mumbai Indians.
O Palmeiras teve mais um dia sem grandes novidades em relação ao mercado de contratações. Enquanto isso, justamente devido à pressão da torcida alviverde por reforços, a presidente Leila Pereira virou assunto na imprensa europeia nesta quinta (27). Ainda, o volante Pedro Lima, Cria da Academia, está próximo de deixar o Verdão rumo a Portugal. Por fim, o técnico Abel Ferreira parece finalmente ter chegado a um período de trégua com a arbitragem. Confira as notícias:
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+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!
LEILA CHAMADA DE ‘MÃO DE VACA’
Em artigo do jornal ‘A Bola’, um dos mais conceituados de Portugal, a presidente Leila Pereira foi chamada de ‘forreta’, que na tradução para o português brasileiro seria uma pessoa mão de vaca, que não gosta muito de gastar. As críticas se devem muito por conta da pressão da torcida do Palmeiras por reforços e pela falta de ação da diretoria nesta janela de transferências do meio de temporada. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)
CRIA DA ACADEMIA PODE ESTAR DE MALAS PRONTAS
O Palmeiras está próximo de negociar o volante Pedro Lima por empréstimo ao futebol português. A informação foi dada em primeira mão pela ESPN e confirmada pelo Lance!. O clube seria o Acadêmico de Viseu, mas o negócio ainda não está sacramentado. A reportagem apurou que a confirmação deverá acontecer em breve. O estafe do jogador entende que a oportunidade é boa diante da possível falta de oportunidades no profissional. (Clique e leia a matéria completa)
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ABEL EM PAZ COM A ARBITRAGEM
Apesar dos recentes ‘atritos’ com a arbitragem e o consequente alto número de cartões recebidos em jogos do Palmeiras, o técnico Abel Ferreira parece finalmente ter chegado a um período de trégua. Cumprindo sua ‘promessa’, o treinador do Verdão não leva cartões há cinco jogos consecutivos, o que não acontece desde o início do ano. O último foi há mais de um mês, quando foi advertido com amarelo no duelo diante do Botafogo (Clique e leia a matéria completa)
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has been one of the most compelling stories of the summer. After sealing promotion via the play-offs with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at Wembley, the Black Cats have wasted little time trying to prove they belong at the top level.
Backed by ambitious ownership and a clear recruitment strategy, the club have already invested more than £135m in new players, signalling their intent to establish themselves in the division.
The Stadium of Light has welcomed a string of high-profile arrivals, each carefully selected to elevate both quality and depth across the squad.
Granit Xhaka was lured from Bayer Leverkusen to anchor the midfield, while Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra have injected dynamism into the attack.
Club Brugge talent Chemsdine Talbi provides further promise for the future, and Nordi Mukiele, a £12m purchase from Paris Saint-Germain, adds defensive versatility following his loan spell at Leverkusen.
The excitement was palpable when Sunderland began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win in front of a packed-out home crowd.
However, reality struck in their second fixture – a 2-0 defeat away to Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sunderland make new transfer bid
With Brentford next up at the Stadium of Light, head coach Régis Le Bris and his recruitment team are determined to finalise what they see as the “final piece of their defensive jigsaw” before the transfer window closes.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris
That final piece is expected to strengthen Sunderland’s backline, particularly in central defence where the club want a reliable partner for Mukiele.
Reports this week suggest Sunderland have identified their man, and negotiations are already well underway.
According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, Sunderland have submitted an increased offer to Bologna for Colombian international Jhon Lucumí. The player is said to be “open to the move”.
Transfer Focus
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The bid, believed to be worth £24m, reflects the Black Cats’ determination to land the 27-year-old, who has just one year remaining on his contract in Italy.
A recently expired release clause means Bologna are now free to negotiate openly, though Sunderland remain confident given the player’s openness to a Premier League move.
Lucumí has built a strong reputation in Serie A since joining Bologna from Belgian side Genk in 2022. Last season, he featured 44 times across all competitions for Bologna, including seven appearances in the Champions League – experience that would add further resilience to Sunderland’s back line.
For Sunderland, the move would underline the club’s ambition and their belief that strengthening defensively is key to building on their successful play-off campaign.
Why Lucumí could be the perfect partner for Mukiele
The potential partnership between Mukiele and Lucumí represents an intriguing blend of attributes.
Sunderland’s recruitment has shown a clear preference for complementary skillsets, and the statistical comparison between the two defenders highlights exactly why the club view Lucumí as the missing piece.
According to FBref, Lucumí’s passing stands out. His 91.1% pass completion rate last season far exceeds Mukiele’s 80.4%, reflecting his calmness under pressure and suitability for building from the back.
He also averages more progressive passes per 90 minutes (3.72 compared with Mukiele’s 3.60), suggesting he can drive play forward rather than simply passing sideways.
Perhaps most significantly, the Sunderland target’s long passing numbers are a major asset: he completed 7.14 long passes per 90, more than three times Mukiele’s 2.20, allowing Sunderland to stretch opponents and transition quickly.
In terms of defensive distribution, Lucumí also boasts a greater progressive passing distance (376.4 per 90) compared to Mukiele’s 254.4.
Defensively, the contrast is more balanced. Mukiele edges Lucumí in tackles per 90 (2.00 vs. 1.83) and in dribblers tackled (1.20 vs. 1.00), reflecting his aggression and ability to operate one-versus-one, particularly when stationed at right-back.
However, Lucumí marginally leads in blocks (1.10 vs. 1.00) and matches Mukiele almost identically in defensive-third tackles (0.79 vs. 0.80) and aerial duels won (1.55 vs. 1.60).
Together, these profiles suggest a partnership: Mukiele the front-foot enforcer, Lucumí the composed sweeper with elite distribution.
This balance could be transformative for Sunderland’s backline. In their promotion campaign, defensive lapses often placed undue pressure on the midfield and goalkeeper.
The step-up to the Premier League only magnifies those weaknesses, meaning recruitment at centre-back was always going to be decisive.
With Mukiele able to shuffle wide if needed, and Lucumí offering authority in the centre, Sunderland would gain tactical flexibility – an asset that could prove invaluable against both possession-heavy and counter-attacking opponents.
The move also makes sense financially. The defender’s current market value of £20m, as per Transfermarkt, is close to Sunderland’s £24m offer, meaning the club are not grossly overpaying despite Bologna’s leverage.
At 27, he is entering his peak years, offering immediate impact alongside resale potential should he excel in England.
His international pedigree further strengthens his profile, particularly for a squad already enriched with leaders like Xhaka and ambitious young talents such as Diarra and Talbi.
With just days remaining in the window, Sunderland’s pursuit of the centre-back reflects a club not content with short-term survival.
They want to consolidate their status as a competitive Premier League side.
By securing the Colombian, they would be adding a defender whose style could unlock the best of Mukiele and provide the foundations for a more balanced, resilient season.
Better signing than Disasi: £24m titan is now pushing to join Sunderland
Sunderland would pick up a better buy than landing Axel Disasi by signing this star.