Liverpool have enjoyed a terrific summer transfer window that has put them in a fantastic position to defend their Premier League title in the 2025/26 campaign.

The headline of the summer so far has, of course, been the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a British record transfer fee of £116.5m.

Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike have also arrived as marquee additions to bolster Arne Slot’s options across the pitch ahead of next season.

However, Liverpool have also lost Luis Diaz. The Colombia international recently completed a permanent transfer to German giants Bayern Munich.

The former Porto man may not be the only high-profile exit from Anfield before the end of the window, though, as Darwin Nunez may be on his way out of the club.

Al Hilal are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign the Uruguay international, as they are in talks over personal terms with the Reds centre-forward.

Why it is the right time for Liverpool to cash in on Nunez

David Ornstein claims that the Saudi Pro League club have agreed an initial fee of £46m, with add-ons on top, with Liverpool for the striker, who has shown a willingness to accept the move.

Although it remains to be seen how much money could be recouped from the total transfer including the add-ons, it seems like the right time for the Reds to cash in on the former Benfica star.

Liverpool reportedly paid a club-record fee of £85m to sign the attacker in the summer of 2022, and it is increasingly difficult to justify it as money well spent by the club, based on his performances on the pitch.

Unfortunately, a theme throughout Nunez’s time at Anfield has been unreliable finishing. He has not made enough of the chances that the team have created for him over the last three years.

Appearances

42

54

47

xG

17.16

22.64

8.53

Goals

15

18

7

Big chances missed

28

38

17

Assists

4

13

5

As you can see in the table above, the £85m signing has underperformed his xG in all three of his seasons with the club, missing a staggering 83 ‘big chances’ in that time.

This is why it may be the right time for Liverpool to move on from Nunez amid interest from Al Hilal, as he has not done enough to suggest that he can be a reliable option for Slot.

Euro club in talks to sign Liverpool midfielder

Meanwhile, the Reds could be dealt a bigger blow as Jurgen Klopp is looking to poach one of their players for one of his Red Bull clubs this summer.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, RB Leipzig are in talks with Liverpool over a potential deal to sign England U21 international Harvey Elliott.

The reporter states that the German side have already made contact with the Premier League champions and are now speaking to them about a move for the left-footed ace.

Ornstein adds that Leipzig are looking to bring him in as a potential replacement for Dutch star Xavi Simons, who may be off to Chelsea this summer.

The Athletic’s article reveals that Liverpool are willing to sell Elliott for £40m if a buy-back clause is included as part of the deal, or for £50m without one.

Given Klopp’s job with Red Bull and his connections at Anfield, the German boss could have a part to play in this possible transfer of his former midfielder, as Leipzig look to poach him this summer.

Why losing Harvey Elliott would be a blow for Liverpool

Unlike Nunez, Elliott would not be leaving the club because he has not been good enough on the pitch for Liverpool. Instead, it would be in search of more game time.

The English starlet only played 28 times in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, and only started two matches in the Premier League for Slot. He was a useful player when called upon, though, with a return of five goals and three assists from a central midfield position.

Elliott is still a young player who is developing and improving all the time, though, at the age of 22. This means that Liverpool have not seen the best of him yet, which is why cashing in on him now would be a big blow.

It would mean that Leipzig would potentially benefit from his potential by offering him the chance to play regularly in Germany, rather than the Reds getting to see him blossom by increasing his game time at Anfield.

The left-footed magician’s performances for England’s U21s at the European Championship this summer suggest that he is now primed to have a breakthrough season as a key player for whoever he is playing for next season.

Appearances

6

Sofascore rating

7.53

Goals

5

Minutes per goal

95

Key passes per game

1.7

Assists

0

As you can see in the table above, Elliott was prolific for his country from a midfield position throughout the tournament, averaging a goal every 95 minutes.

The English gem, who was described as “explosive” by Slot, has the potential to emerge as a brilliant attack-minded midfield star, who can both score and create goals, as evidenced by his 11-assist haul in the 2023/24 season for Liverpool.

This is why losing Elliott this summer would be an even bigger blow than losing Nunez to Al Hilal, because he is an impressive young talent with the potential to grow into a top player for the club, whereas the former Benfica man has already had plenty of chances to impress and failed to take them.

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ByAngus Sinclair Aug 6, 2025

Therefore, Liverpool should reconsider cashing in on Elliott before the end of the summer transfer window, as he has the quality to be a great option for Slot to call upon in the 2025/26 campaign when needed.

The Italian manager made numerous changes, and saw his disjointed team deservedly fall to a side that needed to win to keep their dream of playing at 2026 alive

Brazil's attack fell limp as Carlo Ancelotti's heavily rotated side lost against a well-drilled Bolivia on Tuesday evening, with a 1-0 win for the hosts securing a place in the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation play-offs. 

The Selecao fielded a much-changed XI, with World Cup qualification already secure, and the result was a rather disjointed performance that lacked creativity while the home side peppered the Brazil goal. 

Bolivia managed 15 shots in the first half alone, and were good value for the opening goal, when it came. Bruno Guimaraes lost the ball at the edge of his box before tripping a Bolivia attacker, and Miguel Terceros converted the subsequent penalty. Brazil offered a bit more attacking threat in the second half as Ancelotti shuffled his pack, introducing Raphinha, Estevao, and Joao Pedro from the bench as the visitors probed for an equaliser. There were, accordingly, some moments of promise as Raphinha whipped in some dangerous deliveries and forced a tidy save out of the goalkeeper as time expired.

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Estadio Municipal El Alto…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Guessed the right way on the penalty, but it was struck too hard for him to do anything about it. Made a bunch of saves otherwise. 

Vitinho (5/10):

Got his positioning all wrong ahead of the penalty and really could have supported the attack more. 

Fabricio Bruno (7/10):

Imperious in the air, and was pretty much the only Brazil defender to equip himself well.

Alexsandro Ribeiro (5/10):

The more comfortable of the two centre- backs on the ball, but some of his tackling was nightmarish.  

Caio Henrique (6/10):

Never quite settled in, but good to get 90 minutes under his belt. 

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Andrey Santos (5/10):

Sat at the base of midfield effectively and broke up play, without offering loads in terms of forward progression. Lost the most duels in the match. 

Lucas Paqueta (5/10):

Struggled to get involved in the first half, when Brazil really could have done with more of a creative influence. Didn't create a single chance. 

Bruno Guimaraes (4/10):

Flew into tackles and was generally a bit of a menace in the middle of the pitch. Gave away the penalty.

GettyAttack

Luiz Henrique (6/10):

Put a couple shots on goal and had a few lively moments, but didn't get loads of service on the wing. 

Richarlison (4/10):

Not his most involved game at all. Seventeen touches in 60 minutes, and not much going forward otherwise.  

Samuel Lino (5/10):

Pretty poor in his chance to work his way into the left wing picture.

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GettySubs & Manager

Marquinhos (7/10):

Offered a steadier presence at the back, and a bit more forward progression. 

Estevao Willian (6/10):

A few nice touches, but not involved too much. 

Joao Pedro (5/10):

Barely touched the ball, and saw his only shot blocked. 

Raphinha (6/10):

A real livewire when he came on. Unlucky not to score or assist. 

Jean Lucas (N/A):

No time to make an impact. 

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

Rotated heavily in a game that didn't really matter. Won't like the loss, but Brazil had already wrapped up qualification.

Aston Villa could make a move for a “superstar” striker to replace Ollie Watkins this summer, amid doubts over the England international’s future at Villa Park, Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri has revealed.

Watkins' Villa future up in the air

It is well-known that Watkins has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but the Gunners are not the only Premier League club that admire the striker, with Liverpool and Manchester United recently expressing an interest.

However, with Mikel Arteta closing in on Viktor Gyokeres, and the Reds looking to sign Hugo Ekitike, a move to Old Trafford may be the more likely outcome, and there is a feeling the 29-year-old would be keen on signing for the Red Devils.

The Villa star leaving would, of course, be a blow for Unai Emery, given that he has been a regular source of goals and assists ever since his arrival in the top flight, picking up 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

However, it is important that Emery has a replacement lined up just in case, and Tavolieri has now revealed that a Paris Saint-Germain forward has entered the frame as a potential option.

Taking to X, the Sky Sports reporter revealed Aston Villa could make a move for Randal Kolo Muani if Watkins is sold, having recently held talks about selling the Englishman to Man United.

Amid links to Newcastle United back in June, it was revealed that PSG could look to hold out for a fee of £50m, meaning the Villans will need to spend big if they are to get a deal over the line.

Emery clear he'd sign £100m player for Aston Villa after contact by agents

He’s apparently got a lofty price tag.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 19, 2025 "Superstar" Kolo Muani could be solid Watkins replacement

While the 26-year-old found it difficult to cement his place in a star-studded PSG side, he impressed on loan at Juventus after joining the Italian club in the January transfer window, netting eight goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

The former Juventus loanee also caught the eye at the Club World Cup, collecting three goal contributions in as many games, and he has received high praise from German legend Lothar Matthäus in the past, who dubbed the Frenchman a “superstar”.

That said, while Kolo-Muani clearly has the talent to be a success at Villa Park, Emery’s number one priority should be to keep hold of Watkins, given that the centre-forward’s influence cannot be understated.

The former Brentford man has scored a minimum of 10 Premier League goals per season ever since arriving at Villa Park, and he featured in every single league game last season.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

37

14

5

2021-22

35

11

2

2022-23

37

15

6

2023-24

37

19

15

2024-25

38

16

8

“The guy has got real talent,” India’s captain said of his opening partner. “He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions”

Ashish Pant15-Oct-20241:49

Manjrekar: ‘Pujara will be missed, but don’t underrate Jaiswal, Gill’s defensive game’

Yashasvi Jaiswal has received a ringing endorsement from his captain and opening partner Rohit Sharma who is not one bit surprised by the youngster’s meteoric rise and expects him “to do wonders for the team” across formats.Jaiswal made his international debut in a Test match last year against West Indies where he smashed 171 in his maiden innings. The 22-year-old has already scored 1217 runs in his 11-Test career with seven fifties and three centuries at an average of 64.05. He’s converted two of his centuries into double tons and has a highest score of 214 not out.”The guy has got real talent,” Rohit said of Jaiswal. “He has got the game to play in all sorts of conditions. Obviously, very new to international cricket, so very hard to judge right now. But he has got all the ingredients for success at this level.”What he has shown us in this brief period of time, you can bet on him and expect him to do wonders for the team. He has come through the ranks. He has played a lot of domestic cricket, Under-19 cricket. And obviously, has succeeded as well. That is why he is right now playing for India.”Related

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Rohit has seen Jaiswal’s rise from close quarters having opened the innings with him in all of his 11 Tests. Since they were paired together, in July 2023, they have added 1082 runs in 20 innings.Jaiswal has already risen to third position on the Test batting rankings and as things stand is the second-highest run-scorer in the current WTC cycle behind Joe Root. Even in T20Is, Jaiswal has shown immediate consistency, scoring 723 runs in 22 innings with five fifties and a century. He is yet to play an ODI though.Rohit said that Jaiswal’s willingness to learn and adapt makes him stand out.”He is somebody who wants to learn the game, learn about batsmanship, which is always a nice thing,” Rohit said. “When a youngster comes into the team, his mindset is quite critical. And the mindset that he has shown, he always wants to learn, always wants to improve, not happy with what he has achieved which is obviously a great start to a young career.”So far in his short career, he has shown what he is capable of. I mean, we found a great player. It does obviously bode well for our team as well being a left-hander, being an aggressive batter, it bodes well for the team.”Hopefully, he can just continue to do what he has done in the last year or so.”

شجع ريفالدو أسطورة نادي برشلونة لامين يامال على مواصلة تطوير أدائه للفوز بالكرة الذهبية يوماً ما، بعد أن حل وصيفاً للفائز عثمان ديمبلي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان.

وقدم ريفالدو الفائز بجائزة الكرة الذهبية عام 1999 نصيحة للجناح لامين يامال بشأن ما يتوجب عليه فعله للفوز بجائزة مجلة فرانس فوتبول الفرنسية.

ويرى ريفالدو أن اللاعب صاحب الـ18 عاماً قادر على الفوز بالكرة الذهبية العام المقبل، إذا قام بتحسين أدائه أمام المرمى وقدرته على صناعة الفرص لزملائه.

وقال ريفالدو في تصريحات لصحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية: “أعتقد أن لامين يامال يمتلك كل المقومات للفوز بالكرة الذهبية العام المقبل وسيتألق هذا الموسم أكثر من الموسم الماضي”.

وأضاف :”لكن بالنظر لأسلوب لعبه، أعتقد أنه سيفوز بالكرة الذهبية عندما يسجل الكثير من الأهداف ويصنع الكثير من التمريرات الحاسمة، ليس فقط بسبب أسلوب لعبه بل تماماً مثل كريستيانو رونالدو وميسي”.

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واعترف ريفالدو بأنه تفاجأ بترتيب مواطنه رافينها الذي جاء خامساً في ترتيب الكرة الذهبية قائلاً: “حزنت لذلك، بالنظر لما قدمه، لم يكن الأمر سهلاً، لقد سجل عدد الأهداف الأكثر بين الخمس الأوائل وكان هداف دوري أبطال أوروبا، كان ينبغي أن يحصل على مركز أفضل أو حتى أن يفوز بالكرة الذهبية”.

وأكد ريفالدو: “ما حدث في مباراة إنتر ميلان، حيث خرج برشلونة من دوري الأبطال ولم يصل للنهائي أضر بشدة بحظوظ لامين ورافينها، لو كانوا تأهلوا للنهائي لكان برشلونة يمتلك كل المقومات اللازمة للفوز بالبطولة، ولكن ذلك لم يحدث لذا ديمبلي فاز بالجائزة ولا ينقص من شأنه لأنه تألق بشكل لافت”.

واختتم عن بيدري الذي احتل المركز الحادي عشر في ترتيب الكرة الذهبية أيضاً: “لقد فوجئت للغاية لأنه ليس ضمن أفضل 10 لاعبين على الأقل، عليه أن يواصل العمل بنفس الوتيرة حتى يصبح المصنف الأول في يوم من الأيام ويفوز بهذه الجائزة”.

Wicketkeeper says he had originally planned to retire before the start of this season

Shashank Kishore06-Nov-2024

Sourav Ganguly played a key role in convincing Wriddhiman Saha into playing another Ranji season•PTI

Wriddhiman Saha had already made up his mind to retire from cricket when he casually went to the Eden Gardens this June. But after he returned from a meeting meant to amicably resolve differences with certain factions within the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), which had led to his departure to Tripura for two seasons, Saha had a change of mind.The reason: Sourav Ganguly. The former India captain had convinced Saha to stay on so that he could end his career with Bengal. And so, Saha, who has had plenty of taping around his fingers and strapping around his hamstring and pain-relief patches on his back, decided to continue with the team’s physio on speed dial to be able to help him fight through another season.”You can say it was because of emotional attachment,” he says as he sits down for a chat on the opening day of Bengal’s fourth-round Ranji fixture against Karnataka in Bengaluru. “I wasn’t going to play this year but Sourav Ganguly and my wife pushed me to play and finish with Bengal after two seasons with Tripura.”When he gave his nod to play, Saha made it clear he won’t be available for the white-ball leg of the domestic season. He knew he wouldn’t last the rigours of another full season. It was also partly influenced by his desire to have his spot taken by someone else, because he’d already informed his previous IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans, he wasn’t going to play in the tournament anymore.As it turns out, one of the direct beneficiaries of Saha’s exit (from when he moved to Tripura) has been Abishek Porel, who has flourished so much over the past year across formats that Delhi Capitals considered him worthy of being retained. For Saha, a mentor to the young group of wicketkeepers across the country, there couldn’t have been a better validation.”I’ve been pushing myself for the last year. But because of my body condition and injuries, I won’t be able to play for the full season,” he says. “That’s why I chose the most vital format – Ranji Trophy. It will be tough [to carry on] but I will play and hopefully we qualify. If we do, I will play till the end of the season, else I’ll finish off at Eden Gardens.”Related

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Saha laughs when asked if the decision to contemplate retirement was tough. “It was very easy,” he replies spontaneously. “I was already prepared that I won’t play this year. But when my wife and Sourav Ganguly pushed me, I couldn’t refuse.”Still considered among the best wicketkeepers in India, perhaps even around the world, Saha seems at peace with his decision. He’s fully happy with the way his career has panned out, even though his career coincided at different times with two mavericks: MS Dhoni in the early years and Rishabh Pant in the later. Has he ever considered himself unlucky?”No, I don’t think so,” he says. “There are so many of them who didn’t play despite toiling so hard. Amol Muzumdar, Padmakar Shivalkar sir. I feel fortunate and proud to have played 40 Tests for India.”Wriddhiman Saha behind the stumps: acrobatic and safe•BCCI

As he looks ahead, Saha is open to opportunities in coaching and mentoring. He’s clear the first rights will be with Bengal. “Not yet [thought of the immediate future], but if I get an offer from another state or Bengal, I will think about it,” he laughs. “If not, family life (laughs). I have been playing cricket since childhood. I haven’t done anything else. I want to share as much knowledge as I have in cricket. I’ve already started doing that at a couple of academies back home.”Saha ended his Test career with 1353 runs in 56 innings at an average of 29.41, with three centuries and six half-centuries. Arguably, his finest moment on home turf when he hit unbeaten half-centuries in both innings to help India beat New Zealand in 2016. Saha admits “maybe I could’ve done more” with the bat, but insists his career graph was largely a reflection of his emphasis on being a wicketkeeper first and a batter next.”When I started, I was a wicketkeeper. I knew I could never be as good as Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman and Virat Kohli,” he says. “I wanted to earn a name in what I did from childhood – that’s why I put more emphasis on wicketkeeping.”He grew up working with Kiran More, Saba Karim and Deep Dasgupta. Chats with Dhoni over the years, and occasional interactions with Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy fueled his pursuits of being his best version. As a seasoned professional, Saha says he’s happy to chat with young keepers and help them.”I’ve spoken to keepers from the women’s team, we keep talking to each other,” he says. “Last IPL, Dhruv Jurel spoke to me. Rishabh [Pant] has done it all along when we played together. The understanding was good, he used to share his experiences, I used to give him as much input as possible.”As Saha reflects on his career, he’s happy he continued to play for three more years despite being told in late 2021 by then coach Rahul Dravid that the Indian team were moving on from him.”That door got closed, but I knew domestic, and IPL was still there,” he says. “It wasn’t like I got demoralised because of that. I’ve played now for three-four years since that. Why did I start playing? Because I like it. Last year, I’d stopped liking the game and planned to leave. After this season, I’m moving on.”Hopefully we can make the final. If not, I’ll finish off at Eden Gardens.”

Tottenham Hotspur fans had the first opportunity to see new signing Mohammed Kudus in competitive action during the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG on Wednesday night.

The Ghanaian, who joined the Lilywhites in a £55m deal from West Ham United, featured for 79 minutes, arguably being one of the shining lights despite the penalty defeat.

At just 24, he has the ability to make an immediate and long-term impact in North London, looking to be a key player in any success endured under new boss Thomas Frank.

However, despite the big-money addition made for the former Hammers star’s signature, other key attackers are still being targeted by the Dane ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Numerous names have been mentioned in recent days, which has seen huge progress being made in an attempt to further bolster the club’s attacking department.

Spurs preparing bid for Mohammed Kudus upgrade

Eberechi Eze has been one of the names hugely mentionedwith Spurs in recent days, even preparing a bid for the Crystal Palace star after their demotion to the Europa Conference League.

The Englishman is said to have a £60m release clause in his current deal at Selhurst Park which could make a deal a formality – potentially avoiding a repeat of the Morgan Gibbs-White saga.

However, he’s not the only Premier League star currently in their sights, with Manchester City forward Savinho a player they’re targeting, according to the Daily Mail.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites are preparing an offer to sign the 21-year-old, who only moved to the Etihad from Girona less than 12 months ago.

It’s also been reported that the Brazilian would be open to a move to join Frank’s side before the current deadline, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding £60m to offload him this window.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Kudus

A deal for Kudus was always going to be excellent business, but his showing against the Champions League winners has handed the fanbase another reason to be positive.

His tally of 100% crosses completed, and three chances created – the most of any player on the pitch – highlights the threat he possesses when in attacking areas.

He also holds a versatile skillset that could allow him to operate in the number ten role, off either flank or even as a centre-forward – as seen in his first competitive outing.

If he can add further goal contributions to his game, it would be a great addition, adding the quality the side have craved in forward areas in recent months.

However, despite his impressive start to life in North London, he could be trumped by Savinho, that’s if the Brazilian completes his own move to North London this summer.

He managed to notch more combined goals and assists last campaign, but his underlying stats were also just as impressive, managing to outperform Kudus in various key areas.

Savinho, who’s been dubbed “sensational” by journalist Adam Keys, achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, subsequently being able to finish more of the chances he’s presented with in front of goal.

How Savinho & Kudus compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Savinho

Kudus

Games played

29

32

Goals & assists

9

8

Shot on target accuracy

38%

28%

Progressive carries

7.1

3.4

Progressive passes

3.4

2.7

Key passes made

2.4

1.1

Take-ons completed

46%

44%

Carries into the 18-yard box

3.8

1.4

Crosses completed

4.3

2.8

Passes into the 18-yard box

2.4

1.1

Stats via FBref

However, when driving with the ball, the City ace also dominated, completing more of the take-ons he attempted, with more being made into the opposition box – which would hand the side the added presence they’ve crave in the final third.

Besides scoring, the youngster has also been able to provide for others in the opposition’s defensive area, picking out a teammate from more crosses per 90 than Kudus – able to offer a more all-rounded talent for Frank in 2025/26.

After already spending £55m on the Ghanaian, there’s no denying that a £60m move for Savinho would be another mammoth investment from the board in the hunt for Premier League glory.

However, if they are to stand any chance of rising up the table and ending their years of disappointment in England’s top-flight, it’s a move that needs to be made before the September 1st deadline.

Related Dream Maddison replacement: Spurs chasing incredible £30m Eze alternative

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025

The former San Diego and North Carolina midfielder has officially agreed a $1.25M move to Gotham

Jaedyn Shaw seals high-profile move to Gotham Deal worth an NWSL intra-league record $1.25MSecond transfer of 2025 for ShawFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jaedyn Shaw is the newest addition to an already star-studded Gotham FC side after securing a $1.25 million move to the two-time NWSL Champions, the club announced Thursday. It marks the highest intra-league transfer in NWSL history.

Shaw is expected to sign an "updated and extended contract" as part of the deal. 

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Shaw, 20, is one of the most decorated young players in American soccer. She worked her way into the San Diego Wave first team as a teenager, and helped the Southern California side to the NWSL Shield and NWSL Challenge Cup in 2023.

The attacking midfielder was also a member of the USWNT team that secured a Gold Medal at the Paris Olympics last summer – giving Gotham four players of that team. 

WHAT SHAW SAID

Shaw outlined her excitement in joining Gotham in a club statement: "I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible club and community. I’m looking forward to playing alongside world class players and giving my all to help the team win another championship." 

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Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Shaw's move is double the value of the previous NWSL intra-league move, set by Ally Sentnor's $600,000 move from Utah to Kansas City in August. 

Glasgow Rangers are in a three-club battle to bring an “aggressive” Premier League player to Ibrox this summer, according to an update from journalist Santi Aouna.

Martin buoyed by Rangers win

The Gers won 4-2 at home to Alloa Athletic in the second round of the Scottish League Cup on Saturday, and while some weren’t wholly convinced about the performance, manager Russell Martin found plenty of positives.

“There will be a lot of players who finish the day in a much better place than they were before, they have got some minutes in the tank and there will be a lot of learning for them. I am happy we won, and we are through because these can be difficult games but of course there’s a lot to work on and improve.

“I think there was a lot of good intention, so a lot of the guys were really trying to do what they have been asked to do and the stuff we worked on. There’s a lot to be pleased with and also lots to improve which is exciting because these are the guys at the minute who have been supporting the group that have been playing the most minutes and they have been playing really well and deserved the opportunity to play today and a lot of them will be in a better place.”

Martin will know the importance of more signings for Rangers this summer, not least at left-back, with Jefte set to move on and Martin confirming his interest in Brentford’s Jayden Meghoma. It isn’t just the Bees full-back that the Gers have their eye on in that position, though.

Rangers in battle to sign "aggressive" Alex Moreno

According to Aouna on X, Rangers and Martin are among the clubs interested in signing Aston Villa left-back Alex Moreno this summer, but Real Betis are in pole position to get their man and Girona are also keen.

Moreno could be a statement signing by Rangers, even though Betis look the most likely to snap him up, having proven himself in the Premier League, making 55 appearances in the competition. At 32, the Spaniard has a huge amount of experience at a high level and has been lauded by Villa manager Unai Emery in the past.

“In the attacking third, he is getting into he box and finding not only crosses, but passes as well – very good. Now, what we’ve decided for him – because of his quality I knew before from Spain – I like sometimes the one side using the right or left back higher. We are doing it with the left-back higher than the right-back because to like use Moreno higher and more aggressive in attack.”

Martin's desperate to keep him: Rangers bracing themselves for "huge blow"

The Gers could lose one of their key men.

ByTom Cunningham Aug 16, 2025

As mentioned, signing Moreno, on £35,000-a-week may be wishful thinking currently, but if they could strike a deal, it would be strong business. If not, another left-back, like Meghoma, is needed.

Bengal are through to the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) after prevailing by three runs in a thriller against Chandigarh at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday afternoon.The hero was seamer Sayan Ghosh, who picked up 4 for 30 to remove the cream of Chandigarh’s batting in their pursuit of 157. The target was set up largely by Karan Lal, who top scored with 33, and Writtick Chatterjee, who made a 12-ball 28.The unlikely batting hero, though, was Mohammed Shami, who walloped an unbeaten 17-ball 32 from No. 10, his highest score in T20s, to give them momentum going into the break.Related

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Chandigarh’s hot-and-cold chase was fuelled by Raj Bawa’s 32. It came down to them needing 20 off the last two overs with three wickets in hand.Shami, who had picked up a wicket with his second delivery in his first spell that finished with figures of 3-0-13-1, conceded 12 in his final over upon his return at the death and the equation was brought down to eight off the last six.Ghosh then bowled two dots and picked up a wicket in the first five deliveries of the over to all but seal the game. With seven needed of one ball, Nishunk Birla hit a boundary and Bengal won by three runs.Shami has now featured in each of Bengal’s eight matches, and has bowled his full quota of overs in every game, while picking up nine wickets at an economy of 7.49. As of Monday, it’s understood Shami will remain with the Bengal squad for the remainder of their campaign.While in Bengaluru, Shami has been working with the National Cricket Academy staff as he continues on his road back to top-flight cricket. He’s yet to get the all-clear, however.On Sunday in Adelaide, India captain Rohit Sharma reiterated the need for caution over not rushing Shami back for the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, though “the door remains open”. His comments stem from Shami having developed some swelling in his knees while bowling during SMAT.The Bengal team management has expressed satisfaction at the way Shami has responded to his bowling workload and his intensity all tournament. Shami has opted to rest instead of train on match-eve, a decision which is believed to have been his own with a view to keep him going for the duration of the competition.Bengal next play Baroda in the round of eight on Wednesday.Rinku Singh and Vipraj Nigam can’t hold their happiness after taking UP over the line•PTI

Rinku, Bhuvneshwar and Nigam star as UP beat Andhra

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked 2 for 30, Rinku Singh scored an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls, and Vipraj Nigam (2 for 20 and 27* off eight) produced a stunning all-round show to help Uttar Pradesh qualify for the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy quarter-finals with a four-wicket win against Andhra.Andhra were stuck at 89 for 5 after 15 overs, and 113 for 6 after 16.2 but KV Sasikanth and SDNV Prasad breathed life into the innings with an unbeaten 43-run stand for the seventh wicket off 16 balls to take them to 156 for 6.In reply, UP were cruising with Karan Sharma and Aryan Juyal adding 70 runs in 49 balls. Then they lost four wickets in 24 balls for 18 runs. Two more fell in the 16th over with Rinku stranded at one end. But he found excellent support from Nigam, the duo adding 48 runs off 18 balls to take UP to a win with an over to spare.