Aston Villa are now stepping up their efforts to sign an “incredible” Brazilian, who is set to cost €35m (£30m), according to a report.
Villa eyeing midfielder amid Chelsea's interest in Rogers
Rather than strengthening his squad with new signings, one of Unai Emery’s most important tasks this summer will be to keep hold of his star players, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers all attracting major interest.
In fact, such is Chelsea’s level of interest in Rogers, they have now submitted a bid for the attacking midfielder, with Nicolas Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo reportedly being used as makeweights.
The Villans are determined to keep hold of Rogers, however, and they should be in a strong position to keep hold of the 23-year-old, given that he remains under contract until the summer of 2030.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in action with Brighton & Hove Albion'sIgorJulio
John McGinn has also been attracting attention from elsewhere, with Everton emerging as potential suitors for the Villa captain, but once again Emery is very reluctant to sanction a departure, given the Scot’s importance to his side.
That said, amid interest in both Rogers and McGinn, Aston Villa have now set their sights on a new midfielder, and a report from Fanatik has revealed they are now stepping up their efforts to sign Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.
Emery’s side are said to be making a ‘concerted effort’ to get a deal for Sara over the line, but they will have to spend €35m (£30m) to tempt his current employers into a sale, with Galatasaray unwilling to even consider offers below that figure.
Aston Villa join race to sign "top" free agent who held talks with Man Utd
Aston Villa have joined United and Celtic in the race…
ByBrett Worthington Jul 28, 2025
Leeds United are also in the race for the Brazilian’s signature, off the back of an impressive 2024-25 campaign, but Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk strongly believes he will remain at the Turkish club.
"Incredible" Sara could be versatile option for Emery
With Rogers’ future up in the air, it could be important for Emery to bring in a midfielder capable of making a real impact on the front foot, and the former Norwich City man, described as “incredible” and Premier League-ready by U23 scout Antonio Mango, certainly fits the bill in that regard.
During the 2023-24 Championship campaign, the maestro amassed 13 goals and 12 assists in 46 games for the Canaries, while he also picked up 11 goal contributions for Galatasaray during his debut campaign in Turkey.
The 26-year-old is also capable of playing in a deeper role, however, catching the eye with both his dribbling ability and some of his defensive showings over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
2.66 (94th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.27 (91st percentile)
Interceptions
1.27 (74th percentile)
Blocks
1.74 (90th percentile)
Sara is clearly a very well-rounded midfielder, who could make a real impact at Villa Park, so it may be worth forking out the £30m asking price.
It’s safe to say that Arsenal’s pre-season of 2025 hasn’t been the best. Attacking fluency has been lacking and the same old patterns in the final third have been evident.
As Myles Lewis-Skelly acknowledged on Saturday, the Gunners needed to make a “statement” ahead of the Premier League’s return next weekend and did just that in their final pre-season game.
At last, Mikel Arteta’s men looked fluent, they looked in the groove and they looked like title challengers again.
During a 3-0 win over Athletic Club, Bukayo Saka bagged his second of pre-season but the biggest noise was reserved for new star striker, Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede didn’t score a single league goal with his head last term but his first goal in Arsenal colours came as a header. Martin Zubimendi’s teasing cross from the right found Gyokeres who darted across his marker and found the back of the net.
The Swede is up and running but Arteta needs more attacking reinforcements before the window slams shut.
Arsenal's remaining transfer activity
There is a sense that Arsenal need to sell before they can dive back into the market again but time is running out and the north Londoners need some more spice in their forward line.
Gyokeres is done and sealed, as too is Noni Madueke, but another winger would certainly go down a treat.
Eberechi Eze remains the number one target for the remaining weeks of the window but Arsenal have not been forthcoming with a bid yet despite talks with the player’s representatives behind the scenes.
It’s been widely reported that Andrea Berta and Co will need to meet his £68m release clause in order to prise him away from Selhurst Park but a cheaper alternative may well be emerging.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are very much interested in Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman with it suggested that they are preparing a bid of £39m.
Lookman has attracted the interest of Inter Milan this summer and the Italian giants are in the driving seat to secure the Nigerian’s signature.
Ademola Lookman 2024-25 stats (timeless)
Inter have already seen a bid rejected and Arsenal could now pounce on the situation, with the report noting that Lookman’s name is ‘being mentioned strongly’ in north London as a possible option.
No formal negotiations have taken place yet but the player wants out of Atalanta so things could accelerate swiftly if Berta coughed up the necessary funds.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Why Lookman could be Arsenal's new Alexis Sanchez
Arsenal may have Saka in their ranks but it’s been a long old while since the Gunners had a truly prolific wide forward in their ranks.
Indeed, after the arrival of Gyokeres, signing another winger has been the biggest demand from supporters.
The likes of Eze and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have both been linked but Lookman, a player possessing experience of English football already, is more of a goalscorer than both of those players.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEze
Possessing the ability to play off the left or as a central striker, he certainly boasts positional similarities to Alexis who began his Arsenal career off the left but became a devastating centre forward at the Emirates.
During his debut campaign in England, the Chilean superstar scored 25 goals in all competitions, 18 of which came in 30 appearances from the left wing.
Alexis Sanchez in English football
Season (club)
Games
Goals
Assists
2014/15 (Arsenal)
52
25
12
2015/16 (AFC)
41
17
10
2016/17 (AFC)
51
30
18
2017/18 (AFC & MUFC)
40
11
9
2018/19 (Man Utd)
27
2
4
Stats via Transfermarkt.
A 17-goal campaign followed in 2015/16 and then in 2016/17, his best in London, Sanchez scored 30 times, 17 of which came in 24 outings as a centre-forward.
Not just a goalscorer, Alexis was dazzling with the ball at his feet. During that 2016/17 campaign, only four players – Eden Hazard (143), Wilfried Zaha (142) and Adama Traore (136) – completed more dribbles in the Premier League than the Chile international (109).
Well, Lookman is certainly cut from a similar cloth. Hailed as “one of the best forwards in Europe” by journalist Oma Akatugba, he has certainly shown that since moving to Italy.
Last season, the former Everton man found the net on 20 occasions in 40 games. During the 2023/24 term, he scored 17, seven of which came on the left wing and a further seven came as a centre-forward.
Like Sanchez, he’s versatile. Like Sanchez, he’s also an incredible dribbler. Indeed, no Serie A player attempted more dribbles (186), or had more touches in box (170) last season.
It’s safe to say that the 27-year-old has come a long way since his days at Charlton, Everton and Fulham. He’s now an elite forward who could transform Arsenal’s threat from the left-hand side of the pitch.
Arteta's next Rice: Arsenal hoping to sign "phenomenal" £104m talent
Arsenal may yet add another central midfielder to their ranks.
O Botafogo divulgou na tarde desta segunda-feira (8) a parcial de vendas para o confronto com o Corinthians, no Nilton Santos. Até o momento, 10 mil torcedores fizeram check-in para o duelo que irá acontecer na quinta-feira (11), pela quinta rodada do Brasileirão.
RelacionadasTodos EsportesBotafogo x Corinthians: com promoção pelo Dia das Mães, ingressos estão à venda para a partida também para o público em geralTodos Esportes08/05/2023BrasileirãoCBF comunica alteração de horário no confronto entre Botafogo e CorinthiansBrasileirão08/05/2023BotafogoEquipe de Luís Castro iguala feito histórico do Botafogo no Campeonato BrasileiroBotafogo08/05/2023
O Glorioso está com 100% de aproveitamento na competição após quatro jogos.
+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!
Já são 1⃣0⃣ MIL botafoguenses confirmados no jogo com o Corinthians! Quinta é dia de incendiar o Nilton Santos! ????????️ #VouTeApoiarAtéOFinal
Acesse https://t.co/VmMNMgR0SQ e garanta o seu lugar! pic.twitter.com/hQJFnv8Vm2
— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) May 8, 2023
A diretoria botafoguense anunciou uma promoção para o Dia das Mães. As três mil primeiras mães que forem acompanhadas de seus filhos no Setor Oeste Inferior receberão entradas gratuitas.
Os ingressos estão à venda na Internet. Presencialmente, a venda acontecerá a partir da quarta-feira (10).
The chances of a hybrid model were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Nov-2024
India and Pakistan seem to be continuing along their collision course•ICC/Getty Images
The ICC board will congregate on Friday in the hopes of ending the saga of where and how the 2025 Champions Trophy will be played, with less than three months to the scheduled start of the event. They will consider three options: A hybrid option, where the majority of matches are played in Pakistan but those involving India are played outside Pakistan. The tournament is played entirely outside of Pakistan, with the option of the PCB retaining hosting rights. The entire event is played in Pakistan but without India.The last of those options is almost a non-starter, given the negative financial and commercial impact it will have on the tournament. The chances of the first – a hybrid model – were reduced on Thursday after a PCB official told ESPNcricinfo they had informed the ICC once again that it was off the table. “The PCB has asked the ICC to give a reasonable or acceptable proposal to Pakistan before the ICC Board meeting tomorrow,” the official said.Twelve hours earlier, in the early hours of Thursday morning in Pakistan, the chances of a hybrid model seemed to have increased slightly, at least going by the words of Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman. Asked specifically about it multiple times, Naqvi said only that he would take whatever decision the ICC board makes to the Pakistan government.Related
Fate of Champions Trophy still unclear as no decision taken at ICC meeting
Champions Trophy: PCB promises to do 'what's best for Pakistan cricket'
Champions Trophy saga: Blame lies with ICC leadership
PCB 'not prepared to accept' hybrid model for Champions Trophy
That was slightly different to the previous public and emphatic rejections of a hybrid model being considered. Nevertheless, Naqvi doubled down on the prospect of Pakistan no longer being willing or able to play in India which, given India is hosting a Women’s World Cup next year, an Asia Cup in 2025, a Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and a Champions Trophy in 2029, is going to be a recurring problem.That, in fact, might be one of the conditions under which the PCB accepts any hybrid model for now: that the ICC then considers the same option for tournaments in India where Pakistan is – as of now – unlikely to be given permission to travel by its government.Naqvi did not say whether Pakistan will play India in this tournament, as they are drawn to by dint of being in the same group. A hybrid model, or an entire relocation, means they will be scheduled to play at a neutral venue; the game not taking place would also mean a significant commercial hit to the tournament.”Whatever we do, we will make sure the best outcome for Pakistan is achieved,” Naqvi said multiple times. “But I repeat, and I am sure you know what I mean, it’s not possible that Pakistan play in India, and they don’t come here.”Mohsin Naqvi: ‘We’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money […] But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan’•AFP/Getty Images
Naqvi said the PCB would not be motivated by the pursuit of any financial settlement, quashing informal chatter that the PCB might try and negotiate a heftier hosting fee in return for a hybrid model, promising “that we’ll not just sell our rights out just for more money. This will never happen. But we’ll do whatever is best for Pakistan.” In any event, two countries for venues would require a revised tournament budget.The meeting will be a virtual one and will likely come down to a vote only if a consensus isn’t reached within the board. But the pressure will be on to reach a resolution swiftly, as time runs out before the tournament and preparations for it begin. An alternate or additional venue will have to be chosen depending on what option the board chooses, and a schedule for the event has to be finalised and released.Additionally, the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and the National Stadium in Karachi – two of the Pakistan venues – are undergoing significant renovation and upgradation work, in a race against time to be ready for the tournament. The PCB has assured the ICC board that the venues will be ready for the tournament by the end of this year.Pakistan won hosting rights to the Champions Trophy in November 2021 and, if it goes to plan, it will be the first ICC event they have hosted since the 1996 World Cup. But its status was thrown into disarray when the BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that its team had not been given permission by the Indian government to travel to Pakistan.That was hardly a surprise, given no India team has toured Pakistan since 2008, with the Mumbai attacks later that year throwing relations between the two countries into a downward spiral. Pakistan have visited India three times since then, for a bilateral series in 2012-13, the 2016 T20 World Cup and, most recently, the 2023 ODI World Cup. That trip only happened after a government committee cleared it, despite considerable opposition within certain members.The PCB had to adopt a hybrid model for the Asia Cup just before the World Cup but had hoped that going to India would result in a reciprocal gesture for the Champions Trophy.
سلط رودري لاعب مانشستر سيتي الضوء على ردة فعله العاطفية تجاه فوزه بالكرة الذهبية العام الماضي، حيث أصبح رمزاً لهيمنة مانشستر سيتي في المواسم الأخيرة.
وشكل رودري ركيزة أساسية في خط وسط بيب جوارديولا خلال الفوز بالألقاب ولحظات حاسمة مثل نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا 2023.
وقال رودري في تصريحات نشرتها “سيتي إكسترا” :”لم أكن قد أعرف من الفائز بالكرة الذهبية، حتى فتحوا الظرف، لم يكن هذا حلماً لي في صغري لأنني لم أتوقع أبداً الوصول لهذا المستوى”.
وأضاف :”كما ذكرت سابقاً في صغري، لم أرى سوى لاعبين اثنين يرفعان تلك الجائزة وهما ميسي وكريستيانو رونالدو لذلك كان الأمر بعيد كل البعد عن تفكيري، لم أتوقع أبداً الفوز بمثل هذه الجوائز”.
أقرأ أيضاً.. إعلان المرشحين لجائزة مدرب شهر سبتمبر في الدوري الإنجليزي
وواصل: “يتحدث الناس عن كيف يمكن للحياة أن تفاجئك بطرق عديدة، لكن بالنسبة لي الأهم هو العودة وتحقيق الانتصارات الجماعية والسعي للفوز بأكبر قدر ممكن من الألقاب كفريق، الألقاب الفردية جيدة دائماً لكننا نناضل من أجل الفريق”.
وحول احتفال مانشستر سيتي به قبل لقاء توتنهام الموسم الماضي رد رودري: “لم أرى قط احتفالاً كهذا من جماهير اللاعب وناديه الذي يكرم اللاعب بهذه الطريقة لأنني رأيت العديد من الفائزين بالكرة الذهبية لا يتم تكريمهم بهذه الطريقة”.
وأكد رودري: “بالنسبة لي، كدت أبكي من شدة تقديرهم لي، ومن قدرتهم على شكري على مجهودي، كانت من أجمل لحظات حياتي ولن أنساها أبداً”.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are entering the latter stages of the summer transfer window with defensive reinforcements a clear priority.
After finishing 16th in the Premier League last season, Wolves have undergone significant squad turnover, including the departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.
The club’s defensive frailties were evident at the start of the current campaign, with two defeats already recorded – a 4-0 home loss to Manchester City and a 1-0 away defeat at Bournemouth.
Manager Vitor Pereira, who replaced Gary O’Neil mid-season last year and oversaw a dramatic improvement in results, is looking to bolster his backline.
Wolves already have a group of centre-backs, including Toti, Agbadou, Bueno, and Mosquera, but the club is keen to bring in an experienced figure capable of commanding the defence.
The club has been active in other areas of the squad as well, signing Fer López from Celta de Vigo, John Arias from Fluminense, Jackson Tchatchoua from Hellas Verona, and David Møller Wolfe from AZ Alkmaar.
Wolves exploring centre-back option
These additions are aimed at adding depth and versatility, but strengthening the centre of defence remains a pressing need, especially after the summer departures of veteran Craig Dawson and other senior players.
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 Caught Offside, Wolves are actively exploring a move for Axel Disasi whose situation has attracted interest from multiple clubs.
Alongside Bournemouth, Wolves are among the teams showing the strongest interest.
Chelsea, the player’s current club, are reportedly asking for around £30m to sanction a transfer.
The 27-year-old defender has struggled to establish himself at Chelsea since arriving from Monaco in 2023 and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he failed to make a significant impact.
His departure would follow a summer exodus that has seen Chelsea offload players including Noni Madueke, João Félix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Talks have already begun with Wolves considering creative structures for the deal, including performance-based bonuses, in an attempt to complete the transfer without exceeding their budget constraints.
Should the move go through, it would mark a significant addition to the Wolves defence, which has already shown signs of vulnerability in the early stages of the season.
What Disasi could bring to Wolves
Disasi is a 1.91m French centre-back under contract with Chelsea until 2029 and has earned five caps for the national team.
Last season, he made 17 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, scoring twice and providing two assists.
His loan spell at Aston Villa yielded ten appearances, including three in the Champions League, though it was largely underwhelming.
Axel Disasi – 2024/25
Matches Played
13
Starts
9
Tackles
15
Blocks
8
Aerial Duals Won
13
% of Aerials Won
61.9
Source: FBref
Despite these challenges, Disasi possesses attributes that could make him a perfect fit for Wolves’ current setup. According to FBref, he ranks in the 94th percentile for pass completion rate (87.9%) and the 89th percentile for aerials won per 90 minutes (1.56), demonstrating both composure on the ball and dominance in the air.
These qualities are crucial for Wolves as they look to build a defence that can manage possession and withstand the pressure of Premier League attacks.
The move for Disasi also mirrors the profile of former Wolves centre-back Craig Dawson, who left the club in the summer.
Dawson, who played 61 times for Wolves after joining from West Ham in 2023, offered leadership, aerial strength, and reliability.
Disasi has the potential to fill a similar role, providing defensive stability while also offering the technical skills to contribute to the team’s build-up play.
Wolves’ defensive woes last season highlighted the need for a player who can combine tactical intelligence with physical presence.
“Dominant” in the words of scout Jacek Kulig, Disasi’s height and aerial ability give him an advantage in both defensive duels and set-piece situations.
Additionally, his passing range allows him to initiate attacks from the back, complementing Pereira’s tactical approach, which relies on structured defensive organisation paired with progressive ball movement.
Moreover, the potential acquisition of Disasi would provide competition and depth for the existing centre-backs.
While Toti, Agbadou, Bueno, and Mosquera are available, none combine Premier League experience, international pedigree, and the same level of physical dominance that Disasi can offer.
This could be pivotal for Wolves in the event of injuries, fixture congestion, or tactical adjustments required in high-profile matches.
From a financial standpoint, Wolves’ consideration of performance-based bonuses demonstrates an intent to balance investment with fiscal responsibility.
Chelsea’s £30m valuation is significant but justified given Disasi’s age, contract length, and potential resale value.
If the deal goes through, it could be a shrewd acquisition, potentially solidifying the backline for years to come while ensuring the club remains competitive at both ends of the pitch.
Tactically, Disasi’s ability to play out from the back will be a key asset. Wolves’ style under Pereira often involves building from deep, and having a centre-back who is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and distributing accurately can influence the team’s overall tempo.
In this sense, he could play a role similar to Dawson, but with added technical capacity and potential upside given his age and international experience.
Integrating a player of Disasi’s could also signal Wolves’ intent to stabilise their defensive unit after a challenging start to the season and position the club as a more credible mid-table contender or higher.
Pereira's very own Neves: Wolves plotting £26m move for "total leader"
Wolverhampton Wanderers could win Vitor Pereira his own Ruben Neves by signing this £26m ace.
Ceará e Chapecoense abrem a décima rodada da Série B nesta sexta-feira, em confronto às 19h, na Arena Castelão, em Fortaleza (CE). O Vozão vem de uma amarga derrota por 3 a 0 para o Novorizontino e precisa reagir para subir na tabela. Hoje, o time cearense é apenas o 10º colocado, com 13 pontos. Já a Chape está à beira da zona de rebaixamento, em 16º, com nove pontos.
Trata-se de um dia especial para o Ceará, que completa 109 anos nesta sexta. Ou seja, mais um motivo para o time buscar a vitória em casa.
+ Confira a classificação atualizada e veja a tabela completa da Série B
CEARÁ X CHAPECOENSE
Data/Horário: sexta-feira, 02/06, às 19h Local: Arena Castelão, Fortaleza (CE) Árbitro: Paulo Henrique de Melo Salmazio (MS) Auxiliares: Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS) e Leandro dos Santos Ruberdo (MS) Onde assistir: SporTV e Premiere
PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES:
CEARÁ: Richard; Caíque Gonçalves, David Ricardo, Léo Santos e Danilo Barcelos; Willian Maranhão, Richardson, Jean Carlos e Chay; Erick e Nicolas. Técnico: Eduardo Barroca.
CHAPECOENSE: João Paulo; Ronei, Rodrigo Freitas, Rafael Ribeiro e Mancha; Pablo Oliveira, Cazonatti, Kaio Mendes e Cristiano; Alisson Farias e Ribamar. Técnico: Emerson Cris.
حرص أشرف صبحي وزير الشباب والرياضة والمهندس هاني أبوريدة رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، على زيارة معسكر منتخب مصر المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب بالمغرب.
ويخوض منتخب مصر مباراة ودية اليوم، في إطار معسكره الحالي بالمغرب، والذي يتخلله المشاركة في دورة ودية.
وعقد وزير الرياضة جلسة مع الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة حلمي طولان واللاعبين، من أجل الاطمئنان عليهم وتحفيزهم قبل انطلاق المباريات الودية والرسمية.
وجاءت الزيارة عقب مؤازرة منتخب مصر الأول في مباراته أمام جيبوتي، والتي شهدت تأهل الفراعنة إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026.
وأكد الوزير وأبوريدة على أهمية الاستعداد الجيد وتقديم مستوى ونتائج متميزة خلال منافسات كأس العرب المقرر إقامتها في قطر ديسمبر المقبل.
طالع | تشكيل منتخب مصر الثاني المتوقع أمام المغرب اليوم وديًا
وأثنى هاني أبوريدة على فكرة تكوين المنتخب، مشيرًا إلى أن هناك طموحات كبيرة لهذا الفريق الواعد في المنافسات القادمة.
وحضر اللقاء السفير المصري في المغرب أحمد نهاد عبد اللطيف، والمهندس خالد الدرندلي نائب رئيس الاتحاد، وأحمد حلمي الشريف، ومحمد أبو حسين عضوا مجلس ادارة الاتحاد.
ويشارك منتخب مصر الثاني، في بطولة كأس العرب، المقرر إقامتها في قطر، تبدأ في 1 ديسمبر وتختتم بالنهائي في 18 ديسمبر 2025.
The hosts are one of just two clubs never to have won the BBL, but have been the best side this season
Andrew McGlashan26-Jan-2025
Who will take it home?•Getty Images
Big picture: A first for Hurricanes, or Thunder’s great revival?Whoever prevails in the BBL final, the first to be hosted in Tasmania, it will be a terrific story. Hobart Hurricanes have never won the title, while Sydney Thunder, under the captaincy of David Warner, have gone from the wooden spoon last year to their best run in nine seasons.Hurricanes have been the standout team this summer, something that looked unlikely after their first game when they were skittled for 74 by Melbourne Renegades. From there, however, Hurricanes were unbeaten through the next eight matches, losing only to Melbourne Stars when they were assured of hosting the Qualifier final. In that match, they overturned Sydney Sixers to earn hosting rights for the final.Hurricanes have a very well balanced side, even if they have occasionally looked a batter light. Mitch Owen has been the season’s breakout star after being elevated to opening the batting, responding with an eye-watering strike-rate of 191.11. Tim David has been a vital cog in the middle order, especially on home soil, with Hurricanes unbeaten in Hobart through the campaign.Related
Warner 'still the best by a country mile' as he leads Thunder to final
Thunder one step away from BBL title as Billings, spinners shine
Bowlers take Hobart Hurricanes to their first BBL final in seven years
But it has been their pace attack which has often set them apart. Riley Meredith has bowled with impressive pace (as did Billy Stanlake before injury), while in captain Nathan Ellis and overseas signing Chris Jordan, Hurricanes have two outstanding death bowlers, with their impact never clearer than in the Qualifier against Sixers.But it hasn’t quite been such a seamless run for Thunder, who had started strongly with four wins in five games before stumbling a little. By finishing third, they had to reach the final the hard way, but did it impressively with victories over Stars and Sixers. A potentially pivotal point in Thunder’s season came on the night of the horrific collision between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, which left the pair in hospital and their team-mates shaken. But somehow, Thunder were able to get over the line against Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, their fortress. It reinforced the close-knit nature of the squad.Injuries, a Test call to Sam Konstas, and the usual coming and going of overseas names have tested Thunder’s depth, but they have found answers at each turn. Warner is now one win away from having a very significant moment in his career after the leadership ban was overturned ahead of the season.”This year challenged us in every way – injuries to key players, the demands of international tournaments, and the introduction of new faces to the team,” Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss said. “But each time, the team rose to the occasion without making excuses. You can’t ask much more of your team than that.”Tim David could be a huge figure in deciding the final•Getty Images
Route to the finalHobart HurricanesLost to Renegades by six wickets | Beat Scorchers by eight wickets | Beat Strikers by 11 runs | Beat Sixers by 50 runs | Beat Strikers by five wickets | Match abandoned vs Thunder | Beat Thunder by five wickets | Beat Renegades by four wickets | Beat Heat by five wickets | Lost to Stars by 40 runs | Beat Sixers by 12 runs Sydney ThunderBeat Strikers by two wickets | Lost to Sixers by five wickets | Beat Stars by 18 runs | Beat Renegades by eight runs | Beat Scorchers by four wickets | Lost to Heat by five wickets | Match abandoned vs Hurricanes | Lost to Hurricanes by six wickets | Beat Scorchers by 61 runs | No result vs Sixers | Beat Stars by 21 runs | Beat Sixers by four wicketsPlayers to watch: Tim David and Tanveer SanghaTim David has been the power surge king this season. He has scored 95 runs from 33 balls in the two-over period of fielding restrictions without being dismissed. The next best is Max Bryant’s 68 off 30 deliveries with one dismissal. Particularly when chasing at their home ground, David’s power means Hurricanes are never out of the game. The role he plays when batting first can be flexible depending on the base the top order has provided.Tanveer Sangha forms part of a strong Thunder spin attack•Getty Images
Tanveer Sangha has bowled very nicely since returning to the side after injury. In his three recent outings, he has figures of 1 for 18, 2 for 31 and 0 for 26. During the last of them, against Sixers, he dropped Moises Henriques, but deflected the ball on to the stumps to run Josh Philippe out. It will be a challenge for Sangha on a smaller playing area at Ninja Stadium, with some strong hitters likely to target the shorter boundaries. But Sangha has some tricks up his sleeve as well.Team news: Teams may ponder batting depthHurricanes juggled their batting order again for the Qualifier, with Matthew Wade moving to No. 3. Chris Jordan potentially feels a place high at No. 7, leaving the onus on the top six to get the job done if that balance is retained.Hobart Hurricanes (possible): 1 Mitch Owen, 2 Caleb Jewell, 3 Matthew Wade (wk), 4 Ben McDermott, 5 Tim David, 6 Nikhil Chaudhary, 7 Chris Jordan, 8 Nathan Ellis (capt), 9 Cameron Gannon, 10 Peter Hatzoglou, 11 Riley MeredithJason Sangha had a significant impact as he slotted back into the side at the top of the order, although Thunder’s batting still looks a little thin. There may be a debate over whether three spinners is the way to go in Hobart, although overall, Hurricanes have the third-lowest run rate against spin this season, compared to the highest against pace. Warner confirmed that Ollie Davies would be in the squad, having overcome a thigh injury.Sydney Thunder (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Jason Sangha, 3 Matthew Gilkes, 4 Sam Billings (wk), 5 Hugh Weibgen/Ollie Davies, 6 Chris Green, 7 George Garton, 8 Nathan McAndrew, 9 Tom Andrews, 10 Wes Agar, 11 Tanveer SanghaPitch and conditionsThe pitch for the Qualifier was on the slower side of what has been produced this season. Chasing has been the preferred option, but Hurricanes won against that script against Sixers. The forecast is for a warm day and a chance of a thunderstorm, although they are expected to clear by the evening. There is a reserve day for the final, but the first aim would be to complete a five-over match on Monday.
أعلن نادي إيجل نوار البوروندي، موعد مباراته ضد النادي الأهلي، التي تقام ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
ومن المقرر أن يحل النادي الأهلي ضيفًا على فريق إيجل نوار البوروندي، في إطار مواجهات ذهاب دور الـ 32 من منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وكان النادي الأهلي، قد أعُفي من خوض مباريات الدور التمهيدي وتاهل مباشرة إلى دور الـ 32 بسبب تصنيفه المتقدم بالقارة الإفريقية، حيث يتصدر ترتيب الأندية.
بينما فريق إيجل نوار، خاض مباراة الدور التمهيدي ضد نادي أساس جيبوتي تيليكوم الجيبوتي، واستطاع التأهل بعد التعادل سلبيًا في الذهاب وإيجابياً بهدف لكل فريق إيابًا.
طالع | وليد صلاح الدين: حزنت على رحيل ثنائي الأهلي السابق.. وهذا أكثر لاعب أخشاه موعد مباراة الأهلي وإيجل نوار البوروندي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
كشف نادي إيجل نوار البوروندي عبر صفحته الرسمية على “فيس بوك”، أن موعد المباراة أمام الأهلي، يوم السبت 18 أكتوبر، تقام في تمام الساعة 4 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر و3 بتوقيت بوروندي.
يذكر، أن مباراة العودة بين الفريقين، تقام يوم السبت الموافق 25 أكتوبر، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.