While running out a ground ball in the bottom of the second inning on Friday night, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas took a hard fall as he crossed first base.
He immediately grabbed for his left knee, and after being tended to by Boston's trainers, was ultimately carted off the field at Fenway Park.
Here's a look at the injury:
The 25-year-old Casas has unfortunately dealt with an abundance of injuries throughout his young MLB career. He was shut down with a month to go in his rookie season due to shoulder inflammation, and then missed a majority of 2024 due to a fractured rib.
Casas—who's hitting just .184 this season with three home runs and 11 RBI—was replaced by utility fielder Romy Gonzalez.
The Red Sox entered Friday night with a 17-16 record and in second place in the AL East.
Chelsea have now entered negotiations over a deal to sign a rapid new centre-back, and an opening offer is set to be made within weeks.
Blues looking to sign new centre-back despite Cahill comments
With Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury back in August, the Blues’ offer centre-back options have had to step up to the plate this season, and Gary Cahill has been very impressed with their performances, so much so that he believes his former club don’t need to sign a new defender.
Cahill said: “There has been a lot of noise around this for a long time, but I think the lads that are there are doing a very good job of proving that they don’t need to add to this position,”
“I’ve been very impressed with Wesley Fofana since he’s come back. Touch wood that he stays fit.
“Trevoh Chalobah: look at the job he’s been doing – he’s a bit of an unsung hero. Trevoh is probably the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.
However, while a senior centre-back may not be required, BlueCo are always keen to bring in exciting up-and-coming prospects, and they have now entered negotiations over a deal for Gremio defender Luis Eduardo.
That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have now entered talks to sign Eduardo, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with opening offers set to be made in the coming weeks.
The Blues are now trying to ‘accelerate’ their pursuit of the centre-back, given that scouts have been left impressed with his performances, with the 17-year-old well-known for his pace, having reached 38 km/h for Gremio earlier this year.
The speedster has a €60m (£53m) release clause included in his contract with the Brazilian club, although it is unclear whether BlueCo would be willing to shell out such a big fee on a very young player.
Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker
The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.
By
Dominic Lund
Nov 30, 2025
Luis Eduardo impressing at youth level
The teenager is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Gremio, having made just one appearance for the senior team, but he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country at youth level.
Despite being a centre-back, the Corrente-born ace managed to score two goals in seven appearances for Gremio U20s in 2025, while he has also netted three goals in 13 appearances for Brazil U17s.
Eduardo could be one for the future, but Cahill is correct in his assessment that Chelsea don’t need to worry about bringing in a new centre-back anytime soon, given Chalobah’s recent form, most recently netting the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca also has Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal as back-up options, and with Colwill still to return, the manager is well-stocked at centre-back.
Liverpool’s disastrous campaign is showing little sign of relenting at the moment, and there are so many different parts of Arne Slot’s system to criticise.
After the 4-1 defeat at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate took heavy pelters for their woeful defensive displays.
However, they were hardly the only Redmen who flattered to deceive, with Cody Gakpo yet again failing to convince on the left side of Slot’s frontline.
It might seem somewhat blunt to say, but Gakpo plays with a lack of dynamism, often repeating the same old patterns. As per Sofascore, he is averaging less than one dribble per game in the Premier League this season, while only completing 39% of his attempted ball carries on the continent.
Though he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for Liverpool last season, it always felt like Luis Diaz had more to his game.
Well, now Diaz plies his trade with Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are searching for a left-sided forward after opting against a like-for-like replacement this summer.
Liverpool searching for a left winger
We’re just over one month away from the opening of the January transfer window, and Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been confirmed.
Semenyo, 25, has been one of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League this year, but FSG and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appear to have earmarked an alternative who may actually prove a better pick than the Ghanaian.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool chiefs have learned that a deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior would likely cost the club about £80m next summer, with the Brazil international informing Los Blancos he will not be renewing his contract, of which has entered the penultimate year.
Manchester United are set to rival the Reds for the 25-year-old, while old suitors in the Saudi Pro League are bound to return for his signature. Hughes needs to pull the right strings quickly if he is to get this one over the line.
What Vinicius Junior would offer Liverpool
Vinicius Jr has been a thorn in Liverpool’s side on numerous occasions over the years, scoring five goals and providing two assists across six meetings. It was his goal that sealed the Champions League title against Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2022.
Brought from his Brazilian homeland to the Spanish capital in 2019, Vini has won the whole gamut at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring 111 goals and supplying 89 assists across 340 matches in all competitions.
There’s no question that Vinicius Jr would mark an upgrade on a player like Gakpo, offering a wide range of qualities that could even see him replace, metaphorically, Mohamed Salah, as the club legend begins to wind down.
Matches (starts)
12 (10)
13 (10)
Goals
3
5
Assists
2
4
Shots (on target)*
2.5 (0.4)
2.6 (1.2)
Big chances missed
2
5
Accurate passes
19.3 (81%)
26.8 (82%)
Chances created*
1.8
2.2
Succ. dribbles*
1.3
2.3
Tackles*
0.8
1.2
Duels won*
5.1
5.5
Hailed as “the best player in the world” by teammate Jude Bellingham, it stands as a testament to Vinicius Jr’s level that he is still comfortably outstripping Gakpo as far as respective league stats are concerned, having endured something of a testing campaign under Xabi Alonso’s wing.
The fact that Gakpo is hitting the target less than once every two Premier League matches is deeply concerning. This is not the rip-roaring prolific form that Slot and Liverpool’s coaches would expect, and his limited output across other areas amplifies the noise. That said, Gakpo is creating a consistent number of chances this season, and that does count for something.
Hailed by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric as being one of the Spanish outfit’s “world-class superstars” and as “the best player on the planet” by Statman Dave, signing Vinicius Jr would signal an ominous statement of intent at Liverpool, and now it’s up to the Reds to put the plan into action.
Would that mean the end of Gakpo at Liverpool? The Dutchman did cohabit with Diaz, but there is a difference in quality that Vini would be sure to take advantage of, and it would throw Gakpo to the backbench.
As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again
Liverpool plummeted to new depths after losing 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.
There’s a strong case to be made that Arsenal are the best team in Europe right now. Certainly, the win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening underlined the credentials of Mikel Arteta’s multi-title challengers.
The Gunners have mastered their game. Some have ridiculed Arteta and his side for finishing second in the Premier League three seasons in a row, but this has only hardened their resolve and will to win, concurrently deepening the tactical layers Arteta has spent so much time developing.
This is the result of everything coming together over multiple campaigns. Hard work and perserverance. Now, Arsenal have the luxury to add elite quality to an already fearsome outfit, and technical director Andrea Berta has found his man.
Arsenal's transfer plans
After such an impressive summer transfer window, table-topping Arsenal aren’t expected to be all that busy in the January transfer window. However, the Londoners will react if the right opportunity presents itself.
Juventus playmaker Kenan Yildiz remains a long-standing target, and attacking midfield is indeed a position the Emirates outfit is likely to target in the coming windows.
However, a recent report from Caught Offside suggests Berta is gearing up to launch a move for Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, with the 23-year-old also attracting strong intrigue from Manchester City and Manchester United.
Livramento has been one of the Magpies’ standout players this season, and his club know it, having responded to growing interest in his name by listing him at £80m.
What Tino Livramento would offer Arsenal
Livramento has made 90 appearances for Newcastle since first arriving on Tyneside, having joined the club from Southampton in a deal rising to £40m in 2023.
Last season, he played an instrumental role in securing the Carabao Cup title, something Gunners fans might remember after his tremendous performance at the Emirates in the first leg of the semi-finals.
Tino Livramento against Arsenal.
A modern and dynamic full-back, Livramento’s positional versatility has seen him play ample on his unnatural left flank for United, with his surpassing technical quality leading Newcastle-focused content creator Kendall Rowan to hail him as a “superstar” of a prospect.
Given that Manchester City also have a vested interest, you could say that Livramento would emulate Declan Rice by completing a big-money move from a title-winning Premier League rival like Newcastle, Rice having completed his £105m transfer to north London from West Ham United in 2023, since transcending his role as a superstar.
Right-back
91
1 + 6
Right wing-back
37
3 + 11
Left-back
24
0 + 2
Left wing-back
6
1 + 1
Right wing
1
0 + 0
As Arteta’s troops march their way through the campaign, indomitably, irrevocably, Rice is the most trusted lieutenant, now one of the best central midfielders in the world after several years lauded as an elite talent with room for growth.
In this way, Livramento would mimic him, completing a move to north London and rejecting Pep Guardiola on the way to the Emirates.
Moreover, the likes of Theo Walcott have praised Newcastle’s star full-back for his potential to become something even more, suggesting that his athleticism and ability to play across a range of positions make him someone akin to Gareth Bale.
Bale was a superstar, alright, and this is evidence that Livramento falls into a bracket of world-class players.
Newcastle are bound to play hardball over one of their biggest, most profitable talents, but Arsenal have shaped their stadium into quite the desirable destination, and Livramento would have the chance to emulate Rice in rising the Premier League ladder and becoming a superstar under Arteta’s wing.
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The increible international has the ability to be as important as Saka and Eze for Arsenal this season.
Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has come into huge question over the last couple of months, with Ruben Amorim needing improvements in such an area.
The 40-year-old has often had to rotate the options to the heart of the side, with Bruno Fernandes often the man to start as a number eight on a regular basis.
The Portuguese international has mainly been joined by Casemiro in the two midfield roles in 2025/26, which has allowed the latter to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
However, at 33, the Brazilian is now entering the latter stages of his professional career, with the player set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract.
As a result, the hierarchy will desperately need to target added reinforcements in the midfield department, especially with the January transfer window now approaching.
Man Utd looking to sign mega-money midfielder
Over the last couple of days, United have been named as one of the sides interested in a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Assan Ouedraogo in the January window.
The German star has endured a phenomenal start to the 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 11 Bundesliga outings and already posting a total of six goal contributions in the process.
However, it’s been reported that Ole Werner’s side are extremely reluctant to offload the 19-year-old, who is seen as a player with huge potential to explode into an elite-level talent.
He’s not the only player currently in the Red Devils’ sights at present, with Nottingham Forest sensation Elliot Anderson still firmly in their sights ahead of the winter window.
According to journalist Andy Mitten, Amorim’s men “would love” to sign the 23-year-old midfielder who has been a shining light at the heart of the Reds side in 2025/26.
It’s also been reported that such a deal could rise to around the £100m mark, which would be a club record for United, passing the figure forked out for one player in 2016.
Why Anderson could be Man Utd's new Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba joined United in a staggering £89m deal back in the summer of 2016, with such a deal becoming the most expensive in the club’s long-standing history.
The Frenchman arrived for his second spell at Old Trafford, amassing over 225 appearances and often catching the eye with various impressive moments over his six-year period.
From long-range strikes to vital efforts in Manchester derbies, he truly did capture the hearts of the supporters – that’s despite concerns over his fitness and attitude at certain times.
However, there’s little denying he’s one of the most technically gifted players to operate in the deep-lying midfield roles, as seen by his tally of 86 goals and assists for the Red Devils.
Despite Bruno operating in such a role, there’s little denying the first team have lacked a technical player of Pogba’s quality, but that could be about to change with a move for Anderson.
Like Pogba, he would be a massively expensive addition, but his underlying stats from the 2025/26 campaign showcase his incredible technical ability with and without the ball.
The Englishman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has completed 8.3 progressive passes per 90, with 8.2 of his efforts being made into the final third.
Elliot Anderson – PL stats (25/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
12
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
8.3
Passes into final third
8.2
Take-ons completed
1.3
Ball recoveries
8.5
Tackles made
2.8
Duels won
7.2
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase his incredible ball-playing ability, with such talents allowing him to pick out numerous of the club’s £200m additions in attacking areas.
He’s also completed 1.5 key passes per 90 to date, with 1.3 of his passes being into the opposition’s 18-yard box, further highlighting his world-class talents in possession.
However, without the ball, Anderson has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 2.8 tackles made and 7.2 duels won per 90 in the Premier League this campaign.
The aforementioned figures showcase why he would be the perfect box-to-box option for Amorim’s side, which could get the best out of Bruno once again in the near future.
£100m for a player in the modern market is slowly becoming an acceptable choice, as seen by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, who have all spent such a figure on players in years gone by.
However, if United are to do it, Anderson would be the perfect player to spend such an amount on, with the midfielder having the immediate quality to impress, whilst potentially improving tenfold in the years ahead.
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The spinner picked up four of the six SA wickets to fall after Pakistan were dismissed for 378
Danyal Rasool13-Oct-2025 After day one of Pakistan’s home template went according to plan, the second day made sure it faithfully followed the same script. South Africa bravely resisted Pakistan’s spinners for exactly 50 overs, but that was all they could take. South Africa then lost 4 for 26 in 62 balls as Noman Ali scythed through South Africa’s middle order, upending a game that appeared to be heading towards a one-innings shootout.After a productive morning for Senuran Muthusamy, who took a six-wicket haul, saw Pakistan dismissed for 378, South Africa had done their best not to allow Pakistan’s spinners to blow them away early doors. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton saw off the new ball, building a stable opening partnership that inched towards fifty by the 12th over. But Noman, and spin in general, was always a threat. Markram ensured an umpiring decision was overturned when Rod Tucker deemed him to have nicked off to Rizwan, but two balls later, Noman served up another flighted delivery that spun away, and on that occasion it took Markram’s outside edge with it.On Sunday, Simon Harmer spoke of the importance of not losing wickets in clusters, and with Rickelton, Mulder hung around to add 35 for the second wicket. But an expansive smear towards midwicket was uncalled for and with Noman finding turn away from the right-hander, the ball kissed the outside edge into Rizwan’s grateful hands.The incoming Tony de Zorzi’s innings could be split into two phases, one of extreme good fortunue following by superb temperament. Hasan Ali toyed with his outside edge the first over, though two of those deflections found their way through a gap in the slips to the boundary and set him on his way. From the other end, he nearly chipped one straight to Noman, and as tea neared, he looked especially vulnerable.Rickelton, though, showed a mix of patience and clinical efficiency. He found a way to be solid, if not comfortable, against the spin when they landed their lengths, while still squeezing out runs with regularity. Rickelton, whose last innings against Pakistan yielded 259 in Cape Town, has now seen 47% of his career Test runs come in his last two innings vs Pakistan. The tea break came and went as South Africa began to establish a position resembling parity, a gorgeous straight six and four off Noman after a quiet passage indicating Rickelton’s growing comfort.But with an hour of play left, South Africa remained vulnerable. A year ago in Multan, England had raced away to 211 for 2, only to be picked apart by Sajid Khan to finish the day at 226 for 6. In the 51st over, Salman Agha drew Rickelton’s outside edge, with Babar at first slip getting low to complete a stunning one-handed reflex catch to break the stand six short of 100.Pakistan then went on the prowl. Noman took Tristan Stubbs’ outside edge in near-identical circumstances to Markram’s dismissal earlier before a rattled Dewald Brevis chipped his first ball straight to short midwicket to give Sajid Khan his first wicket. South Africa were in damage control mode, but Noman found a way to inflict another hammer blow when Kyle Verreyenne tried to sweep a straight delivery, only to be caught dead in front.Senuran Muthusamy bagged career-best figures of 6 for 117•Associated PressSouth Africa’s saving grace was de Zorzi had now moved from his tentative phase to one of extreme command. He had seen the disintegration from the other end without allowing himself to be discomfited by it, keeping the runs ticking along while reassuring Muthusamy, who looked deft enough to see off the dying overs. Off the penultimate ball of the day, de Zorzi saw one that was dragged short and whipped it through midwicket, still focused on putting the poor balls away.In the morning, Muthusamy had sliced through Pakistan’s lower order in the second half of the first session to wrap up the hosts’ innings for 378. The left-arm spinner took three wickets in an over, on his way to a career-best figures of 6 for 117, as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 16 runs. But much of the job Pakistan were tasked with completing overnight was taken care of by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, whose partnership stretched to 163 before the wickets began to fall. South Africa were left to face an awkward four overs before lunch, but they did so without harm.After being cautious, Agha got things running with a sweep for four behind square, before lifting Harmer over the sightscreen. With limited apparent danger from the spin, Pakistan looked set to march to and beyond 400, a mark both sides had appeared to consider as borderline impregnable on a surface that would deteriorate fast. By now, Harmer had been lifted by Agha for another six and Muthuswamy for four more as he motored towards three figures.But the wickets came all of a sudden. Extra turn and bounce kissed the shoulder of Rizwan’s bat as the wicketkeeper took a catch to finally break the sixth-wicket stand. The incoming Noman was cleaned up after Muthusamy bowled a delivery Noman himself would have been proud of, giving it air before it whistled past the outside edge and into off stump. For the second time in the innings, he would go two in two after Sajid was coaxed into a defensive prod that took the edge and towards Markram at slip.Agha and Shaheen Afridi dug in for the next half hour before the latter’s bellicose nature got the better of him. He danced down the track and hacked at the ball, only to see Muthusawmy make a mess of his stumps behind him. It left Agha in danger of being stranded a few runs from his century, and he tried to rush to the milestone, taking on Prenelan Subrayen. He smeared across the line to allow Muthusamy take a comfortable catch on the boundary, leaving him seven runs short, just as Imam-ul-Haq had been yesterday.The final 15 overs of the day, though, will reassure Pakistan they do not want for runs on this continually deteriorating surface.
O Flamengo perdeu na Libertadores e se afundou ainda mais numa profunda crise nesta temporada. A turbulência tem como motivo os resultados e desempenho da equipe, que tem um alto investimento. Mas como tudo começou? Entenda abaixo em cinco atos.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFlamengoTorcedores do Flamengo definem em uma palavra o sentimento da derrota na LibertadoresFlamengo08/05/2024Fora de CampoWeb critica relação de Tite com jogador do Flamengo: ‘Só coloca quando o calo aperta’Fora de Campo08/05/2024Fora de CampoWeb compara trabalho de Tite com de outros técnicos do Flamengo: ‘Nota zero’Fora de Campo07/05/2024
➡️ Siga o Lance! Flamengo no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Rubro-Negro
ESTREIA NA LIBERTADORES O Flamengo deixou escapar a vitória na estreia diante do Millonarios. O Rubro-Negro, que jogou com um a mais, entrou em campo com um time alternativo. Isso porque o técnico Tite poupou os principais jogadores para a final do Campeonato Carioca.
COMEÇO DECEPCIONANTE NO BRASILEIRÃO Apesar de ter vencido o Atlético-GO na estreia do Brasileirão, o Flamengo foi alvo de críticas pelo desempenho em campo. O Rubro-Negro também jogou com um a mais e sofreu para derrotar o Dragão.
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DERROTA NA ALTITUDE Tite também poupou os principais jogadores para enfrentar o Bolívar, na altitude de La Paz, na Bolívia. O Flamengo saiu atrás no placar logo no início da partida, buscou o empate e, ao final, sofreu o desempate.
PÉSSIMA ATUAÇÃO EM CLÁSSICO O Flamengo foi anulado pelo Botafogo no primeiro clássico entre as equipes no Brasileirão. O Rubro-Negro sequer chutou ao gol do goleiro John, o que revoltou os torcedores que começaram a pedir a saída de Tite.
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“QUAL A DESCULPA?” Essa foi a pergunta que os rubro-negros fariam ao técnico Tite após a derrota para o Palestino. Esta foi mais uma partida que o Flamengo mal ofereceu perigo ao gol adversário.
O próximo desafio do Flamengo será pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. O Rubro-Negro vai enfrentar o Corinthians às 16h deste sábado, no Maracanã.
Manchester United’s work in the transfer market over the last couple of months has been hugely directed towards the central midfield department to bolster the options at Ruben Amorim’s disposal.
Other areas of the pitch have previously been improved by the hierarchy, with the attacking department transformed during the summer transfer window.
Over £200m was spent on new talent in the final third, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko tasked with leading the Red Devils up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
A new goalkeeper was also firmly on the agenda, but Senne Lammens’ arrival from Royal Antwerp has ended the need for added reinforcements between the sticks.
As a result, the midfield department remains the last one that needs work conducting to it, which has seen various players being touted with a move to Old Trafford in January.
The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January
Elliot Anderson has been United’s most talked-about target over the last couple of days, with the Englishman firmly in their sights ahead of the January window.
The 23-year-old has starred for Nottingham Forest over the last couple of months, even becoming a full England international as a result of his tremendous rise to stardom.
However, Amorim’s side have been quoted a fee in the region of £100m for his signature at present, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to pay such a fee in the winter window.
He’s not the only player in their sights at present, with Portuguese international Ruben Neves a player they’re considering, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach to Al Hilal over a deal for the 28-year-old, who wants to return to the Premier League after previously playing for Wolves.
It also states that Newcastle United are also in the race for his signature, but the player hasn’t currently given his preference over which team he would want to join this winter.
How Ruben Neves compares to Elliot Anderson
Given his displays in the Premier League this season, many United fans will have Anderson as their top target this January – especially after his display against them earlier this month.
The 23-year-old featured for the entire contest at the City Ground, creating three chances and completing 100% of the dribbles he attempted – subsequently showcasing his talents in possession.
Without the ball, he was just as impressive, as seen by his 100% tackle success rate and 14 recoveries made – with the latter the highest of any player on the pitch.
He’s featured in every minute of the Premier League campaign for the Reds to date, undoubtedly being one of their key men, with the £100m price tag reflecting his importance to Sean Dyche’s men.
The Red Devils will have to match such a few to prise him away, but the hierarchy will no doubt be targeting other alternatives to try and improve the midfield department.
Neves is just one player who is on their radar, with the 28-year-old potentially offering a more experienced and cheaper option for Amorim’s current squad.
He made 177 appearances for Wolves before his switch to join Al Hilal, but could be available for as little as £20m this summer, with the player himself open to a return to England.
His stats from the Saudi Pro League this season showcase his talents, certainly backing up the praise he’s received from one analyst in the last few years.
Neves has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted, subsequently creating 1.4 chances per 90 – which has led Raj Chohan to label him as “the most underrated player in world football”.
Games played
8
Goals scored
3
Passes completed
91%
Chances created
1.4
Touches per game
97
Times dispossessed
0
Duels won
59%
Recoveries made
5.1
The former Wolves star has also averaged 97 touches per 90 this season, whilst being dispossessed zero times in his eight league appearances this campaign – further showcasing his talents in possession.
Without the ball, Neves has been just as impressive in recent months, subsequently winning 59% of his duels per 90, whilst also making 5.1 recoveries per 90 at present.
His box-to-box nature could allow Amorim’s men to finally end their pursuit for a new number six, which could see Anderson sounded out until the summer at least.
Neves’ Portuguese compatriot Bruno Fernandes is already one of the starting midfielders in the squad, with the pair able to take the club to the next level if they can replicate their success at international level.
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Man Utd’s midfield could be improved grealty with this signing
“I think just holding on and staying calm is going to go a long way tomorrow,” the SA captain said
Sruthi Ravindranath01-Nov-20253:10
Wolvaardt: ‘Whoever stays calmest in final will come out on top’
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has said the weight of expectation will rest firmly on India when the two sides meet in the ODI World Cup final on Sunday, in front of what is expected to be a packed home crowd in Navi Mumbai. The message she has for her own team-mates ahead of this “tough” game is simple: “slow down, take a deep breath, and stay calm”.”I think [with] the whole crowd behind India, probably a sold-out stadium, it’s going to be a very exciting opportunity,” Wolvaardt said at the pre-match press conference. “But at the same time, I think it puts a lot of pressure on them as well. They have the whole country behind them, and sort of expect them to win. I think it sort of plays in our favour, hopefully. They’re a very good side. We’re going to have to play some really good cricket to beat them.”Mandla [Mashimbyi, South Africa head coach] normally does the really inspirational stuff, the ‘you’re carrying your country’ type of thing. And then I think I’d just come with a little ‘stay calm, girls’ at the end. There’s going to be a lot of noise, a lot happening, a lot of maybe different routines than you’re used to in a normal game. But at the end of the day, we’re going to have to do the basics for longer throughout the game, and hold the nerve for longer. I think just holding on and staying calm is going to go a long way tomorrow.”Related
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Although they will be playing their first ever ODI World Cup final, South Africa have made it to the summit clash in each of the last two T20 World Cups. They haven’t been able to take home the silverware just yet but Wolvaardt said the team has learnt from those experiences.”I think for me, personally, I’m really trying not to think about the result,” she said. “I think in those finals – or the first time I was in the final – you automatically think about the trophy and think about winning, and sort of get excited. Now I’m just really trying to stay [in the] present. We still have a really big game ahead of us against a really quality side.1:36
WWC final – ‘The pressure is less on South Africa’
“I’m trying not to think too far ahead; just really sort of slow it down. I think the first time you’re in those finals, it feels like a really big, fast-paced event. We’re going to need to slow down and take a big breath, and hope we’re able to do that as a group.”South Africa’s path to the final has been far from smooth. After a 69 all out against England, they bounced back with five straight wins before another collapse of 97 all out against Australia. A superb comeback in the semi-final against England, where Wolvaardt scored 169 and Marizanne Kapp took a five-for, booked their spot in the final.”I think we don’t just lose our skill or gain our skill overnight. It’s definitely just a couple of games that we had to put behind us, and we were able to bounce back really well from those two games on both occasions,” Wolvaardt said. “I think if we focus too much on that, then it wouldn’t have been a good campaign for us. So I think we took the learnings, put it behind us, and just really focused on the next game that we needed to do well [in].”Wolvaardt believes a World Cup win would be a game-changer for women’s cricket in South Africa.”For us, I think it would just be really special for women’s cricket in the country. I can only imagine what something like a World Cup trophy would do back at home, and just the amount of girls that will be able to see it on TV, that’ll be able to hear that we’re a World Cup-winning nation,” she said. “It’s hopefully very inspirational.”I think we’ve already created quite a lot of noise back at home, and getting a lot of messages from different people who have sort of started watching women’s cricket because of this tournament. So that’s really cool.”
Bayern Munich director of sport Max Eberl issued a cryptic update on Harry Kane’s future, saying the striker “knows exactly what he wants” amid speculation linking him with a big-money move to Spanish giants Barcelona. The England captain has been in remarkable goalscoring form for the Bundesliga heavyweights, who are hoping to keep him beyond 2027.
Kane has been in stunning form for Bayern and England in 2025
In what has been a tremendous 2025-26 season so far, Kane has scored 24 goals in just 20 games in all competitions for Bayern, who are currently eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.
The 32-year-old helped Vincent Kompany’s side bounce back from their midweek loss at Arsenal in the Champions League with a 3-1 league victory over St. Pauli on Saturday, with Raphael Guerreiro, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson doing the damage for the Bavarians.
Kane also played a key role in helping England qualify for the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals in as many qualifiers as Thomas Tuchel’s men topped Group K with a 100 per cent record.
In their final competitive fixture before next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, former Tottenham striker Kane scored both goals as the Three Lions downed Albania 2-0 on 16 November.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportBayern chief speaks out on England captain's future
However, while Kane continues to flourish at Bayern, speculation is swirling regarding his long-term future at the club. The forward, whose current contract expires in 2027, can reportedly trigger an exit clause before the end of January which would allow him to leave next summer for just £56.7 million (€65m/$76m).
And while Bayern chief Eberl believes there is a strong chance Kane could extend his stay in Germany, he has fuelled speculation over the attacker’s future with recent comments on the situation.
Speaking to following Bayern’s win over St. Pauli, Eberl told reporters: “Harry knows exactly what he wants and we have plans for him. We would like to continue. We can very, very well imagine that, but we will basically discuss everything with Harry.”
Barcelona presidential candidate refuses to rule out Kane bid
Eberl’s comments come after Xavier Vilajoana, who is running against Joan Laporta in Barcelona’s presidential elections next year, refused to rule out a statement move for Kane, should he emerge victorious.
“We have incredibly talented players at La Masia, but of course, if we don't have players, we will look elsewhere,” Vilajoana told “I will always look for a player who understands Barca's DNA, not just a name. It's a dangerous thing to look for just a name, but someone who fits our style and culture."
When asked if Kane would fit that profile, he said: "If we don't have a Harry Kane inside [the club], we are going to get him. Why not?”
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Getty Images SportFormer Tottenham striker remains calm over his future in Germany
Meanwhile, Kane is remaining calm over his future at Bayern, saying there is “no rush” to enter into discussions regarding a new contract.
“I haven't had any contact with anyone, nobody has contacted me,” he told German newspaper this week. “I feel very comfortable in the current situation, even though we haven't yet discussed my situation with Bayern.
“There's no rush. I'm really happy in Munich. You can see that in the way I'm playing. If there's contact, then we'll see. But I'm not thinking about the new season yet. First up is the World Cup in the summer. And it's very unlikely that anything will change after this season.”