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Everton’s summer rebuild is gathering pace. The £27.6m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal has handed David Moyes a towering centre-forward to lead the line, one capable of dominating defences with his aerial prowess, strength, and movement.

But with both Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom returning to their parent clubs, Everton’s attack is short of width and creativity.

Moyes now needs a player who can stretch defences, beat his man, and crucially, supply the service Barry will thrive on.

Everton open talks to sign Harrison and Lindstrom replacement

That search has led them to one of La Liga’s standout performers, whose skillset may be the perfect match for their new No. 9.

According to reports, Everton have already made first contact.

Transfer Focus

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

Via TEAMtalk, Everton have started talks with Real Sociedad over a potential deal for 24-year-old Japanese international Takefusa Kubo.

The former Real Madrid prospect is open to a new challenge, and the Premier League is believed to be a major draw.

Kubo is currently under contract at Sociedad until June 2029, with a release clause reportedly around £50m.

Everton are not the only side interested. Clubs from the Bundesliga and La Liga are also monitoring the situation, but the Toffees are hopeful that the promise of regular minutes and a key role under Moyes could help sway the player.

Kubo joined Sociedad permanently in 2022 and wasted no time making an impression. In his first full season, he was named the club’s Player of the Season, showcasing his ability to both score and create from wide areas.

Zinedine Zidane, who played a role in his development at Real Madrid, once called him “a very interesting player for the present and the future.”

Meanwhile, former Mallorca CEO Maheta Molango, reflecting on Kubo’s two loan spells at the club, praised his character and focus:

“I was very impressed by Kubo when I met him. He’s super humble, super down to earth. His talent is obvious, but the reason why he will one day be a football superstar is his head. He sees things that other people don’t see, the ability to see a pass and pick a long ball. His intelligence is outstanding.”

Why Kubo could be Barry’s perfect supply line

Kubo’s profile fits exactly what Everton lack. A right-footed winger who prefers starting from the right, he thrives in one-on-one situations, cutting inside to create chances or drive at goal.

He combines dribbling flair with precision delivery, making him a natural partner for a striker like Barry.

In 2024/25, Kubo played 36 games, scoring five goals and assisting several more.

According to FBref, he completed 75 take-ons, created 45 chances, produced 14 shots on target, and made 129 touches in the opposition box.

His crossing numbers are particularly impressive, averaging 3.32 per 90, ranking him in the 86th percentile among wingers in Europe’s top leagues.

For Barry, who stands at 6 foot 5 and thrives on service, those numbers are gold.

Last season, the French forward scored 11 goals from an expected goals (xG) tally of 11.7 and added four assists.

The same data reveals that he ranks among the top percentiles for runs in behind and crosses received and won nearly two-thirds of his aerial duels in the penalty area.

Barry’s combination of size, mobility, and sharp movement inside the box is exactly the kind of profile that can elevate a creator like Kubo. And in turn, Kubo’s ability to beat his marker and pick a final ball could help Barry explode in the Premier League.

Moyes’ system traditionally relies on wide players who work hard defensively but also deliver early, accurate service. Kubo ticks those boxes but adds a level of technical quality that Everton have lacked on the flanks.

With Calvert-Lewin gone, Barry now leads the line. And if Everton can land Kubo, they may have finally found the perfect partner to supply him, creating a dangerous duo built on power, and cutting edge in the final third.

Everton could hijack move to sign hulking £42m striker who'd be Lukaku 2.0

Everton will be keen on signing another striker this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 22, 2025

For the first time this transfer window, the transfer activity in through the door at Birmingham City seems to have slowed down.

After all, in the space of just a week recently, Birmingham had managed to welcome in the likes of Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle, Kyogo Furuhashi, and many other star names to the camp, with some calm perhaps now needed to balance the books appropriately.

Still, when it comes to Chris Davies and Co., there might well be another sublime addition just waiting around the corner at any moment, with Birmingham not giving up all hope just yet that they can resign this midfield ace very soon, among other targets being chased after.

Birmingham still pursuing move for EFL ace

Reports do seem to suggest that the Blues will have to move on some bodies to be able to finance some more high-profile captures, especially if they want to be successful in landing Hwang Hee-Chan up top.

It was recently revealed that Birmingham had their eye on the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker, but the £14m fee required to win his services – on top of his potential steep wage costs – has rendered this a deal that will be difficult to get over the line right now.

There are more unwelcome obstacles in Birmingham’s way with other targets, too, with Kieran Dowell, who was expected to be surplus to requirements on his return to Rangers, now being utilised in pre-season under a fresh set of managerial ideas from Russell Martin.

A recent updated report from Birmingham Live does suggest that a permanent move could still be on the cards, with Davies once stating it would be “something we will have to look into” over arranging for the £16k-per-week star to come back to St. Andrew’s for good.

Whilst this has gone cold for the moment, Birmingham do have plenty of time on their hands to try and work out a deal, with Dowell perhaps a dream teammate for Kyogo to bounce off of as he grows accustomed to leading the line in the Championship.

Why Dowell could be a dream for Kyogo

Whilst the Japanese ace has proven himself to be a reliable goal machine in Scotland – as seen in his ridiculous tally of 85 strikes leading the line with venom for Celtic – he has never tested himself before in the challenging terrain of the EFL’s elite league.

Therefore, he could well be daunted by the prospect of having to be the Blues’ leading man here, particularly as he’s coming into Davies’ camp off the back of a barren spell in France with Rennes and the fact that he’s been purchased for a fee around the excessive £10m mark.

Games played

123

Goals scored

26

Assists

12

Big chances created

25

Those nerves would surely be quelled knowing he has the likes of such a reliable Championship playmaker in the form of Dowell by his side, with the second-tier veteran notching up a hefty 26 goals and 12 assists across his last 123 outings in the division. On top of that, 25 big chances have also been created, which will be music to the ears of a poacher-like forward in Kyogo.

At the height of his goalscoring powers at Celtic during the 2022/23 season, which saw him net a blistering 27 Scottish Premiership strikes, the potent 30-year-old would only need to average a mere 13.3 touches per league game to cause said widespread damage, meaning he should become even more prolific if he latches onto plenty of Dowell’s defence-splitting passes to come.

Whilst they used to be divided across enemy lines in Glasgow, both Dowell and Kyogo might well form a dream partnership in the West Midlands very soon, with Davies even going as far as to describe the 27-year-old as “high quality” last campaign when he popped up with four assists from just 17 League One starts.

He might well have only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of at St. Andrew’s with his promising loan stint, with the Championship more his bread and butter, as Birmingham aim to potentially bring him back to take their new division by storm.

He'd be Kyogo 2.0: Birmingham looking at incredible deal to sign £14m star

Birmingham City could seal another ambitious deal very soon.

3 ByKelan Sarson Jul 15, 2025

Sunderland are now close to reaching an agreement over the signing of an “absolutely sensational” player, according to a key update from journalist Loic Jego.

Perhaps the major piece of Black Cats transfer business that has emerged recently is their pursuit of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is considered a top summer target.

Sunderland are believed to be in talks with the 25-year-old over a move to the Stadium of Light, as Regis Le Bris strengthens his options between the sticks ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League in August.

A five-cap Poland international, Bulka has plenty of pedigree as a top-level player, and Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is an admirer, calling him “superb” after coming up against him in Ligue 1.

Sunderland supporters will surely be keen on seeing the Pole complete a move to the club as soon as possible, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their interest in him.

Sunderland close to agreement with Bulka

Now, according to Jego on X, an agreement between Sunderland and Bulka is now “imminent”, as the Black Cats close in on a new signing.

This is fantastic news for Sunderland, who know the importance of doing significant transfer business, in order to avoid a swift return to the Championship next season.

Bulka now has made 73 appearances in Ligue 1, as well as enjoying six Europa League outings, while scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Nice stopper as an “absolutely sensational” goalkeeper.

In Anthony Patterson, Sunderland already have one excellent option in goal, with the Englishman such an influential presence last season, starting 45 of his side’s 46 Championship matches, but there have been teams sniffing around for his signature.

Competition for places is vital in the Premier League anyway however, and Le Bris will know that he has to be ruthless in leaving good players in reserve, assuming the latter stays at the club this summer.

Related He'd be amazing with Bulka: Sunderland in the race to sign £7m sensation

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 27, 2025

Bulka feels like a signing of intent for Sunderland, and there is still plenty of time for the Black Cats to complete further business between now and the end of the transfer window.

Aston Villa have now submitted an enquiry over a deal to sign a “highly-talented” midfielder, according to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter on X.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

Villa’s summer transfer business could be significantly hampered by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League, following Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision to rule out Morgan Rogers’ opening goal at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Missing out on the top five may also be a double whammy for Unai Emery, as the manager could now find it more difficult to hold on to some of his better players, with Emiliano Martinez looking like he could be heading for the exit door this summer.

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By
Dominic Lund

May 27, 2025

As such, signing a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for the Villans in the upcoming window, while they are also clearly keen on bringing in a new central midfielder, having been linked with a range of different targets in both positions.

Target	Current club	Potential cost
Aaron Ramsdale	Southampton	£25m
Joan Garcia	Espanyol	£25m
Mateus Fernandes	Southampton	£30m
Angel Gomes	Lille	£0
Caoimhin Kelleher	Liverpool	£40m

Fernandes and Gomes could be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, given that the former has experience in the Premier League, while the Lille star’s performances in Ligue 1 last season earned him a first England call-up from Lee Carsley.

However, there have also been reports that Aston Villa and NSWE could be willing to take a risk on more of an unknown quantity, with Toubache-Ter taking to X to reveal Emery’s side have now made an enquiry about “highly talented” Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.

A further report goes on to state that Italian giants Juventus have also expressed an interest in El Aynaoui, who is now looking likely to leave Lens this summer, having previously been close to joining AS Monaco before failing a medical.

El Aynaoui impressing in France

Gomes may be the more well-known Ligue 1 central midfielder, but the Lens star was arguably just as impressive last season, putting in some particularly solid performances in an attacking sense, having picked up eight goals and one assist in 24 games.

The Nancy-born midfielder routinely finds the back of the net for Lens, but he is also clearly a well-rounded central midfielder, considering he places in the 95th percentile for interceptions and blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

As such, while El Aynaoui, 23, wouldn’t be the most high-profile of signings for Aston Villa, there are plenty of indications that he could be a shrewd acquisition this summer, and it is promising news that steps are being taken to assess a potential deal.

Manchester United’s Premier League campaign in 2024/25 has been one to forget, with the side set to finish in their lowest-ever position, along with the lowest points tally.

Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit in 15th place with just three games remaining, seeing all focus switch onto their prospect of claiming a Europa League triumph come the end of the season.

The Red Devils have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in their inability to rise up the table after the manager’s appointment back in November.

However, they still have the opportunity to end the season on a high, currently in a European semi-final and holding a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club following the away leg.

Should they go all the way and win the competition, they will secure Champions League qualification, with added squad depth needed to compete at the top level of European football next campaign.

An update on United’s hunt for new additions

Given the summer transfer window is now just around the corner, numerous links have emerged, including that of Liam Delap, who has been touted as the club’s top target for the attacking department.

The Ipswich Town talisman has netted 12 goals in his 34 appearances in 2024/25, but looks set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side after their relegation back to the Championship, which has seen the forward’s £30m release clause become active.

However, despite the improvements in forward areas, the backline is also in need of investment, potentially coming in the form of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.

It states that the Red Devils are currently preparing a £68m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga giants.

The report also claims that he’s hugely admired by staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, potentially being a key piece in their rebuild, which desperately needs to happen this summer if they are to move in the right direction.

Why United’s £68m target could revive Andre Onana

Goalkeeper Andre Onana was seen as the man to take United to the next level after arriving back in the summer of 2023, replacing fan-favourite David de Gea in the process.

His ball-playing attributes were seen as a key attribute to help the side progress, but the move up until now has been a disaster, often producing a clanger which has resulted in their lowly league standing.

The Senegalese has made five errors leading to goals across all competitions, with his mistakes against Lyon nearly putting the side out of the tournament and ending any hopes of a trophy.

Questions have been asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford as a result, with it unclear whether Amorim will stick or twist with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper in 2025/26.

However, he could be revived at the club, especially if the side are to bolster their backline with a move for Araujo, with the 26-year-old having the defensive qualities to improve the situation.

The Uruguayan, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the world” by Carles Puyol, has starred this season despite his lack of action, registering two combined goals and assists.

He’s also starred at the back, completing 91% of passes, handing United a composed presence at the back and undoubtedly taking the pressure off Onana at the back.

Games played

10

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

91%

Progressive passes per 90

4

Tackles won

1.9

Blocks made

1.5

Clearances made

4

Aerials won

3.8

Araujo has also impressed out of possession, winning 1.9 tackles per 90 and making 1.5 blocks per 90 – preventing the ball from getting through and facing Onana between the sticks.

Defensive solidity is desperately needed at Old Trafford, enabling Amorim to take the side to the next level and hopefully make him a success during his tenure at the club.

The deals they make over the next couple of months will be crucial, needing to sign the right players to take them back towards glory, with Araujo the man who could massively bolster the defensive department.

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ByDan Emery May 6, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is walking a tightrope at Spurs right now, following what could end up being the club’s worst ever Premier League season, with the 59-year-old heavily relying on their Europa League campaign to sway critics who want him gone.

Ange Postecoglou's future in "serious doubt" at Tottenham

The former Celtic boss started his tenure in excellent fashion, making the best-ever start by a new manager in Premier League history at the beginning of last season, but fortunes have dramatically changed for Postecoglou since then.

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A combination of injuries to key players and poor performances overall have left Spurs 14th in the table with 16 league defeats, which is unacceptable for a big six side, and this has resulted in calls for Postecoglou to be shown his P45.

The tactician has also done himself no favours thanks to some confrontations with supporters this term, most recently when he was pictured cupping his ear to Spurs supporters over Pape Sarr’s disallowed goal during their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last week, which he later claimed was actually just a normal celebration.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Postecoglou also came to blows with a fan at Craven Cottage before that, following Tottenham’s 2-0 loss to Fulham, which could be a result of the immense pressure on his shoulders amid a very disappointing campaign.

“The pressure has been building up on him for sure,” said former Brentford manager Martin Allen on the incident to Tottenham News.

“His reaction to someone shouting at him from the stands will be disappointing to himself. I’m also disappointed in his staff for not taking him into the dressing room and away from the public’s opinion. His staff should have got him out of there so he wasn’t in that situation.”

Reliable media sources claim that Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham is in “serious doubt”, while Fabrizio Romano believes it is Europa League or bust to save his job, as the Lilywhites prepare for an all-important quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Ange Postecoglou tenure "irreparable" with Tottenham in manager talks

However, former Premier League CEO Keith Wyness is under the impression that Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham is “irreparable” – explaining to Football Insider that the club will “already” be in new manager talks.

“Postecoglou seems to have lost the plot. Lovable old Aussie Ange has become Grumpy Ange,” said Wyness.

“The relationship has broken down with the fans and it now seems irreparable. He knows it, everyone knows that Spurs will be moving for a new manager. I’m sure there are talks already going on behind the scenes.

“We’ve discussed previously about [Andoni] Iraola or [Marco] Silva at Bournemouth or Fulham. Both of those sides still have something to play for, so there won’t be any moves immediately.

“That move will give the club a chance to catch their breath and mend the relationship with the fans.”

According to reports, Bournemouth’s Iraola is Tottenham’s top target to replace Postecoglou if they go in that direction, while Fulham’s Silva is also believed to be on Spurs’ managerial shortlist.

Both tacticians have performed impressively, but following Antonio Conte, Nuno Espírito Santo and José Mourinho’s failed tenures at Spurs before Postecoglou’s arrival, something may also have to change nearer boardroom level for the club to end their long wait for silverware.

The next few weeks are vital for Enzo Maresca’s future as Chelsea manager, with the Blues having two huge chances for glory currently on their plate before the end of 2024/25.

They face a huge battle for a place in the top five of the Premier League, subsequently securing them Champions League football, whilst also having the chance to win the Europa Conference League.

It remains to be seen if the Italian will be in charge next season should he fail to achieve both of their goals, undoubtedly falling well below the expectations set upon his appointment.

Regardless of what Maresca is able to accomplish between now and the end of May, more signings are expected this summer, to help the side edge one step closer to battling for a title.

The hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements, with one player already in the frame over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt to land Dean Huijsen

Over the last couple of days, Chelsea have made huge progress in their pursuit of landing Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, but still face serious competition from elsewhere.

Real Madrid and fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United have all been credited with interest in the 19-year-old who has a £50m release clause in his contract.

However, one report has claimed that the Blues have held multiple rounds of talks with the defender’s representatives over a potential deal to move to West London.

It remains to whether Huijsen would want a move to Maresca’s side, but the signs are all positive – especially considering his team are still open to negotiations with the club’s hierarchy.

Despite the interest in the Spaniard’s signature, the club already have their own superb talent who’s valued more than Huijsen – highlighting the excellent work the club have done in previous years.

The Chelsea star who’s worth even more than Huijsen

Chelsea have done tremendous work in the transfer market over recent years, getting themselves some bargains even though they’ve spent over £1.2b since 2022.

Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have both cemented their places in the first-team, starring frequently this season, with the latter undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the division – as seen by his Team of the Year nomination.

However, despite the success with the additions, they’ve also managed to develop countless homegrown talents, numerous of which have played a key role in Maresca’s side.

Levi Colwill is just one of those academy players to make the step-up into the professional ranks, missing just three league games in 2024/25 – showcasing his importance to the side.

The 22-year-old has been the most consistent figure at the heart of the backline, going from strength to strength with increased minutes in West London.

When delving into his stats from the current season, it’s evident how impressive he’s been, more than deserving of his place in the England setup over the last couple of months.

Colwill, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed a 90% pass accuracy in the Premier League, whilst also managing to win 2.6 aerial battles per 90 – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Levi Colwill’s stats for Chelsea in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

29

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

90%

Dribble success

63%

Aerials won

2.6

Aerial success

61%

Tackles won

67%

Stats via FotMob

As a result of his performances to date, his market value has soared, now valued at £47m by Transfermarkt – a figure higher than that of Huijsen, who’s only valued at £36m.

Given his rise, the club should put more resources into developing young talent, reaping the rewards in the long-term, just as they have done with the 22-year-old.

However, that being said, a partnership of Colwill and Huijsen at the heart of the defence could set them up for future success down the line, given the pair’s tender ages.

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Posts ByConnor Holden Apr 18, 2025

The vibe so far this tournament has been good in Sharjah too, with the UAE’s expats coming out to cheer their sides on – a Sri Lankan papare band included

Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda06-Oct-2024″I’ve never been to a women’s match before, my brother said we have to go because it’s India-Pakistan.”That’s what one Indian woman in the stands at Dubai International Cricket Stadium told us on Sunday, amid a record crowd of 15,935 who watched India defeat Pakistan by six wickets. And she said she would be back.The 100th T20I to be played at Dubai stadium drew the highest number of spectators for a league game at an ICC women’s event and therefore the biggest crowd for a women’s match between India and Pakistan. The last time these sides met at a T20 World Cup, in South Africa last year, 3578 people attended.The fan who came on her brother’s advice sat in the last row of the bottom tier, in the shade, with a perfect side-on view of Richa Ghosh’s stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Fatima Sana. A few rows in front of her, two Pakistan fans dressed head to toe in green and white had danced in celebration just moments earlier when Sana swept and slog-swept back-to-back boundaries. It didn’t matter when she was out, they still flanked an Indian fan in a warm embrace and posed for a photograph.Related

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They were joined in the crowd by numerous families, young and old, many wearing team jerseys and, despite obvious national rivalry, all sitting in the same space.Helped by some pumping tunes and an enthusiastic ground announcer who whipped the crowd into various chants, the atmosphere was electric and the noise thunderous, the Indian contingent outnumbering their Pakistani counterparts by – a rough estimate of – 85% to 15%.The large number of fans turning out for this game makes sense when looking at the expat demographic in the UAE. Indians make up the largest number of foreigners, an estimated 38% of the population. The next largest single nationality group is Pakistanis, who amount to an estimated 17% of the people here.Overall, the crowd was unmistakably mostly male, which is also in keeping with the demographics of the region – the Emirates has roughly two men for every woman living here.As the contest became tight towards the end, with India needing 26 runs off the last 27 balls, the Pakistan contingent stood out, jumping up and down and waving flags frantically. When India won, their supporters sang along at the top of their voices as strains of rang out over the PA system, India’s unofficial victory anthem since 2011.Arundhati Reddy, who was Player of the Match for her 3 for 19, was feeling the love. “Lovely crowd today,” she said after the match. “A lot of Indians there supporting us. It just felt very good getting into the ground today, a lot of Indians cheering for us and we hope they keep turning up for us.”Sana, Pakistan’s captain, also seemed to relish playing in front of such a big crowd: “I said to everyone enjoy being in the field because we all know the Indians have a lot of supporters and the whole crowd is totally supporting India so our whole team is enjoying it out there and they performed with intent so that’s the best thing.”This turnout is likely to be the peak attendance at a tournament where crowd figures were expected to be a concern. But, during the three days leading up to this match, spectator presence has been a pleasant surprise, especially at the other venue in Sharjah.From an underwhelming start in 37C heat on Thursday afternoon, the stands steadily grew more lively for the original hosts, Bangladesh, as they faced qualifiers Scotland.The Indian fans got behind their team with full vigour•ICC/Getty ImagesNigar Sultana’s “heartbreak” at not being able to play in front of home crowds and celebrate the progression of women’s cricket in her country was quickly healed by the presence of plenty of flag-bearing supporters and a DJ with a solid knowledge of a good Bengali playlist. “It was brilliant, we got quite a few people supporting Bangladesh,” she said afterwards.By dusk, those Bangladesh supporters were joined by Sri Lanka fans – as they arrived to watch their side take on Pakistan – and a papare band, which was also present during the match against Australia two days later.While it’s clear that support for the subcontinent sides far outweighs the smatterings of other countries’ fans, that did not stop Australia seamer Megan Schutt from enjoying her time in the middle.India sealed victory in front of well-populated stands•ICC/Getty Images”There was a great atmosphere – we couldn’t hear much over the trumpets. It was pretty loud,” she said. “It was great to see some fans there. It’s been so last-minute to change to Dubai and Sharjah, I think it was really impressive to see a crowd here and we love playing in front of people.”Happily, people have turned up despite the heat and against expectation, which has vindicated the ICC’s choice to stage the tournament here instead of the other candidate, Zimbabwe. It is understood that the attraction of guaranteed crowds and Castle Corner vibes ensured Zimbabwe was a serious consideration but the lack of floodlights in Bulawayo was the main reason the country lost out.Their loss is the UAE and its expat communities’ gain.

ESPNcricinfo explains the nuts and bolts of the bidding process, which takes place on August 26

Nagraj Gollapudi and Osman Samiuddin25-Aug-2022Why do I even need to know about ICC rights when all I care about is who my team plays next?
Because, ultimately, the money from these rights forms a chunk of the money that makes the rich (India, England and Australia) richer but keeps the game going in the smaller member countries. So, if you care about that, you probably better care about this too.Fine, so what’s being bid for?
A whole bunch of events from 2023-31: 16 men’s events (over eight years between 2023-31) and six women’s events (over four years – between 2023-27). World Cups, Champions Trophy, T20 World Cups, U19 World Cups, you name it, every ICC event – men and women – you watch until 2031 will be part of this deal.Brought to me by?
As ESPNcricinfo understands it, one or more of Disney Star*, Sony, Zee, Viacom and Amazon.And am I watching it on my phone, TV, tablet?
Either, both, all. For the first time, the ICC has unpacked its rights. No longer is it selling one set of TV rights to the highest bidder; it is now selling its rights as separate packages of TV only, digital only, and TV and digital combined. All three are for four or eight years. In case any of the packages are sold for only four years, the ICC will open another window to sell the rights for the second four-year period.That sounds like bidding could get complicated.
That’s exactly what four of the main broadcasters in the running thought, and several emails were sent to the ICC about the lack of transparency in the process. And as a symbolic protest, they didn’t initially attend some training sessions – or “mock auctions” as they called them – designed to familiarise them with the process.Expand.
Disney Star, Zee, Sony and Viacom expressed various concerns over the transparency of the bidding process. TL;DR: the broadcasters were unhappy with the fact that the bids were not going to be shared once opened, among those who bid; that there was no clarity about how close the highest bids needed to be to trigger a second round of bidding; and they wanted to know more about how the ICC would judge a bid for a four-year deal against a bid for an eight-year deal.What happened next?
The four broadcasters eventually did go ahead and put in bids, and according to some reports, the clarity they wanted has been given. For example, according to a report in the , broadcasters have been told that if a bid is within 10% of the highest bid/combination bid, it will trigger a second round of bidding – only this time through an e-auction (more on that shortly).There has also been some more information around a pre-determined multiplier, which will be used to judge an eight-year bid against a four-year one. The ICC will look at the best bids for both tenures and then look at the ratio between the two, compare that with the multiplier, believed to be set at 2.8. If the ratio for eight years exceeds the multiplier, then the ICC will pick the winner for the eight-year bid. If the ratio is less, then the highest bid for four years will be selected.I’m sorry, what?
Here’s an example. If the best four-year number is 100 and the best eight-year number is 270, the ratio is 2.7 (270/100). That is below the 2.8 multiplier set by the ICC. So in this case, the ICC will go with the highest bidder for four years. But if the best bid for four years is 100 and the highest bid for eight years is 300, then the ratio of 3 means the ICC will pick the highest bid for eight years.Does that mean there could be an e-auction, like the one at the IPL?
Only, as we say, if the second-best bid is within 10% of the best bid; the first round of bidding is the old-school, sealed-bid methodology, which the ICC says has worked best for years (some broadcasters wanted an e-auction from the start, after the success of the IPL). The ICC also argue that the unbundled nature of their rights offering means that it is too complex for a simple e-auction process. In fact, at first they had ruled out an e-auction but have since stepped back from that. The e-auction, if needed, will take place a few days later.Why have they gone to the Indian market first?
In short: money. It is cricket’s biggest market and as the IPL rights proved, there is massive appetite among the biggest broadcasters there for more cricket content. The ICC is banking on the belief that since two different broadcasters – Disney Star and Viacom – have won the TV and digital rights respectively for next five-year cycle of the IPL, both as well as other participants will bid aggressively to bag the second biggest rights in cricket, that of the ICC.Underpinning this is also simple maths: by unbundling its package of rights into men’s and women’s events, into digital and TV, by going into different territories, they stand to make much more money than they have in previous cycles.I’m not sure how it has taken this long to get to the crux of this: how much money are they expecting to make?
Nobody can be certain but here are some facts. In the last cycle, the ICC sold its rights for just over US$2 billion. But that was a different, linear world: that figure was for all rights on all platforms globally. For this cycle, the ICC is believed to have a benchmark figure in mind, an “asking price” of $1.44 billion for a four-year deal and $4 billion (1.44 multiplied by 2.8) for an eight-year deal. That is double the last deal for eight years, and it is only a benchmark figure – so the minimum they expect – and .Expectations have risen not just because of the way broadcasting and the digital landscape has changed since the last cycle, but because there is more content. There were six men’s events in the previous eight-year cycle, whereas there will be one annually in this next cycle. Six of the eight events fall in the Indian time zone; India play host to three men’s event; four of the eight events in the next cycle take place during the Diwali festive season when the Indian market is usually in spending mood.Separate women’s rights will help. An element of development still remains, in that the highest bid will not necessarily guarantee the winner. The ICC is keen to find the right broadcasting partner who can promote women’s cricket globally. The highest bidder(s) will make a presentation in front of the Media Rights Advisory Group (MRAG) – formed specifically to adjudicate the bidding – to showcase how they aim to help women’s cricket grow, and that will not just be limited to the global events but the overall game.

West Indies’ new wicketkeeper talks about advice from Ross Taylor, bubble life, and his top-secret goals

Mohammad Isam27-Jan-2021Joshua Da Silva refused to take an easy single through square-leg when he was on 49 on his Test debut. It was off the first ball of the over. West Indies required 36 runs to make New Zealand bat again with only two wickets in hand. At the other end was No. 10 Chemar Holder, a fellow debutant who Da Silva didn’t want to expose to Trent Boult for five deliveries.It surprised those watching Da Silva’s impressive innings, even Ross Taylor, who made it a point to walk from the slips to remind the young batsman what was at stake.”A few moments later, Ross Taylor comes up to me and says, ‘Josh, it’s a Test fifty. Get that run and whatever else happens after that, then you do it. Don’t be a hero’. I’m like alright, no problem,” narrates Da Silva on his YouTube channel.Da Silva eventually reached the milestone, the first by a West Indian debutant in five years. Refusing the single was a notable sacrifice for a 22-year-old batsman who knew that a debut Test fifty goes a long way in cementing a Test spot. But these moments give a window into the cricketer’s mindset, that even on debut, the thought of protecting the tail-ender and prolonging the team’s innings should have precedence over a personal achievement.Da Silva has faced several such small, but meaningful, challenges in his short cricket career, that began with the decision to choose cricket over football. After making it into the Trinidad and Tobago Under-19s side, Da Silva was sent on the Kieron Pollard scholarship to play club cricket in England.A year-and-a-half later and a few pounds lighter, Da Silva broke into the T&T first-class and one-day sides, before getting on the plane to England again, this time as West Indies’ reserve player on their tour last year.A century in one of the practice matches got him further notice. When Shane Dowrich got injured during the third day of the Manchester Test, Da Silva, donning a white hat, was sent on as substitute wicketkeeper.”It all happened so quickly,” Da Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “Dow got hit and coach told me I may have to go out there. To him, I said ‘no problem, just let me know’, but on the inside, I couldn’t believe it was real. Am I really going out there? It’s a moment I will never forget.”Having met these challenges, da Silva earned a place in both West Indies’ Test and ODI squads on their tour to Bangladesh. It hasn’t started well for Da Silva, who was out for 14 and 9 in the first two ODIs, before Jahmar Hamilton replaced him in the third game.Da Silva made his debut on the New Zealand tour but already seems a frontrunner•Getty ImagesBut he remains their primary wicketkeeper-batsman choice in the Test side, which is a new responsibility for the youngster. He is spending a lot of time in the nets, as well as speaking regularly to coach Phil Simmons and batting coach Monty Desai.”Definitely it’s a new challenge for me, playing in Bangladesh, but I’m really excited to take what I have been learning in training into the matches. The pitches are slower and spin a lot more, but I don’t think that much needs to change.”It’s just about putting in the work before the games and getting accustomed to the conditions. We have been talking a bit (about batting in the sub-continent), but mostly with the batting coach, Monty Desai and getting the knowledge he has from playing in these conditions,” he said.While Simmons has helped calm down the young Da Silva, former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams has also guided him from an early age.”Both (Simmons and Adams) have been a huge help to me. During the last Super 50, Jimmy told me that the only currency in cricket is runs. That really stuck with me. He still checks up on me from time to time.”Coach Phil, ever since I came into the set up, has made me feel like I belong. That does a huge part in motivating me and helps me to play with a calm mind,” he said.Da Silva’s hard work was also observed by Roddy Estwick, the West Indies assistant coach and a veteran who has seen the progress of many young cricketers from the Caribbean. He said that Da Silva must realise quickly that the opposition will do research on him even though he is just one Test old.”Josh is very hard working. He wants to play cricket. He is always asking questions, and looking for information,” Estwick said. “He is always looking to improve. He has made a very good start, but that’s only a start. He got a fifty in the second innings in his Test debut in New Zealand. He will now have to continue to work.”The same way we analyse the opposition, they do that to us as well. We have to make sure that when we stay a step ahead of the opposition, you have to keep working. You can’t sit back and relax on your laurels. But knowing Josh, he is very hard working. So once he stays focused and disciplined, he should be a good find for us,” said Estwick.Da Silva understood what he would need to do to become an international cricketer during the tour of England last year. Then later in New Zealand, he had to face one of the best fast bowling attacks in the world, in their backyard, which turned out to be another eye-opening experience.”It’s a huge jump. The work load, intensity and competitiveness is on another level and just shows me how much more I need to do to have a long, successful career.”[The Test debut] felt surreal for the duration of the match and for days after. However, it was a good challenge. I faced some of the best bowlers in the business. I just wanted to bat long and do well for the team.He takes inspiration from watching Steven Smith’s good and bad days, and how the Australian sticks to his work ethic regardless of his performance. “Right now, I look at Steve Smith a lot. He shows how hard work pays off and why you should never stop grinding. Even when he fails, he just continues to trust the process and tries again. That is very inspiring,” said Da Silva.Part of that process in the last ten months for international cricketers has been to manage themselves in bio-secure bubbles. On his third tour, Da Silva is feeling the mental pinch of the long, often lonely grind.”This is my third bubble and honestly, it doesn’t get any easier. It’s not too bad when cricket is being played, but the quarantine periods are tough. Even training days, when the only thing to do is train and go back to your room, it is quite challenging mentally,” he said.But it is also a year of opportunities for West Indies’ players, with several series coming up, and with rotation now a necessity. By scoring runs regularly and by offering stability behind the stumps, Da Silva hopes to have a better year.”By the end of 2021, I’d like to cement a place in the West Indies squad and to have achieved some other goals, which I won’t reveal at this time. I want to have a long career wearing the beautiful maroon,” he said.