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Kent make false start to title defence in opening-night rematch of 2021 final

Matt Roller25-May-2022,” Billings said over the stump mic as Rossouw charged down and lofted him over extra cover for six but the Afghan legspinner endured a rare off-night, with Abell slog-sweeping him for six more over long leg as he struggled to grip the ball in the dew.Rossouw played three seasons of Blast cricket as a Kolpak player at Hampshire and rarely fired, but his record around the world – particularly in the PSL for Multan Sultans earlier this year – is excellent and Abell had no hesitation in labelling him “world-class”. He made 156 in a 50-over game at Taunton five years ago and will enjoy the short boundaries there this season.Billings had to rely heavily on his seamers, but despite the early dismissals of Tom Banton and Will Smeed, they struggled for potency and with wickets in hand, the chase was a cruise. “We just got outplayed, unfortunately,” Billings reflected. “They played outstandingly well. It’s a long tournament and it’s good to get a performance like this out of the way early on.”

Newcastle United have emphatically won successive games at St. James’ Park, and perhaps Eddie Howe’s side are finally ready to reach their former level and remind English football of their quality.

The frontline is beginning to purr, but unfortunately, Callum Wilson won’t be a part of any gains in the coming months, picking up another injury a week ago and facing an absence that will stretch well into the new year.

Alexander Isak is a striker of elite distinction, but Newcastle might be wise to invest in fresh talent up top, should they be serious about reclaiming a place among Europe’s elite.

Newcastle need a new forward

With Isak in fine fettle, Newcastle have a talisman to push them toward achieving their lofty ambitions, but Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season and whether he will earn more than a smattering of minutes is open to question.

2024/25

3 (0)

0

0

2023/24

20 (9)

9

1

2022/23

31 (21)

18

5

2021/22

18 (16)

8

0

2020/21

26 (23)

12

5

William Osula’s involvement has been negligible since he joined from Sheffield United for £15m in the summer, and thus Howe needs to find a player who can serve as Isak’s foil while complementing him too.

Well, according to journalist Ben Jacobs last week, Richarlison is on St. James’ Park’s radar and is warming to the idea of leaving Tottenham Hotspur, with his Premier League career stuttering in north London.

Tottenham signed the Brazil forward from Everton for about £60m in 2022 and would be looking to recoup a figure in that ballpark, though the Magpies wouldn’t stretch beyond the £45m mark.

What Richarlison would bring to Newcastle

Admittedly, Richarlison isn’t exactly free from injury issues himself, having only played seven matches in all competitions this term due to recurring muscular problems.

However, aged 27, Richarlison still has several promising years ahead of him, with his relentless running and thorniness across a range of tactical roles leading Ange Postecoglou to hail him as a “constant nuisance for defenders.”

As per FBref, Richarlison ranks among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 25% for assists and the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Last season, though curtailed by injury during the business end, Richarlison was a menace after finding his feet and putting a miserable debut term behind him, scoring nine goals over eight Premier League games across the winter period.

His clinical edge has seen FBref record Newcastle’s Isak as a comparable player, with the pair both athletic and mobile with prolific qualities in the final third.

Isak, of course, is able to sustain this over prolonged spells, but this would be a surefire way to replace Wilson with someone younger who could equally maintain the tactical flow of Howe’s set-up.

With six goals and three assists from eight top-flight fixtures, it’s clear that the Sweden international has something that cannot be emulated by any existing Toon member.

Transfer Focus

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

With Richarlison, perhaps, that quality can be mimicked, serving as the perfect cog to propel United right back to the top of the league with strength in depth.

Howe's real hero: 9/10 Newcastle sensation made Tonali unplayable

Newcastle advanced to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a deserved victory over Brentford.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 19, 2024

Mikel Arteta revealed that he is "excited" to see Andrea Berta arrive as the new sporting director with the summer transfer window on the horizon.

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Berta replaces Edu as sporting directorItalian joins from Atlético MadridArteta lavished praise on the new recruitFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Italian executive, who had a successful stint at Atletico Madrid from 2017 until early 2025, takes over from Edu, whose departure was announced last November. Berta's track record at Atletico includes orchestrating high-profile transfers, such as the purchase and sale of Rodri and Antoine Griezmann, as well as a £180 million summer spending spree in 2024 that brought in Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand, and Alexander Sorloth.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Berta now at the helm, Arsenal’s approach to the transfer market is expected to take a new direction, particularly as Arteta aims to strengthen the squad for a Premier League title push next season. One of the club’s top priorities this summer will be the acquisition of a top-class striker, with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres emerging as leading candidates.

WHAT ARTETA SAID

Arteta, speaking highly of what Berta will bring to the club, said: "Yes, I think it's a big addition to the club, a big addition to the team. A team that is already formed with a lot of great people. Richard [Garlick] leading it, obviously. But as well with James [King], with Jason [Ayto], with a lot of people at the club that have been doing such good work.

“So it's about building out that chemistry. And I believe Josh [Kroenke] has been fully involved in the process as well. So we are all very excited to have him. You just met him, and straight away the words that come out are always winning, improving and demanding. And he's a person who is very honest, very straightforward, with a very clear vision of what he wants to do.

"He was so willing to join us, which is a very positive thing as well because he had many other possibilities, and he's chosen to come to us. And now it's about us giving him the support and the understanding of the situation and context straight away. And for him to start to do what he's already done for many, many years at the highest level, which has been very impressive.”

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

While Berta’s appointment is geared towards long-term success, Arsenal still have important challenges ahead this season. The Gunners are competing on multiple fronts, with a crucial Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday, followed by a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.

Liverpool have reportedly “gathered information” about an “interesting” player they could sign in January, according to a Sky Sports reporter.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds might be top of the Premier League and Champions League, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill circling about potential reinforcements manager Arne Slot could be looking to bring in after the New Year.

Among those being touted for a potential move to Anfield are Fulham’s American full-back Antonee Robinson, Sporting star Geovany Quenda and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro.

Prior to his provisional ban for doping, Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk was even linked with a shock move to Merseyside – though that is no doubt now out of the question.

Perhaps the most high-profile star to be linked with Liverpool, however, is RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from Sport Bild, the Reds are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Simons, who is on loan at the Bundesliga outfit from Paris Saint-Germain.

Bild claim that Leipzig are exploring the possibility of making Simon’s move permanent following an impressive season-and-a-half at the Red Bull Arena, but that the 21-year-old would prefer to move to a club that can guarantee him Champions League football next season. Leipzig are currently fourth in the Bundesliga after 15 games played.

Liverpool gather information on Randal Kolo Muani

Another player who could soon find himself stepping out in the famous Red shirt is Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani.

On Christmas Day, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg took to X, the platform previously known as Twitter, to reveal that Kolo Muani is “set to leave” PSG in January after a difficult start to the 2024/25 season in the French capital.

The 26-year-old striker, who joined the Ligue 1 giants in 2023 from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £76.4 million, is out of favour with PSG boss Luis Enrique, who has handed him just two league starts all term.

Plettenberg said that there is a “strong chance” Kolo Muani will move to the Premier League after the New Year, with “concrete talks with potential teams about a loan deal” ongoing.

The Sky reporter added that Liverpool and by extension, Michael Edwards have “gathered information, but nothing further has happened yet,” and that Manchester United, Tottenham, and Leipzig are also interested.

Despite his recent struggles at PSG, Kolo Muani still remains a regular for the France national team.

To date, he’s made 27 appearances for Les Bleus, scoring eight goals. Speaking about Kolo Muani earlier this year, France boss Didier Deschamps said: “He’s interesting, he’s radiant, He is confident and has a very specific profile where in his runs with the ball there is presence. He is a good header and with us he is very often successful.”

Chelsea’s defensive issues have been highlighted in recent weeks, with injuries once again plaguing numerous players in Enzo Maresca’s squad, opening the door to new arrivals this window.

Wesley Fofana has been a key member of the Italian’s squad since he took the reign in the summer, starting all of the first 12 outings of the Premier League season.

However, his hamstring injury at the start of December appears to be worse than first feared, with the Blues boss unsure whether the Frenchman will feature again in 2024/25.

His compatriot Benoit Badiashile has also been sidelined in recent matches, leaving the club light in defensive areas and down to their bare bones – even seeing youngster Josh Acheampong feature against Crystal Palace.

It’s no surprise to see the club delve into the transfer market to try and land reinforcements, with one player strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this winter.

Chelsea leading the race for defensive star

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are leading the race to sign Ajax’s young centre-back Jorrel Hato before the end of the ongoing transfer window.

Arsenal and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in a move for the 18-year-old, with the Dutch side holding out for a fee in the region of £40m-£45m this month.

The teenager, who is an academy product of the Eredivisie outfit, has started 15 times in the league to date, scoring two goals and registering four assists – a staggering record for a centre-back of his tender age.

The report also states that the Blues are willing to part ways with multiple players to raise funds for a move to land Hato, who is seen as a player for the present and future with his young age and versatility.

Such a move could end the pursuit of one other defensive option, undoubtedly offering a cheaper alternative, whilst providing a serious upgrade given their respective figures this campaign.

Why Hato would be a better option than Guehi for Chelsea

Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi moved to Selhurst Park in a £18m deal from Chelsea back in the summer of 2021 – after impressing in the Championship for Swansea City the season prior.

However, in recent days, the now England international has been mooted with a return to his boyhood club, three and a half years after leaving the Bridge – but could cost around £75m – a quite simply bonkers fee.

Transfer Focus

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

It wouldn’t be the first time the club have offloaded someone prematurely before signing them again down the line, with Romelu Lukaku just one example, costing the hierarchy £97.5m in the same window.

His move is evidence that a return doesn’t always go as planned, highlighting the need for Maresca to stay away from the 24-year-old and prioritise a move for Ajax youngster Hato.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Dutch youngster has massively outperformed Guehi in various key areas, highlighting how much of a superb addition he would be for the West London outfit.

Games played

16

19

Goals & assists

6

3

Progressive carries

1.5

0.4

Progressive passes

5.2

4.1

Pass accuracy

89%

83%

Tackles won

1.5

0.8

Interceptions made

0.7

0.5

Aerials won

70%

62%

Hato, who’s been dubbed “one of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more progressive carries and passes per 90 – showcasing what an excellent fit he would be for Maresca’s system, which requires his backline to be capable in playing out from the back.

Defensively, the Dutchman has also dominated Guehi, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also coming out on top in more aerial battles, truly proving to be a real top-quality all-round defender despite his youthful age.

Given the huge difference in quality and price tag, the Blues seriously need to consider a move for the Ajax star over Guehi, undoubtedly offering Hato the chance to improve further given that he’s six years younger than the Palace man.

Any deal will likely cost the hierarchy another decent chunk of money, so it’s pivotal they make the right call to prevent wasting any funds, with Hato the perfect option to star within the backline under Maresca’s guidance.

Fewer touches than Jorgensen: Maresca needs to upgrade on 4/10 Chelsea star

Chelsea need to upgrade on this 4/10 star who had fewer touches than Jorgensen

ByConnor Holden Jan 11, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti backed Vinicius Junior to regain his form against Arsenal in their upcoming Champions League match.

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Ancelotti sent out Vini Jr warning to Arsenal Brazilian missed penalty against ValenciaLos Blancos face Gunners on Tuesday Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Vinicius Junior had a night to forget in Madrid's latest encounter against Valencia last weekend. While the Brazilian scored the team's solitary goal, his missed penalty early in the match allowed the opponents to clinch a 2-1 victory in La Liga. Despite the winger's misfortune, manager Ancelotti has backed him to regain his form and fire on all cylinders against Arsenal in the Champions League.

AdvertisementWHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

The Italian coach said to reporters at his pre-match press conference: "I haven't spoken to him. I know perfectly well he could have played better. He's going to have a great game tomorrow."

He also provided a fresh update on his future at Santiago Bernabeu as he added: "I don't know if they've grown tired of me, maybe… but what matters is that the most important person (Florentino) hasn't grown tired. What can change the dynamic is that the most important person at this club doesn't get tired."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

claimed on Monday that Vinicius Junior has reportedly been removed from penalty duties in the squad as Kylian Mbappe will now take spot-kicks for Los Blancos from now on.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

Los Blancos are set to visit North London to face the Gunners in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final fixture at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Hope, who will be playing his 100th ODI, and Thakur among players to watch on Sunday

Karthik Krishnaswamy23-Jul-20222:42

Takeaways from the first ODI: Can Deepak Hooda be an extra bowling option?

Big pictureThey lost the first ODI, and that result meant they had suffered seven successive defeats in the format, but West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran said after the match that it “definitely [felt] like a win” for his side.Watch live on ESPN+

If you’re in the USA, you can watch the second ODI between West Indies and India live on ESPN+

You could understand why. West Indies had not only lost their previous six games, but had lost the bulk of them comprehensively: by 120 runs and 53 runs against Pakistan, and then with 55 balls remaining and a whopping 176 balls remaining against Bangladesh. In five of those six matches, West Indies failed to bat out 50 overs.Against India on Friday, West Indies batted out their full 50 overs, and came within one hit of pulling off only their third successful chase of a 300-plus target in ODIs. There were positives with the ball too; at one stage, India had looked like they would get past 350 with ease, but West Indies pegged them back admirably, taking five wickets and conceding just 83 runs in the last 15 overs.Related

Gill's re-emergence a reminder of India's bench strength

Brandon King is rising once again, but as middle-order batter

'Really proud' Pooran lauds West Indies' fighting spirit: 'Feels like a win for us'

How Hooda turned things around (with a little help from Pathan)

As impressive as that performance was, though, West Indies were at close to full strength, and playing at home against an India side lacking the bulk of its first-choice players. For all the pride Pooran showed in his team’s performance on Friday, he and his team-mates will want desperately to put wins on the board. And they’ll be wary of false dawns. This run of defeats, after all, began with West Indies scoring 305 in a narrow loss in Multan.Form guide West Indies LLLLL (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
India WWLWWIn the spotlightShai Hope has been among ODI cricket’s most consistent run-getters in his time, but, as his 7 off 18 balls in the first ODI showed, those runs can sometimes come at a pace that’s a throwback to an earlier age. Of the 16 highest run-getters in ODIs since his debut, Hope has the lowest strike rate (74.86), with only one other batter in that top 16 – Tamim Iqbal – striking at below 80. He plays an important role in this West Indies line-up, however, and they will hope he can make a crucial contribution when he plays his 100th ODI on Sunday.On Friday, Shreyas Iyer completed 1000 ODI runs for India in only 25 innings•Associated PressShardul Thakur has an ODI economy rate of 6.63. Of all the bowlers to have taken at least 20 wickets since his debut, only one – Oshane Thomas – has done worse on that front. Thakur brings other things to the table, though, and his display on Friday summed him up. He came to the crease with only nine balls left, and hit a last-ball boundary that turned out quite useful given India’s narrow margin of victory. And while he was India’s most expensive bowler in terms of economy rate, and only sent down eight overs, he also picked up two key wickets, both of which owed something to his gambler’s instinct of willing batters to go after him. It was, like many of his performances, imperfect but not without its merits. But can he do more? And might he need to do more to keep out other contenders for the No. 8 role, particularly with Deepak Chahar now well on the road to recovery from the back injury that ruled him out of IPL 2022?Team newsIt seems unlikely that West Indies will make any changes given how close they came to victory on Friday, with performances coming from numerous members of their XI. Jason Holder, of course, will remain unavailable having tested positive for Covid-19.West Indies (probable): 1 Shai Hope (wk), 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Shamarh Brooks, 4 Brandon King, 5 Nicholas Pooran (capt), 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Akeal Hosein, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Jayden Seales, 11 Gudakesh Motie.Ravindra Jadeja sat out the first ODI with a knee injury, and the BCCI has confirmed that he will miss Sunday’s match as well. India don’t often make unforced changes when a series is still alive, so expect them to retain the same XI from the first ODI, though the fitness status of Axar Patel – who went off the field on Friday with what appeared to be a hamstring issue – is as yet unknown.India (probable): 1 Shikhar Dhawan (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Sanju Samson (wk), 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Mohammed Siraj, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Prasidh Krishna.Pitch and conditionsThe pitch for the first ODI was a curious beast: flat and exceedingly so for long periods, but there were also phases when run-scoring was a little trickier with the old ball stopping on the batters. It resulted in an interesting contest between bat and ball, and conditions should remain similar on Sunday. The weather is expected to be clear, with a maximum temperature of 31°C.Stats and trivia Of all West Indies bowlers with at least 50 ODI wickets, Alzarri Joseph (31.8) has the best strike rate. Among players from Full Member teams, Shamarh Brooks (578) is the highest ODI run-getter in 2022, and Akeal Hosein (23) is the highest wicket-taker. India have won 12 ODIs at Queen’s Park Oval. It is their second-most successful ODI venue outside Asia, behind Harare Sports Club, where they have won 16 matches.

The MLS Transfer Notebook tracks player movement, with the latest developments for teams in the U.S. and Canada

The clock is ticking. The Primary Transfer Window for MLS closes on April 23, with the Secondary Window running from July 24 through Aug. 21 – meaning any team looking to get a deal over the line before the summer has some work to do.

For some, preparing for that summer window is all that matters. It's the time in which MLS is aligned with Europe, a chance to bring in players or sell rising stars. MLS teams are beginning to spend more than they ever have while keeping an eye on the international market.

Right now, there's a focus on four European greats and a former MLS standout.

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne has no shortage of suitors around the world, but MLS seems a likely option. The same goes for Thomas Muller, who will also be out of contract this summer after spending his entire career at Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, his German compatriot Timo Werner could be the latest blockbuster signing in New York, with the Red Bulls looking to bring in the 28-year-old this summer from RB Leipzig.

And the there's the looming saga surrounding Antoine Griezmann and LAFC – it's still a blurry image, at best. Will he come this summer? Can LAFC wait for him if he decides to stay in Spain until 2026? And what will happen with former MLS standout in Giorgos Giakoumakis, who has fallen out of favor at Cruz Azul?

GOAL tracks player movement in the MLS Transfer Notebook, a recurring feature covering the latest developments for teams in the U.S. and Canada.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportTimo Werner to RBNY?

The New York Red Bulls want the former Chelsea star, who now plays for Red Bull Leipzig in Germany, but has been on loan at Tottenham Hotspur since January 2024. FootMercato reported that the 2024 MLS Cup runners-up want to bolster their roster with the addition of the striker, who can also play on the wing.

Internationally, Werner has made 57 appearances, scoring 24 goals and while with the Blues, and lifted the UEFA Champions League title in 2021.

For RBNY, it would be a no-brainer move to bring in the 28-year-old alongside former Bayern Munich forward Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting, as the pair could light up the league. Werner's blistering pace would be an attraction in the league, while he could be the perfect partner for Choupo Moting.

Werner's contract with RB Leipzig ends in June 2026, meaning RBNY would need to pay a transfer fee for him this summer, or acquire him on loan.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThomas Muller to FC Cincinnati?

Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller is set to leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season, with a historic chapter in Germany coming to an end. His next destination remains uncertain, though a move to MLS appears to be one he is considering.

The Athletic reported that Bayern Munich and LAFC – who share a youth development program partnership – have discussed the 25-year-old, though nothing more than a conversation. BILD, meanwhile, reported that both San Diego FC and FC Cincinnati have shown interest in the forward, who will turn 36 in September.

Mail Sport reported that Cincy hold his MLS Discovery Rights and any potential move in the league outside of FCC would require his rights to either be purchased from the Eastern Conference side. New York Red Bulls forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting would welcome him to MLS with open arms, as the duo played together at Bayern in previous years.

“He’s welcome here,” Choupo-Moting told Kicker. "Thomas, you already speak English, so… Jokes aside, I have no idea [what Thomas will do]. Thomas is a Bayern legend, so I’d be happy for him if he continues there. But if he wants to make this step, we’ll see. Thomas, I’m watching you.”

Getty Images SportGiorgos Giakoumakis and MLS, round two

Named MLS newcomer of the year in 2023, Atlanta United star Giorgos Giakoumakis departed the league in 2024 for Liga MX side Cruz Azul in a blockbuster $10.5M transfer. However, he's now been linked with a return to MLS – and surely, he will have plenty of suitors if that is the case.

The Greek striker has fallen out of favor with the Mexican giants, deemed third-string behind former LAFC star Mateusz Bogusz and forward Angel Sepulveda. As a result, a return to MLS could now be in the cards, according to GIVEMESPORT.

He's scored just nine goals since his transfer to Mexico, but has added another eight assists across 32 appearances for Cruz Azul. However, he's had limited playing time since the start of the 2025 season. During his time with Atlanta, the now 30-year-old scored 22 goals in 38 regular season appearances. In MLS playoff action, he recorded four goal-contributions in three games.

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(C)Getty ImagesWill LAFC wait for Antoine Griezmann?

Fascinated with America, Antoine Griezmann has long stated he wants to play in MLS. He's also admitted that Atletico Madrid will be his final European club – he won't represent another team n the continent.

A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, 2022 runner-up and a two-time third-place finisher for the Ballon d'Or, the Frenchman is one of the most exciting potential transfers for MLS since Lionel Messi arrived.

Western Conference side LAFC have long been the team in discussion to sign him, but things turned murky in recent weeks. For the past year, a summer 2025 transfer was rumored, but recent talks between Griezmann's camp and Atletico Madrid could mean they keep him through the end of his contract in June 2026.

LAFC, meanwhile, signed Cengiz Under on loan from Fenerbahce for six months as a Designated Player to essentially fill the spot until Griezmann is available. However, if the Frenchman opts not to make the move this summer, can LAFC afford to wait?

If the cannot secure his services this summer, time might be up.

Glasgow Rangers chiefs will not be pleased with the way the season has gone so far as the club already look set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title.

The Light Blues are 16 points behind rivals Celtic in the top-flight and it is looking increasingly unlikely that they will be able to leapfrog their rivals to win a first title since the 2020/21 campaign under Steven Gerrard.

Philippe Clement’s side also missed out on the chance to secure a piece of silverware last month when they lost to Celtic on penalties in the final of the League Cup at Hampden Park.

The Light Blues must, now, focus their efforts on the SFA Cup and the Europa League in terms of ending the season with at least one piece of silverware to show for their efforts.

Clement and Nils Koppen could look to use the January transfer window to improve the squad with a view to giving the team the best chance of competing in those two competitions.

There are still around two weeks or so left to go before the deadline at the start of next month and one thing the Gers could look to do is manage their wage bill.

The highest earners at Rangers

The Light Blues moved on a number of experienced, high-earning, players last summer when they allowed the likes of John Lundstram, Todd Cantwell, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, and Connor Goldson to move on from Ibrox.

Rangers do still, however, have a number of players on significant contracts who have not performed in line with their salary, when you consider the performances of some of the players earning less than them.

James Tavernier

£30k

Cyriel Dessers

£27k

Vaclav Cerny

£27k

Danilo

£26k

Jack Butland

£25k

Rabbi Matondo

£23k

Dujon Sterling

£22k

Tom Lawrence

£22k

Ianis Hagi

£21k

Nicolas Raskin

£19k

As you can see in the table above, a number of duds who do not start for the Light Blues on a regular basis are in the top ten earners at Ibrox, which is something that Koppen and Clement should look to address.

If you exclude Cerny, who is only on loan from Wolfsburg, Ianis Hagi is the only attacking midfielder or winger in that list who has started matches regularly this season, whether through form or fitness.

Hagi and Hamza Igamane, who is reportedly on a weekly wage of £7.2k, have both been standout stars for the Gers in the Premiership with their impressive performances at the top end of the pitch this term.

Igamane and Hagi's form for Rangers this season

Neither of them started the 2024/25 campaign as starters in their respective positions but have catapulted to first-choice status and now seem undroppable.

Igamane joined the club last summer and was initially behind Cyriel Dessers in the pecking order. The Morocco U23 international has plundered an incredible 11 goals and two assists in his last 13 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues.

As you can see in the highlights above, the 22-year-old centre-forward recently scored his first hat-trick for the Scottish giants in the 3-3 draw with Motherwell.

He has emerged as a consistent and lethal attacker for the Light Blues this season, whilst Dessers – who earns almost £20k more per week – has only scored six goals in 19 league matches.

Appearances

12

18

Starts

9

11

Goals

1

8

Big chances created

4

5

Key passes per game

1.7

1.0

Assists

4

1

As you can see in the table above, Igamane and Hagi have both provided plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch for Clement in the Premiership this term and have emerged as crucial players for the club.

There is an attacker in the squad, however, who earns more than both of them and should be ruthlessly sold by Koppen and the Gers boss before the end of the transfer window – Rabbi Matondo.

Why Rangers should sell Rabbi Matondo

As shown in the table earlier, the Wales international is the fifth-highest earner at the club, excluding loanees, on £23k-per-week and has not done enough to justify that over the last 18 months.

The 24-year-old winger has only started two of his six appearances in the Premiership this season and has been an unused substitute in three of the last four matches, featuring in two of the last six since his return from injury.

Matondo has produced two goals and two assists in those six games, but all four of those goal contributions came in a 6-0 thrashing of Ross County, with zero goals or assists in the other five matches.

The Rangers flop missed 17 competitive games with a hamstring injury before his return to action in December, and that has been the story of his time at Ibrox to date.

Matondo has not offered much in the way of consistent contributions in the final third and has been absent far too often with fitness-related issues, which is why he is not a reliable player for Clement, particularly in comparison to Igamane and Hagi.

Unknown

January 2023 – April 2023

20

Knee

September 2023 – November 2023

13

Muscle

February 2024 – March 2024

6

Hamstring

September 2024 – December 2024

17

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh attacker has missed a whopping 56 competitive games since his move to Glasgow from Schalke in the summer of 2022.

Matondo has also only produced eight goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances for the Light Blues in all competitions during that time, which shows that he has not offered much to the team on the pitch in almost three seasons at Ibrox.

It was recently reported that Torino and Lecce are both interested in signing the forward and that a fee of £2m could be on the cards, and Clement must push for a deal to go through before the end of the window.

Rangers make contact to sign "highly-rated" star who could be Bassey 2.0

Rangers will be active in the January transfer window

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 13, 2025

The Rangers boss must ruthlessly ditch the winger from the squad because he has not offered enough, in terms of performances or availability, to justify the high wages he is on.

Manchester Originals secure second win in three days after posting 188 at Ageas Bowl

Jamie Green18-Aug-2022Jos Buttler and Andre Russell smashed scintillating half-centuries as Manchester Originals crushed reigning champions Southern Brave by 68 runs at the Ageas Bowl.Buttler hammered 68 off 42 balls and Russell flayed an unbeaten 64 off 23 as Originals exploited Brave’s under-strength bowling attack to reach an imposing 188 for 4. Paul Walter then took three wickets to help bowl th Brave out for 120, giving Originals their second win in three days.Brave have claimed just one win in their opening five matches after a disappointing home defeat which effectively ends their chances of defending their title.Brave openers Quinton de Kock and James Vince shared a rapid 36 in 17 balls, before Sean Abbott snared Vince with a stunning one-handed return catch, and Marcus Stoinis didn’t last long in his final outing for Brave, sweeping straight to square-leg off Tom Hartley.Related

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Stubbs dismissed Davies and claimed the key wicket of de Kock three balls later to effectively end Brave’s chances. Russell continued his stellar all-round performance by dismissing the out-of-form Tim David and James Fuller went first ball to Walter as Brave fell well short, despite George Garton’s entertaining 25.Matt Parkinson finished the game by having Michael Hogan stumped as Brave were bowled out with 16 balls to spare. Originals, with only one victory from their opening four matches, had earlier started slowly against the pace of Garton and Hogan.But the match burst into life in Dan Moriarty’s first set on his Brave debut. Phil Salt smashed the Surrey spinner for two fours, either side of offering a tough chance to Fuller.Buttler was not to be outdone, audaciously scooping 41-year-old Hogan for four as the visitors reached an impressive 46 for no wicket at the end of the 25-ball powerplay.Just as in the women’s game earlier, spin proved harder to attack. Lintott’s first set went for just two and he suckered the dangerous Salt into picking out long-off with the first ball of his second spell.Tristan Stubbs and Phil Salt celebrate a breakthrough•ECB/Getty ImagesButtler quickly became the aggressor, hoisting Stoinis and Lintott for massive maximums. The leading run-scorer in this year’s IPL reached a 32-ball half-century shortly after Wayne Madsen had been brilliantly run out by Stoinis’ pinpoint throw.Fellow big-hitter Russell soon joined in the carnage. The allrounder deposited Fuller for six over midwicket before he and Buttler traded maximums off the unfortunate Garton in a barnstorming partnership of 51 off 25 deliveries.Buttler’s dismissal by Hogan did little to stem the flow of runs for a depleted Brave attack badly missing the services of England stars Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills and Craig Overton.Russell then went into overdrive as Originals obliterated the previous best team score in the men’s Hundred at the Ageas Bowl, recording the fourth-highest men’s score in the entire competition.Garton’s drop off Russell summed up a tricky night in the field for Brave before the West Indies star clubbed 24 off the final set to boost Originals up to a total which always looked beyond the home side.