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England superstars Harry Kane and Alessia Russo have teamed up on World Mental Health Day, with inspiring messages being passed out to those who are struggling. Kane and Russo have experienced tough times themselves on and off the pitch and want to use their voice, as prominent figures in society, to help spread the word of never being afraid to speak up and ask for help.

Kane & Russo overcame difficulties to reach the top

Kane and Russo have reached the very top of their chosen profession. The former is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and England’s men’s national team – while reaching 100 goals for current employers Bayern Munich – while the latter is a two-time European Championship winner with the Lionesses that also helped Arsenal to Champions League glory in 2024-25.

Their respective rises have not been without their difficulties. Kane took in several loan spells before making his breakthrough at Spurs, leading to questions being asked of his ability to perform at a high level, while Russo has spoken out in the past about online trolls causing her body image and personal wellbeing issues.

AdvertisementRusso's advice to younger self in times of struggle

The pair have now linked up on Mental Health Day 2025, with Kane asking Russo: "If you could go back and speak to your younger self during a particularly difficult setback, what is the most crucial piece of advice you would give?"

Arsenal and England forward Russo replied with: "I would tell her to stay calm. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You may not feel it in the moment, but the tough times don’t last and I think staying positive, working hard, tapping into the people around you, your friends, your family, your support staff, your team-mates. Everyone wants the best for you. They want you at the top of your game, they want you to feel your best and be your happiest.

"It’s OK to reach out, it’s okay to ask for help. Just stay positive, don’t be too tough on yourself and enjoy the process. You’ll look back on it and have learnt so much and you’ll remember it in the highest of highs. I think it’s important to go through, learn about yourself and use it for the future when other things arise. You have the tools, you know how to deal with it, it always makes you stronger."

The Harry Kane Foundation: Important work to be done

The Harry Kane Foundation was launched on Mental Health Day 2022, with that project forming part of the Bayern striker’s past, present and future plans. He told in May 2025: "I think just normalising the conversation is huge. Mental health is something I’ve related to throughout my career – the ups and downs – and I think a lot of people can relate to that. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. It can just be chatting with someone in a coffee shop. That’s how we start changing the narrative."

Kane added on his foundation, which will eventually take up more of his time once he hangs up playing boots for the final time: "We’re on a journey. We’re learning about mental health, what younger people are going through. We’ll just continue to have those conversations.

"Once I retire, I’ll probably be more involved with the Foundation. It’s good to get a head start now and really learn about it. I’m sure there’ll be other things we do in the future with other athletes or companies to see how much change we can make. But already, in the three years, I feel like we’ve come a long way and done some good stuff."

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Getty/GOALHow Russo removed the source of her discomfort

Russo said in June 2025 of removing the sources of her discomfort: "I think you have to remember that they are the people you need to lean on in tough times. As I’ve got older, I understand more what works for me. In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.

"Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament. Staying away from it and staying focused as a team is what works for me."

That mindset is allowing Russo to thrive on the field, while Kane has mastered the art of turning a deaf ear and blind eye to any of his detractors. There is, however, still much work to be done when it comes to helping those struggling in everyday life deal with the problems that they are facing.

The tournament will be held in July this year and Hurricanes hope to send a strong squad that could include Tim David

Alex Malcolm10-Apr-2025

Hobart Hurricanes celebrate their first BBL title•Getty Images

Reigning BBL champions Hobart Hurricanes look set to send a team to the Global Super League in Guyana with the tournament being moved to July this year.Hurricanes, who are run by Cricket Tasmania, have been invited to play in the GSL after winning the BBL for the first time this January. They would be the second team from Australia to compete in the tournament after Cricket Victoria sent a team – that played in state colours – to last year’s tournament, which was played in December.Victoria finished second with a team that was captained by former New Zealand allrounder Corey Anderson and featured current Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, as well as a handful of development players as the tournament fell during Australia’s domestic season.ESPNcricinfo understands that Cricket Tasmania will send a team to play under the Hurricanes name and will field as strong a squad as they can put out. The tournament is set to be played during Australia’s Test tour of the Caribbean in July and just prior to Australia’s five-match T20I series against West Indies that immediately follows.Related

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Hurricanes have signed Australia Test allrounder Beau Webster, but he might be ruled him out if he tours the Caribbean. Australia T20I regulars Nathan Ellis and Tim David are likely to be part of the West Indies T20I tour. Riley Meredith is another who might be considered for that series.David is yet to re-sign with Hurricanes in the BBL but is expected to. It is understood Cricket Tasmania has asked Cricket Australia about the availability of both Ellis and David for the GSL but Ellis, who unlike David is CA contracted, could be held out to remain fresh for the T20I series with Australia’s three-format quicks likely to be rested after the World Test Championship final and three Tests in the Caribbean.It is understood that David could also qualify to play for last year’s GSL champions Rangpur Riders after playing one game for them in this year’s Bangladesh Premier League.The dates of the GSL tournament may move again in future years with suggestions it could be played in February. Such a move would make it very difficult for Australian teams to compete. Western Australia/Perth Scorchers had been invited to play last year but declined due to the December timing.Cricket Victoria chief executive Nick Cummins said his team had a great experience and hoped the tournament would evolve further.”It was amazing,” Cummins told ESPNcricinfo. “We were really impressed with how they ran the tournament, the quality of the cricket and the quality of the wickets. I’ve long been an advocate for bringing back the Champions League, and I’d really love to see that take place and, at the moment, the GSL is the closest thing that cricket’s got to that.”I think they prefer that we’re playing in Big Bash colours rather than state colours and hopefully that’s something that evolves too.”

Chelsea are still keen on signing a new defender as we fast approach the final three days of this summer transfer window, following Levi Colwill’s devastating ACL injury which will keep him sidelined for the majority of 2025/2026.

Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo were given the starting nod as Enzo Maresca’s centre-back pairing against West Ham this time last week, with the Italian opting for them over Wesley Fofana, who’s just come back from injury.

Benoit Badiashile also won’t be back until September, meaning Maresca has very little options – something which he’s addressed as a concern to the media.

Journalist Simon Phillips, despite personally believing it is unlikely, says Chelsea are very much still looking to sign a new defender after being repeatedly linked with one this window.

According to website Juve FC, there is one man who Maresca is very keen on from his homeland.

Enzo Maresca wants Juventus defender Federico Gatti at Chelsea

As per their information, Juventus defender Federico Gatti has been a player of real interest to Chelsea.

The Blues attempted to open talks with Igor Tudor’s side over a deal after making an enquiry, with Maresca personally wanting Chelsea to sign Gatti. However, the Bioncaneri have shut all doors on suitors, including Arsenal, and agreed a new contract with the former Italian low league defender quite recently.

Likened to both Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who are both Serie A icons, Gatti’s experience and proven capabilities would’ve been a major asset to Maresca – but a move for Gatti appears very unlikely right now.

With James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson and Arnaud Kalimuendo already through the door, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made contact to sign a defensive addition.

Nottingham Forest closing in on Luiz agreement

The Tricky Trees may have taken time to truly get going this summer, but they’re now in no mood to stop spending as the Premier League campaign gets underway and transfer deadline day approaches. Evangelos Marinakis has welcomed a flurry of arrivals as of late, and Douglas Luiz looks destined to be the next to be welcomed by the Greek owner.

The midfielder will arguably be Forest’s most impressive signing of the summer if he puts pen to paper as expected. The former Aston Villa midfielder has endured a nightmare spell at Juventus, but will be remembered most by Premier League fans for how he helped Unai Emery’s side into the Champions League two seasons ago.

Now set to return to the Premier League to play for Aston Villa’s Midlands rivals, Luiz will have the chance to restore his reputation in a World Cup year. Given how emphatic Forest were on the opening day against Brentford too, the addition of Luiz is only likely to improve a side that is already firing on all cylinders.

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Even after the Brazilian potentially arrives to make it a fourth signing in the last two weeks at the City Ground, however, Marinakis is reportedly not done there in the transfer window. Reports are now indicating that Forest have launched an opening move to sign a Championship defender.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Fisher

As reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have now made an opening enquiry to sign Kellen Fisher from Norwich City. The 21-year-old has caught the eye of those at the City Ground after breaking into the Canaries’ senior squad last season and since keeping hold of his place under Liam Manning in the current campaign.

Earning plenty of praise from Johanes Hoff Thorup last season, the former Norwich manager explained why Fisher has the ability to play an inverted right-back role as well as in the natural full-back position – telling reporters: “He can do it because he has the technical abilities. He’s a great crossing player, and he’s a great technical player.

“When you have that as one of your skills, then you can cover more and different positions. It’s just praise to him. He’s doing well, and it also creates a little bit more rotation in the team because now he has tried more positions.”

Seemingly doing enough to earn the interest of the Premier League, the young defender could go from Bromley in 2022 all the way to Nottingham Forest in the space of three impressive years.

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O Palmeiras enfrenta o Vasco, neste domingo, às 16h, no Maracanã, pelo Brasileirão. Em meio a uma maratona de jogos e competições pelas quais o Verdão tem passado, o time até tem oscilado recentemente, mas Abel Ferreira certamente vem tirando fatores positivos do atual momento. Isso porque tem sido necessário utilizar a profundidade do elenco, que tem dado boas respostas. Jogadores que não são titulares absolutos vêm mostrando valor para suprir os desfalques.

> Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A partida contra os vascaínos é um bom cenário para reafirmar essa “casca” que o elenco alviverde tem ganhado. Em uma tacada só, o treinador português chegou a perder três titulares: Rony, Raphael Veiga e Piquerez. Sem contar nomes importantes como Mayke, Bruno Tabata e Atuesta. Todos baixas por lesão. Dessa forma, foi preciso testar o retorno que o grupo poderia dar.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras tem dia de goleadas pelo Paulistão das categorias de basePalmeiras22/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras inicia maratona de mais de 12 mil km de viagens em duas semanasPalmeiras22/04/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras finaliza preparação para enfrentar o Vasco e pode ter novidades entre os titulares; veja provável timePalmeiras22/04/2023

Foi aí que bons valores começaram a aparecer. O principal deles é Vanderlan, que entrou em uma prova de fogo substituindo Piquerez na segunda partida da final do Paulistão e ainda precisou jogar na altitude de La Paz. De lá para cá, o jovem lateral-esquerdo é um dos destaques do time com assistências e boas atuações. Há a possibilidade de o garoto dar lugar ao uruguaio neste domingo.

>Entenda como o Palmeiras influenciou o Vasco na negociação com a 777 Partners

Outro que ganhou espaço e confiança foi Flaco López, que balançou a rede em quatro jogos consecutivos. Isso fez com que ele conquistasse uma vaga no time titular enquanto Rony está ausente, superando inclusive Endrick na preferência de Abel Ferreira em alguns duelos. Na mesma esteira veio Jhon Jhon, que teve boas atuações no lugar de Raphael Veiga e deixou boa impressão.

>Vasco x Palmeiras: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pelo Brasileirão

Recém-contratado junto ao Guarani, Richard Ríos também mostrou que pode ter a confiança do treinador. O colombiano vem entrando constantemente e dado respostas imediatas, como aconteceu na vitória de virada diante do Cerro Porteño, na qual ele foi fundamental para a melhora do time. Diante do Vasco, não seria surpresa se ele começasse entre 11 iniciais de Abel Ferreira.

Isso sem contar Fabinho, que sempre entra com qualidade, Rafael Navarro, que voltou a fazer gols, Gustavo Garcia, que tem sido importante na ausência de Mayke, e o próprio Artur, que chegou agora e deu uma opção de ataque a mais ao técnico português. Luis Guilherme, caso ganhe mais minutos, é outro nome que parece ser capaz de dar a resposta que Abel precisa para o momento atual.

>Palmeiras inicia maratona de mais de 12 mil km de viagens em duas semanas

Atual campeão nacional, o Palmeiras entra em campo pela segunda vez nesta edição do Brasileirão, a primeira jogando fora de casa. Na rodada inicial, no Allianz Parque, o Verdão bateu o Cuiabá por 2 a 1 e agora busca mais três pontos diante do Vasco, no Maracanã, às 16h (de Brasília).

continua após a publicidade

Mushfiqur Rahim will miss the remainder of the ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE after picking up a finger injury in the series opener that Bangladesh lost by 92 runs.”Towards the end of Afghanistan’s batting innings, Mushfiqur injured the tip of his left Index finger while keeping wickets,” team physio Delowar Hossain said in a BCB statement. “An X-ray after the match has confirmed a fracture on his left Index near the DIP joint. He is under conservative management and is not available for the second and third ODIs. Further updates on his condition and expected recovery period will be provided in due course.”Related

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After picking up the injury, Mushfiqur batted as low as No. 7 as Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for only 23 runs. He was stumped for 1 off three balls.Bangladesh, trailing 0-1 in the three-match series, have not named a replacement. With no Litton Das (recovering from fever) in the squad either, Jaker Ali is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.With Bangladesh set to tour the West Indies for a mult-format tour of two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is later this month, Mushfiqur’s finger injury also leaves question marks over his availability for the Tests and ODIs. He retired from T20Is in 2022.After the Afghanistan ODIs end on November 11, Bangladesh are set to fly to the Caribbean for a tour game in Coolidge starting November 15 before the first Test begins in North Sound on November 22. They have not yet named a squad for the West Indies tour.

Manchester United now “fully expect” to sign a “sensational” £70m star soon, as they want him to take part in their pre-season tour, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Man Utd looking to sign new forward

It has been a slow start to the summer transfer window for Man United, with Matheus Cunha their only high-profile arrival to date, and they have also faced issues getting some of their own players off the books.

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the futures of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, with Liverpool even reportedly coming forward to sign the England international, although Barcelona seems like a more likely destination.

However, United legend Teddy Sheringham has now weighed in on Rashford’s situation, making the bold claim that he hopes Rashford doesn’t end up at the Spanish side, as he doesn’t deserve the move.

The other main transfer saga surrounding Man United this summer centres around Bryan Mbeumo, with Ruben Amorim identifying the Brentford forward as a player who could help solve his side’s attacking issue.

There has now been a new update on United’s Mbeumo pursuit, with Bailey telling The Boot Room that the Cameroonian is growing frustrated by the lack of progress.

The transfer expert said: “United are very frustrated, as is the player. But again, they are keeping pretty quiet. Officially.

“The guaranteed money is the main obstacle still… this was seen as a minor issue two weeks ago, yet that is still the main problem. Man United are telling Mbeumo they still fully expect him to be on their pre-season tour.”

It is little wonder that the Red Devils are starting to grow tired of the negotiations, given that Brentford have recently raised their asking price to around £70m, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to pay no more than £65m.

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While Ratcliffe should not be pressured into forking out an amount above his valuation of the Brentford star, the saga needs to come to an end soon, especially with the player himself now growing frustrated by the lack of progress.

£70m is, of course, a lot of money to spend on a player who is unproven at the highest level, but the former Troyes man performed remarkably well in the Premier League last season, amassing 27 goal contributions in 38 outings.

Lauded as “sensational” by Sky Sports commentators, Mbeumo could be a fantastic signing for United, so it is promising news they expect him to take part in their pre-season tour, with Amorim’s side set to take on Leeds United in Sweden in two days’ time.

MS Dhoni has resorted to a wait-and-watch approach before deciding on his IPL future. As the IPL chalks out the auction and retention plans ahead of the 2025 season, Dhoni wants to see what rule changes come into effect, especially with regard to player retention, before he makes a decision on whether to play another season or not.”There is a lot of time for it,” Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, said at an event in Hyderabad. “We have to see what decision they take on player retention etc. Right now, the ball is not in our court.”So, once the rules and regulations get formalised, I will take a call, but needs to be in the best interest of the team.”Related

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The BCCI met franchise owners and officials on Wednesday evening in Mumbai, to discuss a host of rules. On the meeting’s agenda was the Impact Player rule, how many players are to be retained, and the existence and frequency of the mega auction (one is due before next season) among other points.Questions on Dhoni’s future at the IPL have cropped up at the end of and between seasons for the previous few years now, and one part of those questions – regarding the succession plan at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – was answered earlier this year when he handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad days before the season started.CSK narrowly lost out on a playoffs berth under Gaikwad when they finished fifth on the table with 14 points, the same as RCB on fourth spot but behind on net run rate.Dhoni played the role of six-hitting specialist in the death overs last season. He mostly walked out in the dying moments of the CSK innings and smoked 13 sixes and 14 fours in the 73 balls he faced across the season, translating to roughly three balls per boundary. His strike rate was a whopping 220.54 – the first season where he struck at over 200 – and he finished unbeaten in eight of his 11 innings.

If a ship’s sinking, the quality of the prow is going to do little to drive things forward, no matter how well made. For Manchester United, there is Rasmus Hojlund, who perhaps feels a little ‘hung out to dry’ after his wretched campaign as Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim’s central striker.

Signed from Atalanta for a lofty £72m in 2023, the 22-year-old Hojlund was pronounced to be a “monster in the making” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, but he left plenty to be desired after his maiden term in the Premier League.

But four goals last season and routine struggles to showcase his ability have reduced Hojlund to ignominy, and rumours are mounting that he will return to Serie A this summer.

This is for the best, for Man United need to freshen up the ranks and are indeed gearing up to raid one of several clubs for their star striker.

Man Utd's striker targets

Man United have been dealt a blow in their efforts to reunite Amorim with Sporting Lisbon superstar Viktor Gyokeres because the Swedish goalscorer reportedly favours a move to Arsenal.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but after finishing 15th in the league and losing the Europa League final, it’s understandable. Gyokeres is 27, after all.

Instead, INEOS could launch an offensive on Napoli for Victor Osimhen, with ESPN claiming United have turned their attention to the Nigerian striker and could make a formal offer in the coming days. Osimhen has a €75m (£64m) release clause and is also wanted by Al Hilal and Galatasaray.

Having scored 37 goals from 41 matches on loan with Gala last year, Osimhen would certainly prove an upgrade on Hojlund, but United actually appear ready to push down a different track.

Man Utd in contact to sign Osimhen and Gyokeres alternative

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Man United are now ramping up their move to sign Hugo Ekitike.

They have been in contact with the player’s entourage over the weekend, expressing ‘concrete interest’ in the Frenchman, having already been locked in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt.

While Frankfurt are holding out for €100m (£85m), the 22-year-old’s reps have informed suitors that their client may actually be available for a cheaper fee when push comes to shove.

It’s worth noting Liverpool and Chelsea remain firmly in the race, but with the Premier League champions yet to have offloaded Darwin Nunez and the Blues sounding out alternatives, Jason Wilcox and Co could use this opportunity to strike now.

What Hugo Ekitike could bring to Man Utd

Ekitike scored 22 goals and laid on 12 assists across 48 matches in his first full season for Frankfurt, leading talent scout Jacek Kulig to claim “he could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”

Technically sharp and skilful on the ball, Ekitike also ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, highlighting his pace and dribbling ability.

Because of this, it’s surely no surprise the French forward has been labelled “the next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey in the past, with the Les Bleus superstar’s matchless athleticism and energy buttressing a deadly goalscoring ability.

But in actual fact he could prove to be Man United’s new version of Anthony Martial, one who might instead be less inhibited by injuries.

After several bitter years as an outlying member of the Man United squad, the 29-year-old Martial has been rehoused in Greece with AEK Athens, where he has enjoyed a resurgent campaign, scoring nine goals and providing two assists across 23 matches.

But he was once a phenomenon, arriving in the Premier League a sharp and fast forward whose pace and power saw him thrive out on the wing or in a more central striking berth.

The same is true for Ekitike, though he is clearly favoured as an out-and-out striker. Given that Martial fell largely because of persistent injury bother, he might prove to go one step further than the former Red Devils star and become a major player for many years, sustaining a high level of performance.

In the modern market, United will have to pay a premium for such a player as Ekitike, but they did the same with another French forward way back when, and in the earlier stages of his career in England, it looked like the Glazers had, for once, received bang for their buck.

Looking at Martial’s 2019/20 Premier League campaign, when he scored 17 times across 34 appearances, also assisting seven goals, he was at the peak of his powers, and you can see how he matches up against Ekitike over the past year for Frankfurt.

Could it be that the current hotshot has the superior skillset? That he could use his athletic and technical qualities to outstrip even the finest version of Martial?

Goals scored

0.53

0.58

Assists

0.28

0.21

Shots taken

4.00

2.71

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.43

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.38

Progressive passes

1.86

2.81

Progressive carries

3.27

2.61

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.71

Ball recoveries

3.06

1.51

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

0.69

As you can see, both players across the respective seasons produced sustained performances to write home about, but Ekitike’s movement, energy and tenacity can be observed through his recoveries, his command of the box and his multi-facetedness.

No amount of revisionism will strip away the memory of Martial in his pomp, bursting onto the scene as one of the most prodigious talents about, hailed as a “Ferrari” who looked “like a £100m player” by pundit Owen Hargreaves back in 2020.

Clearly, then, he was once in the same sphere as Ekitike, probably even above his compatriot.

Emerging from Monaco’s talent factory a few years before Mbappe, it’s easy to see why Martial was held in such high regard, with his early years depicting a player capable of conquering the world.

Ekitike was reared in a different part of France, but he’s got the dynamic qualities to emulate his countryman and become a superstar at Old Trafford, one who could lead the much-needed revival.

After Cunha: Man Utd join race for "red-hot" £47m Bryan Mbeumo clone

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Leeds United have an incredibly difficult task ahead of them following their 100-point Championship season that earned them promotion to the Premier League.

The last six teams that have been promoted to the top-flight have been instantly relegated back down to the second tier, including Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley.

Daniel Farke has first-hand experience of how hard it is to keep a team in the Premier League after promotion. He suffered relegation with Norwich City after his first title at Carrow Road, before being sacked during the Canaries’ second relegation straight after promotion.

The German head coach has to be backed by the 49ers in the summer transfer window to ensure that he has a squad that is capable of competing week-in-week-out in the top-flight.

There are some players in the current squad who may not be able to make the step up in quality, which is evidenced by the last six teams failing to stay up, and Dan James is one of those whose suitability for next season is up for debate.

Why Leeds have a Dan James dilemma this summer

The Wales international played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League with his attacking contributions from the right wing, and was nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award.

James also caught the eye with his performances in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, only for Leeds to fall short in the play-off final against Southampton.

The former Manchester United forward scored 12 goals and provided nine assists in the Championship this term, after a return of 13 goals and seven assists last term, which shows that he provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

There is, therefore, no doubt that James is a star at that level because he has proven himself in a Leeds shirt over the past two seasons, but that does not mean that he is guaranteed to be a key figure in the Premier League for the Whites.

Appearances

33

15

34

24

Goals

3

3

4

2

Conversion rate

7%

18%

7%

12%

Key passes per game

0.8

0.7

0.8

0.4

Big chances created

6

2

5

3

Assists

6

1

4

1

As you can see in the table above, the 27-year-old attacker has already played four seasons of Premier League football in his career, for Manchester United, Leeds, and Fulham, and is yet to score more than four goals in one campaign.

He also failed to create at least one chance per game for his teammates in any of those four seasons, which shows that he did not provide regular quality as a scorer or a creator.

This is why Leeds have a dilemma with James this summer because it remains to be seen if he can finally be a success in the top-flight, but the 49ers could improve his chances of being a success by landing the club’s latest reported target.

Leeds eyeing bargain swoop for Premier League ace

According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are interested in a deal to sign West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the 49ers are looking for more top-flight experience in their squad and have identified the Czechia international as a target ahead of their Premier League campaign.

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It also reveals that Coufal, who wants to stay in the Premier League, was told by the Hammers that they would not be extending his current contract at the London Stadium, which means that he will become a free agent, and a bargain signing for his next club, at the end of June.

TalkSPORT adds that David Moyes, who managed the right-back during his tenure at West Ham, is also interested in signing the experienced defender for Everton.

The 49ers must push to win the race to sign the 32-year-old full-back because he could be the perfect addition to help Dan James thrive in the top-flight.

Why Vladimir Coufal could be perfect for Dan James

Whilst current Leeds right-back Jayden Bogle enjoyed a fine season in the Championship, scoring six goals and providing four assists, there are still question marks over his defensive abilities in the Premier League.

He started 32 matches for a Sheffield United team that conceded a record 104 goals in 38 games last term, and started 12 times in the Blades team that finished bottom on 23 points with 63 goals conceded in the 2020/21 campaign.

Whereas West Ham have conceded fewer than 60 goals in four of Coufal’s five Premier League seasons with the Hammers, since his move from Sparta Prague in the summer of 2020.

The 32-year-old star has played a key role in many of those seasons, thanks to the defensive stability that he provides at right-back as a solid operator in a back four.

Appearances

20

36

27

28

34

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

1.0x

0.5x

0.6x

1.1x

Ground duel success rate

47%

50%

54%

52%

57%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

52%

65%

49%

56%

Error led to shot

1

0

0

1

1

Error led to goal

0

0

0

0

0

As you can see in the table above, Coufal has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal in his Premier League career, and he has only been dribbled past more than once per match on average in one of those five seasons.

Bogle was dribbled past 53 times in 46 top-flight games for Sheffield United, which suggests that attacking players find it easier to get past the English defender, and that is why Leeds signing Coufal could be perfect for Dan James.

Having a right-back who has proven that he can be defensive solid at Premier League level could allow Farke to keep the Welsh forward high and wide on the right flank, giving the team an outlet to hit on the counter attack by using his pace to push teams back and get in behind in counter-attacking situations.

Coufal, once dubbed “outstanding” by Declan Rice, may not need as much support as the defensively susceptible Bogle, on the right, which would free up James to stay further up the pitch when Leeds are defending.

As shown by his famous goal for Swansea in the clip above, the Wales international has electric pace on the counter attack and the Whites could utilise that effectively by ensuring that they have a defensively solid right-back who does not need constant support out of possession.

This is why Coufal, particularly on a free transfer, could be a perfect signing to come in and compete with Bogle for a spot in the team next season.

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