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“They were 90 seconds late to come to the pitch. Not 10, not 20. Ninety seconds late.”

Sidharth Monga22-Jul-20252:03

Harmison: Fire in the belly makes players play better

India captain Shubman Gill has questioned England’s conduct at Lord’s, when they ran down the clock on the third evening and made sure India could bowl just one over in the seven minutes available. Gill said his issue was more with the openers turning up 90 seconds late and not with Zak Crawley getting medical attention when a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah brushed his glove.India became visibly confrontational after that, which led to an equal response from England when India batted in the fourth innings. Their coach Brendon McCullum was seen at the Lord’s balcony asking his players to turn the verbals higher when Washington Sundar went out to bat. Washington had spoken to the media the day before about India winning the game comfortably.England have been saying India instigated the sledging, and that it has eventually hurt them. Gill was asked about his views a day before the fourth Test at Old Trafford. “A lot of people have been talking about it, so let me just clear the air once and for all,” Gill said. “The English batsmen on that day, they had seven minutes of play left. They were 90 seconds late to come to the pitch. Not ten, not 20. Ninety seconds late.Related

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“Yes, most of the teams, they use this [tactic]. Even if we were in a position, we would’ve also liked to play lesser overs, but there’s a manner to do it. And we felt, yes, if you get hit on your body, the physios are allowed to come on and that is something that is fair. But to be able to come 90 seconds late on the crease is not something that I would think comes in the spirit of the game.”Gill was seen on camera using some choice words at the England batters during this phase of play. He alluded to things simmering under the surface a bit, but didn’t go into detail.”And just leading up to that event, a lot of things that we thought should not have happened had happened,” he said. “And I wouldn’t say it was something that I’m very proud of, but there was a lead-up and build-up to that. It didn’t just come out of nowhere, and we had no intention of doing that whatsoever. But you’re playing a game, you’re playing to win, and there are a lot of emotions involved, and when you see there are things happening that should not happen, sometimes the emotions come out of nowhere.”England captain Ben Stokes felt similarly: sledging is not something they plan or talk about, it is just something that boils over. However, he did say they were going to give back as good as they get.3:30

Gill questions England’s conduct at Lord’s

“I don’t think it is one of those things where we will necessarily just go out and start it,” Stokes said. “I don’t think either team has really looked to do that, but there will always be a moment in a series where things just heat up. It is a massive series, there is pressure on both teams to go out and perform. The environment when you are out there, there is going to some moments, some heat showing [up].”Obviously that night when Zak and Ben [Duckett] had to go out there and start everything off, we had the advantage of bowling last in a Test match to win and threw everything at India, not only with our skills but also with our energy in the field as well.”There were reports McCullum had told England players they had been too nice when they discussed sledging.”Potentially,” Stokes said. “[But] it was a real nice moment as a team when you speak about something like that and then everyone buys into it. It is not something we are going to purposely go out and start in a game of cricket, that will take our focus off what we need to do out in the middle. But we are not going to take a backward step and let any opposition try and be confrontational towards us and not try to give a bit back. I think that goes for most teams, to be honest, so it is not like we are the only team who does that.”

Ruben Amorim is edging closer to his one-year anniversary since he was appointed Manchester United manager, but it’s safe to say it’s not been an easy ride in the role.

The 40-year-old was seen as the perfect man to come in and change the Red Devils’ fortunes, but his spell at Old Trafford certainly hasn’t gone the way many anticipated.

He’s only achieved a 40% win rate since taking the reins last November, losing 20 of the 48 matches he’s taken charge of across all competitions – the worst of any manager of the club post World War 2.

The 2024/25 campaign was a dismal one for all involved at the Theatre of Dreams, registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish, but he was still handed over £200m to make the changes he desired.

After just a couple of games of the new campaign, judgment may have to be reserved until the new additions are settled, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating about his future in the role.

The latest on Amorim’s future at Man Utd

Despite losing two of the first five league games of the 2025/26 season, the United board have stated that they will continue to back Amorim in his quest for success at the club.

The likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the training ground last week, but it’s been claimed that they still have full faith in the Portuguese boss to transform the club’s fortunes.

However, that could all be about to change in the coming weeks, especially if the latest rumours around the current managerial situation are to be believed.

GIVEMESPORT have reported in recent days that the staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford are huge admirers of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and could be tempted to appoint him should they part ways with Amorim.

The report also states that no move or decision on either situation has yet been made, but the 51-year-old remains a boss they’re tracking in case they decide to make a change.

Why United’s manager target is an upgrade on Amorim

The new generation of United supporters have only endured disappointment and frustration, subsequently failing to reach the heights achieved during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his time in charge at Old Trafford, the most of any manager in the division’s history, with the former boss putting the Red Devils on the map.

However, since his retirement in 2012/13, the club have failed to win a single league title, with second-placed finishes in 2017/18 and 2020/21 as good as it’s got for the fans in the last decade.

Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to change such a drought, but up to now, he’s failed to create a side and system that looks remotely close to even challenging for a European spot.

Such failures could lead to the hierarchy making a change in the next few weeks/months, with Glasner the leading candidate to take over, as seen by recent reports.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats in England’s top-flight, the Austrian has achieved a far better record, doing so with a shoestring budget compared to Amorim.

Glasner, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – leading the Eagles to a 12th-placed finish last season, ending the year three places higher than United.

He’s also notched a better point per game record, whilst also achieving a better win percentage, highlighting how impressive he’s been since taking the reins at Selhurst Park.

Glasner has also created new history for the Eagles, winning the FA Cup against Manchester City last campaign – subsequently claiming the club their first ever major trophy.

There’s no debating that the Austrian is a phenomenal manager, with any potential move to Old Trafford giving the fanbase an added reason to be excited in the near future.

It’s unclear at present if the 51-year-old would want to leave his current employers, but it’s certainly a situation for the fanbase to keep a close eye on.

Even though the board aren’t planning for a change, it could only take a couple of poor results to change that – with Glasner needing to be the priority if the Red Devils are to have any chance of ending their drought for a league title.

Outperforming Mainoo: Man Utd must regret losing "sensational" star for £0

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one young talent to leave the club on a free.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 23, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo's former Juventus team-mate has undergone a remarkable career change, with a new selfie showing that he is now working on a building site. A former youth international, the construction professional is now making a living with his hands, having previously rubbed shoulders with the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United star in Turin.

• Ronaldo's old team-mate swaps jobs

  Cendrim Kameraj played for Juve between 2017 and 2019, overlapping with the Portuguese's spell in Turin between 2018 and 2021. A former Kosovo Under-21 international, winning one cap at the age group, he also played for Switzerland at various youth levels. However, he struggled to make a breakthrough into the first-team, battling multiple injury blows. He suffered three separate anterior cruciate ligament injuries and, as a result, opted to retire, and has now taken up a fresh job away from sport. 

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• Football career never got going

  Kameraj played 23 times for Juventus' youth teams before leaving in 2019 to join Lugano in Switzerland. He also played for Kriens in Switzerland, and returned to Kosovo to play for Dukagjini but only managed 17 senior appearances. Previously a right-back, he scored twice in a youth international between the Swiss U16s and England, as his side won 3-2 at the Toulon Tournament. 

  He posted a TikTok which has since gone viral, showing him alongside Ronaldo at the Juve training ground, before it dissolves into a picture of him wearing a hard hat on a construction site. The comment read: "Life changes sometimes."

  During Ronaldo's time in Italy, he won Serie A twice, as well as the Coppa Italia. He did not actually share a pitch with Kameraj in a competitive game, but the pair would cross paths as they each trained. In total, during his time at the club, Ronaldo played 134 times for the Old Lady, scoring 101 goals and providing 28 assists. Juve have not actually won the title since the Portuguese departed the club, and last season, were forced to settle for a fourth-placed finish, 12 points off champions Napoli. 

• Ronaldo's advice for failed wonderkid

  Kameraj has confirmed what his job entails, telling Gianluca Di Marzio: "I work in an office at ICM Bau, and our boss wanted us to spend a day on the construction site to understand what the work is like there and how hard it can be.

  "It made us appreciate even more how lucky we are to work behind a desk."

  He has also confirmed that he and Ronaldo did interact during his time in Turin, adding: "It was surreal, something special, his energy pushed everyone to give more.

  "What struck me most was his mentality, he never stopped and he constantly demanded more from himself and those around him.

  "He once told me, 'Talent means nothing without consistency and hard work,' and that phrase stuck with me.

  "Watching how he prepared showed me what it really means to be a professional."

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• Getty
  

  What comes next for retired footballer?

  While Kameraj is now adjusting to a new life, he insists he has no regrets whatsoever. 

  He said: "It was heartbreaking [deciding to retire], football had been my identity since I was a child, for a long time I didn't know who I was without it.

  "But with time I found peace, I understood that life doesn't end when your sports career ends. Without the injuries, I could have reached the top, I was on the right path and I felt like I was improving season after season.

  "However, I don't like living with 'what ifs', I gave everything I had, and that's what matters.”

  And he has not given up on one day returning to the pitch, even if he accepts that he cannot play anymore: "I keep dreaming, maybe one day I'll return to football in another role.

  "Perhaps coaching young players and helping them avoid the mistakes I made. But even outside of football, I just want to build a good life, be happy and stay true to myself."

Hugo Ekitike is living the dream. After being cast out of Paris Saint-Germain's setup, he rebuilt his reputation in Europe, eventually earning a move to Premier League champions Liverpool. And life could not have started much better at Anfield. Ekitike has been bagging goals and thriving alongside some of the best players in Europe. Now, he has opened up on that move, what it means to him, and his relationship with team-mate Mohamed Salah.

• Ektike thriving in Liverpool colours

  Following his £79million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, Ekitike has wasted no time in adapting to the Premier League. He has already netted three goals in five appearances, surprising even Liverpool fans with how quickly he has made an impact. His form is so good that star signing Alexander Isak has struggled to break into the team ahead of him, having completed his switch from Newcastle on transfer deadline day. 

  It has been a dream start for the French international, who only turned 23 in the summer. Ekitike has formed an instant bond with his Reds team-mates, including Salah, who was recently ranked fourth in the Ballon d'Or standings. Ahead of Liverpool's trip to Chelsea on Saturday evening, Arne Slot's new forward sat down with BBC Sport to discuss his life in football, his rise to the top, and how he is settling in on Merseyside.

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• AFP
  

  A 'proud' moment to join Liverpool

  Ekitike sat down for a long chat about his journey in the sport, and he was quizzed on his feeling after finally getting the move to Liverpool over the line. His response was: "The first feeling was that I was proud. To come here when I know where I come from. I know football is just moments – you can be at the top and go down straight. I set my mind to always be ready, work hard, improve myself and bring success to the team and help the maximum way I can to reach trophies and wins.

  "Becoming a good player is the biggest turning point in my life. That was the first moment in my life that I have known failure. It was probably half-time and it set me to be more tough in the head. I am different since I went to Paris. I am a way better player and better human. I have changed so much."

• Relishing the chance to play with Salah

  Unsurprisingly, Ekitike was also asked about Salah, and how he has formed a relationship with the Egyptian King at Anfield. Salah has been in top form once again this season, providing six goal contributions in nine games across all competitions. He has linked up well with Ekitike on the pitch, with the Frenchman seeming to have a telepathic connection with the winger that allows them to penetrate the opposition defence. His description of the veteran attacker? A "very cool" guy.

  He added: "Really good. Mo is a really cool guy, he is really open with me and is really good to talk too. He is great to play with. I was watching him on TV when he was scoring the goals and stuff but he is a really great athlete. You can just improve yourself and learn from him. It is good to share the pitch with him and I hope we are going to score lots of goals and bring some wins to the team together. He is very cool. More cool than what I have seen on TV because sometimes you see straight face and stuff so I thought he was cold… someone who doesn't talk a lot. He is really open, like all of the guys here. They are really open and want me to adapt to the team."

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  Work to do to become a champion himself

  Naturally, Ekitike was not part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League last season. While the 23-year-old will have been gutted to miss out on a medal, it means he has fresh motivation to win something with the Reds this season, and keep the squad's hunger alive under Arne Slot. So far, it has been a relatively decent start for the champions, but in recent weeks they have slipped up. A 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace was followed up by a Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.

  It means Liverpool are now looking over their shoulder at Arsenal and Co, who are so desperate to make history for themselves. Undoubtedly, Ekitike will need to contribute at a similar rate to what he has been already this season if his side are to stay ahead of the chasing pack. That includes a huge win away to Chelsea on Saturday evening. 

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says his struggling team need more "crazy guys" to help them get back on track. The Red Devils have suffered an underwhelming start to the new Premier League campaign and currently sit down in 14th place in the table despite a summer that saw Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arrive at Old Trafford.

Man Utd's struggles continue under Amorim

After finishing in 15th place last season, Manchester United fans were hoping for better from their team in the new campaign. A busy summer saw a flurry of new signings and optimism rise among the Old Trafford faithful. However, Amorim's team has continued to struggle, managing just seven points from their opening six league games. United also suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to minnows Grimsby Town in a dramatic penalty shoot-out that finished 12-11 to the League Two side. The results have drawn plenty of criticism and calls for Amorim to be sacked after less than a year in charge. Club legend Wayne Rooney has claimed Amorim "bluffed his way into the job", while pundit Jamie Carragher has called his tenure a "disaster" and feels his departure is inevitable.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim wants 'crazy players' at Man Utd

Manchester United's dismal form has piled pressure on Amorim and his tactical inflexibility has been question. Amorim has insisted he will not change his 3-4-3 formation and has instead called on his players to step up and show character during these difficult times. 

The United boss told former Red Devil Owen Hargreaves in an interview with what he feels his team is lacking currently: "We have a lot of players that they were here for many years and we are struggling so that is always in your mind. It's not just the leaders, we need leaders, but sometimes what I'm thinking is we miss some crazy guys, you know?"

Amorim looks to Cunha and Mbeumo for inspiration

Amorim added that new signing Cunha is one player who can help inspire United: "The guys, I think Cunha is a little bit like that. He's a guy that is a good guy but he doesn't care who you are. He can play wherever and he will go with the ball. This kind of feeling, we need that. Harry Maguire was captain, he played national team, but you can feel it sometimes that when things are going wrong we go down. No matter if it's Bruno or Harry, and that is in the past, so we need to live in the future.

The United boss also feels Mbeumo can have a similar impact following his move from Brentford. He explained: "Sometimes you look at the pitch, something is going really wrong, and you see Bryan with a different light, because he came from a different environment. Then you look at Cunha and you feel that sometimes he is frustrated but you can feel the frustration is something like – give me the ball – so we miss that. We need to forget the past, we need sometimes that crazy guy. The world can be on fire, but I don't care. Sometimes it's not just the leaders, it's the maverick guys."

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Man Utd's aims for the season outlined by Amorim

Manchester United have still not managed to string consecutive wins together in the Premier League under Amorim but the Portuguese is confident he can get his team up the table. The former Sporting boss was asked about the club's targets and wants to be back playing European football next season.

"I think we need to return to Europe. the funny thing is, and it's hard for our fans to understand this, I don't know what is going to happen," he said. "We are going to play better, that is my feeling, and I think every day if you see the games you feel we can win the games.

With just two weeks remaining until the transfer window slams shut, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards a Champions League winner to replace Alexander Isak.

Latest on the Alexander Isak saga

It wasn’t so long ago that Isak was the talk of the toon for all good reasons. The Swede was wheeling away in celebration, ironically pointing back at the Liverpool backline after he sent Newcastle on their way to victory in the Carabao Cup final. Now, a great striker has gone on strike and been at the heart of the saga of the summer.

With the Premier League campaign now underway and Isak nowhere to be seen in the Newcastle squad, just where this saga goes next is difficult to say. Whilst he is doing everything to leave the Magpies – even going as far as moving out of his house in Tyneside – Newcastle won’t budge until their £150m price tag is matched, and they have a replacement.

Having his say on the matter in the build-up to the Aston Villa game, manager Eddie Howe told reporters: “We do [have to forget about Isak] – he’s not here with us.

“We have to focus on who is here and get the best out of them. The players are aware he’s not here, the focus will be on each player playing to the best of their ability. I want him to play. I want him to train. I’ve had those conversations [with Isak] but the details of those will remain private.”

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The Magpies could finally get their man.

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Meanwhile, the search for a replacement goes on. After missing out on Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United, Newcastle have reportedly looked at the likes of Samu Aghehowa and are closing in on a deal to sign Yoane Wissa, but one more name is also threatening to steal the headlines.

Newcastle "interested" in Gonçalo Ramos

As reported by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle are now “interested” in signing Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, in what would be a “big transfer”, although the deal will not be an easy one to pull off.

The Portuguese forward did himself no harm in the shop window earlier this week when he emerged from the bench to equalise late on for PSG against Tottenham Hotspur in the Super Cup final.

The Champions League winner may not be first choice at PSG, but he would be the star man at St James’ Park. After scoring 19 goals in all competitions last season in a squad role, Ramos is more than capable of becoming the main man elsewhere.

Even in a bit-part role too, Luis Enrique was full of praise for his forward last season. The PSG boss told reporters in May: “He’s a wonderful player, capable of very high performances.

“If he plays a minute, he plays it very well. If he’s not on the pitch, he still helps the team. And today, he came into the starting eleven and scored three goals. So he’s a player who always performs at his best, and I would call him a guarantee.”

حقق اللاعب الدولي الإنجليزي جود بيلينجهام، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد جائزة جديدة مع منتخب إنجلترا.

وكان بيلينجهام قد عانى من ألم في الكتف وعلى إثره خضع لعملية جراحية بحسب ما أفاد ريال مدريد في بيان رسمي، ووفقًا للتقارير كان من المتوقع عودته للمشاركة بنهاية شهر أكتوبر الحالي.

لكنه عاد آواخر شهر سبتمبر المنقضي وشارك مع ريال مدريد في الخسارة من أتلتيكو مدريد ومباراة كيرات في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

اقرأ أيضًا | فالفيردي يكسر صمته ويصدر بيانًا صادمًا بشأن رفضه المشاركة في مباراة ريال مدريد وكيرات

وشارك نجم ريال مدريد في 8 مباريات مع منتخب إنجلترا خلال الموسم الماضي، واستطاع أن يساهم بشكل كبير في صعود المنتخب بدوري الأمم الأوروبية، قبل أن يبدأ مشوار التصفيات المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026 مع المدرب الألماني توماس توخيل.

وتم اختيار جود بيلينجهام كأفضل لاعب في منتخب إنجلترا لموسم 2024/25 والتي يتم منحها بعد تصويت الجمهور.

هذه هي المرة الأولى التي يفوز فيها بيلينجهام بالجائزة، حيث أصبح ثاني لاعب ينال تلك الجائزة أثناء اللعب مع نادي غير إنجليزي، بعد أوين هارجريفز الذي فاز بها أثناء لعبه مع بايرن ميونخ في عام 2006.

Celtic are beginning to put the wheels in motion for the remainder of their transfer window and are on the verge of announcing a new signing, according to reports.

Brendan Rodgers confirms Celtic close to arrivals

In what has been a slow-moving summer for Celtic, six new players have walked through the door in the form of Kieran Tierney, Callum Osmand, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura.

Nevertheless, supporters’ appetite to see more done ahead of their side’s Champions League playoff round tie is only growing stronger, which has prompted Brendan Rodgers to address the Bhoys’ transfer dealings ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Premiership opener against St Mirren.

He stated: “We still have work to do in the market but I’m really excited. The focus is really on the players that are here, and they’ve been working very well and hopefully by the end of the month, we’ll be a stronger squad for the end of the transfer window.

“We hope this week there might be some news on that, but I think coaches in the transfer market don’t move at the same pace.”

After leaving Burnley upon the expiry of his contract, free agent midfielder Josh Brownhill is someone Celtic could look to swoop for amid interest in his signature from elsewhere, though if he were to arrive, it may suggest one or two could depart to streamline the Hoops’ engine room.

Go Ahead Eagles star Jakob Breum has been frequently linked with the Bhoys. While his situation is evolving, Celtic are now poised to announce a signing that will be welcomed by supporters as they push the button on reinforcements.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey set to undergo Celtic medical on Friday

Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph confirmed Manchester City’s Jahmai Simpson-Pusey will undergo his Celtic medical ahead of signing on a season-long loan basis.

The reporter stated on Thursday afternoon: “UPDATE: Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is due to travel to Glasgow (Friday) to undergo a medical with Celtic. The 19-year-old is set to join the Scottish champions on a season-long loan deal.”

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in the Premier League – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Pass accuracy

93%

Duels won

3

Recoveries

3

Dribbled past

1

Touches

125

Admittedly, his senior career has yielded six appearances so far. However, the 19-year-old won the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award in 2024/25, and he is highly rated at his parent club.

Celtic fought off competition from Strasbourg to sign Simpson-Pusey, and he will compete with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty for a place in the Bhoys’ back four.

Previously labelled “unbelievable” by Pep Guardiola, all that is left now is for minor details to be ticked off before he will officially be unveiled at Parkhead.

After defeat in their Premier League Summer Series opener on Saturday night, West Ham United supporters are extra eager to see their side make signings.

At the weekend in East Rutherford, the Hammers were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United at MetLife Stadium, with Jarrod Bowen halving the deficit in the second half, but this failed to spark a full-scale comeback.

Of course, it’s only pre-season, so the results are essentially meaningless, but a front two of Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug, with Luis Guilherme the only attacking player introduced as a substitute, underlines Graham Potter’s need for reinforcements.

With that in mind, are the Irons about to sign a “brilliant talent”?

West Ham's search for a new attacker

The most notable transfer news of West Ham’s summer so far is the departure of Mohammed Kudus, sold to fierce rivals for a reported fee of £55m, which will certainly make the London derby between the two on 13 September an interesting affair.

The departure of Kudus certainly leaves an enormous void in terms of quality in the Hammers’ forward line, so are they about to address this?

Well, according to a report by Julien Laurens of ESPN, West Ham are ‘keen’ to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen, with Wolves also interested.

He adds that the 25-year-old is ‘open to a move’ to the Premier League, valued at around £23m by die Werkself.

So, could he soon swap North Rhine-Westphalia for East London?

How Amine Adli would improve West Ham

Adli began his senior career at Toulouse, scoring eight Ligue 1 goals in 2020/21, on top of seven assists, for les Violets, thereby earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Since, in 142 appearances for die Schwarzroten, he’s racked up 23 goals and 24 assists, helping Bayer win the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal double unbeaten in 2023/24, claiming the club’s first-ever Meisterschale.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “electric” talent while Fintan O’Reilly of Total Football Analysis describes him as a ‘versatile’ attacker who favours playing on the right, thereby able to cut inside onto hs left foot.

Meantime, Phenom Akpan of Breaking the Lines notes that he is ‘a fantastic ball carrier’ who possesses ‘intelligent movement’ and sublime ‘pace’, all attributes that sound reminiscent of a certain outgoing Kudus, do they not?

So, let’s assess how the duo compared to one another last season.

Adli vs Kudus 2024/25 comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Adli

Kudus

Goals

0.3

0.2

Shots

1.6

1.6

Shots on target

0.9

0.8

Shooting accuracy %

53.85%

47.83%

Chances created

1.4

1.1

Passes attempted

37.6

26.7

Successful dribbles %

48.4%

48.4%

Touches

59.5

52.2

Average SofaScore rating

6.87

6.82

Statistics courtesy of Squawka and SofaScore

As the table outlines, on a per-90 basis, Adli’s statistics last season were more impressive than Kudus’, albeit the Moroccan international did only play 759 minutes in the Bundesliga, starting just six times, hence why he’s seemingly set to be on the move.

The numbers also underline why West Ham may have identified Adli as the ideal Kudus replacement, given how similar their statistics are in terms of shooting, chances created, touches and, most notably, dribbling.

Thus, everything suggests that Adli would be an excellent addition for West Ham, something for their downbeat fan base to get very excited about.

Related Fullkrug upgrade: West Ham agree personal terms to sign "incredible" star

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington Jul 27, 2025

Orla Prendergast’s 76 underpins Ireland innings but England side featuring five debutants get home

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-2024

Kate Cross claimed career-best figures with bat and ball on her captaincy debut to lead England to a four-wicket win over Ireland in the first ODI at Stormont.Cross, leading a side featuring five ODI debutants in the absence of most of England’s T20 World Cup squad, was largely responsible for limiting the home side to 210 all out, her haul of 6 for 30 including Ireland’s top-scorer, Orla Prendergast, for 76.She then helped repair the damage after Ireland had reduced the visitors to 156 for 6, hitting an unbeaten 38 that included the winning runs.”There was a lot of nerves out there today,” Cross said. “When you’re captaining one debutant it can be quite hard but to have five on the pitch was a lot to manage so I was just really pleased with the first half in general, how we managed to restrict Ireland to what I thought was a below-par total and then we’ve chased it down.”I’ve been there. When I was running in in Barbados for my debut I remember thinking, ‘just try and land it on the cut strip’ and that does go through your head as a player but sometimes it’s the unknown and a fear when they play on debut because they don’t know how they’ll go in international cricket. I think they coped with the occasion really well.”Ireland opted to bat first in the opening match of the series and were well placed at 151 for 3, with star allrounder Prendergast going well. But Cross returned to break a stand of 77 with Leah Paul, and then mopped up the tail for her second ODI five-wicket haul.Cross had struck in her first over, pinning Una Raymond-Hoey lbw, before Lauren Filer removed Ireland captain Gaby Lewis via a catch at slip. Hannah Baker, the legspinner winning her first cap in any format, then struck in her opening spell as Amy Hunter departed for 37.Prendergast, who scored her maiden ODI hundred last month in Ireland’s series win over Sri Lanka, led the rebuilding effort but the innings folded quickly after her departure. Ryana MacDonald-Gay, another England debutant, bowled Rebecca Stokell, then Paul was run out by a combination of Freya Kemp and Bess Heath – two players who will be going to the World Cup in the UAE.Ireland’s total was their highest in women’s ODIs against England, and they made a good start in its defence. Prendergast opened the bowling and removed Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont inside her first four overs to leave England 32 for 2.Two debutants in Hollie Armitage (previously capped in T20Is) and Paige Scholfield steadied the ship with a stand of 62, before they were both dismissed in consecutive overs. Kemp showed her power with 26 off 19, but after she fell Mady Villiers was run out to leave England six down.Heath was joined by Cross, with 55 needed and more than 20 overs in which to get them. The captain did the bulk of the scoring, finishing unbeaten with 38 from 36 balls, as England got home with 91 balls to spare.