Tottenham Hotspur have been left with a huge hole to fill in Thomas Frank’s first-team squad, after it was confirmed that James Maddison would be ruled out for the majority of the campaign.

The England international was stretchered off in the pre-season friendly with Newcastle United last weekend, suffering a knee injury which was feared to be serious.

However, in the last couple of days, the worst was confirmed, with the 28-year-old tearing his ACL, which requires surgery and could see him miss up to nine months.

Frank has been in the market to land a new attacking midfielder already this summer, potentially needing to delve into the window once again after the recent injury setback.

The hierarchy have already wasted no time in making a move to land a suitable replacement, with numerous players being considered ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Jack Grealish is a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of weeks, even making contact with Manchester City over a loan deal for the 29-year-old.

However, they may miss out on the Englishman’s signature, after Everton made their own move to complete a deal for the £100m talent over the last few days.

Another name that has been thrown into the mix is Jacob Ramsey, with the Aston Villa forward a player who could leave Unai Emery’s side this window, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites hierarchy have already made contact with his current employers over a move for the 24-year-old who made 29 Premier League appearances last season.

It also states that West Ham United are also present in the race for the attacker’s signature, leading to a £40m transfer fee being mooted throughout this summer.

Why Spurs’ £40m target would be Gibbs-White 2.0

Morgan Gibbs-White looked set to be a Spurs player at one stage earlier this summer, but it turned out to be one of the strangest sagas to unfold throughout the off-season.

The Nottingham Forest star was set for a medical in North London, after Frank’s side triggered the £60m release clause within his contract – a deal that seemingly came out of nowhere.

However, despite a deal seemingly just needing the final touches before being completed, Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis intervened, complaining about an illegal approach from the Lilywhites.

It’s thought Forest never gave the player permission to enter talks with the North London outfit, which resulted in a stand-off, before Gibbs-White penned a new three-year deal at the City Ground last month.

However, after missing out on the 25-year-old’s signature, they could be about to land a star similar to the former target, with Ramsey potentially following an identical route of leaving his boyhood side to further his career.

When delving into the pair’s respective stats, the Villa talent has managed to outperform Gibbs-White in key areas, highlighting how much of a superb addition it would be for just £40m.

Ramsey, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, managed to complete more passes, whilst also registering more into the opposition box per 90 last season – arguably being a more creative option than the Forest captain.

Games played

29

34

Goals & assists

4

15

Pass accuracy

85%

78%

Passes into opposition box

1.4

1.3

Take-on success

54%

40%

Progressive carries

3.4

2.2

Carries into opposition box

1.2

0.4

Tackles won

0.9

0.7

Blocks made

1.3

0.5

He also achieved a higher tally of take-ons completed and carries into the opposition’s box per 90, handing Frank’s side the needed creativity that will be missing after Maddison’s latest injury.

A smaller fee for a player a year younger could actually be a superb piece of business for Spurs, with Ramsey’s potential move to North London allowing the fanbase to forget about the disappointment of missing out on Gibbs-White.

He may not be the supporters’ first choice this window, but his underlying stats highlight the talent he possesses – whilst he’s only going to get better when operating with more top-level talent around him.

If he can build on his impressive start to his career at Villa with the Lilywhites, he could well prove to be the perfect player to fill the void whilst Maddison spends the next few months on the sidelines.

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تحدث الدولي المغربي أشرف حكيمي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان عن واقعة الاغتصاب التي جرى اتهامه بها.

حكيمي تم توجيه اتهام له باغتصاب فتاة تبلغ من العمر 24 عامًا، والتي أكدت أن الدولي المغربي حاول الاعتداء عليها، لكنها أفلتت منه في اللحظة الأخيرة.

وفي مقابلة مع القناة الفرنسية سأل المذيع حكيمي عن أكثر ما قيل كذبًا عنه، فأجاب في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “آس”: “اغتصاب الفتاة”.

وأضاف: “بالنسبة لي إنه أصعب ما مررت به والحقيقة أنه أصعب ما عانيته، أعتقد أنه كان صعبًا جدًا عليّ وما زال كذلك، لأنهم عندما يكذبون مرارًا وتكرارًا، يؤلمني الأم، يؤلم عائلتي وأولادي، صغار السن الذين لا يعرفون الإنترنت ولا القراءة، أعلم أنهم سيقرأون شيئًا ما في مرحلة ما من حياتهم، وبالنسبة لي رؤية شيء ما عن والدهم مكتوب وفوق ذلك كذب، أمر غير لائق، وبصراحة لا أتمنى لهم ذلك”.

وعن كيفية علمه بالشكوى التي قد تؤدي إلى اتهامه بالاغتصاب كشف: “المحامي الخاص بي أخبرني، كنا نعلم أن هذا قد يحدث، نحن هادئون، أعرف ما اتُهمت به، إنها كذبة، أعرف من أنا وأعرف أنني لم أفعل شيئًا”.

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واستكمل: “لن أفعل أبدًا شيئًا كهذا، طلبت التحدث إلى الشرطة لشرح روايتي، دائمًا عندما يحتاجونني لأي شيء، كنت متاحًا، على عكس الشخص الذي اتهمه، الذي لم يُسهل الأمور، بفضل عمل الشرطة تمكنا من العثور على العديد من الأمور الجيدة، الحقيقة هي أنني هادئ وأعلم أنني في أيدي أمينة مع المحامي، العدالة تقوم بعملها وآمل أن تظهر الحقيقة قريبًا”.

وأردف لاعب باريس سان جيرمان: “أخبرني المحامي بالأمر ولم أكن أعلم، لقد قامت المحكمة بعمل رائع في العثور على هذا النوع من الرسائل، عندما قرأت تلك الرسائل كانت صدمة كبيرة لي، لم أتفاجأ كثيرًا، فبحكم مهنتي كلاعب كرة قدم، نتعرض لمثل هذه الأمور، كان من الصعب قراءة هذا النوع من الرسائل، هذه الأمور ستساعدنا في الوصول إلى الحقيقة”.

وأوضح: “نتعرض لأشياء كثيرة مثل اقتراب الفتيات منا، الابتزاز، أعتقد أن عالم كرة القدم يشهد استغلال الكثيرين لنا، وإذا لم يكن هناك أشخاص حولك، فستتعرض لهذه الأمور، وأتذكر لو أنني غيرت من حولي بعد كل هذه الأحداث لتغيرت كثيرًا، والآن دائرتي ضيقة جدًا لدرجة أنني لا أسمح لأحد بالاقتراب منها”.

واختتم تصريحاته قائلًا: “الصحافة تتحدث عن أمور لا تعرفها، لقد لطخوا كرامتي لأني أعرف حقيقة ما يحدث، لا سيما أن الاتهامات الموجهة لي باطلة، وعندما يتم اتهامك زورًا، فهذا ليس جيدًا، لا أريد أن يحدث ذلك لأحد”.

Luke Littler is one of the most recognisable names in British sport, with the teenager transforming the darting world since bursting onto the scene in 2023.

Winning numerous major trophies, including the World Championship in 2025, Littler looks set to dominate for years to come. Away from the oche, Littler has made it known that he enjoys playing his Xbox and also doesn’t hide his love for his football team, Manchester United.

The Red Devils even invited Littler down to show off the World Championship trophy at Old Trafford, and the darting sensation is regularly asked questions about United.

With the transfer window open, INEOS have splashed the cash on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, something which has impressed Littler.

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He has now shared who else he wants to see signed at Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 season.

3 Douglas Luiz Juventus

Former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is being heavily linked with a return to the Premier League this summer after 12 months in Italy with Juventus.

The Brazilian has admirers from those at Old Trafford, and Luiz has actually played against Man Utd on 12 occasions, more than any other club in his career.

Littler now wants to see the £35m-rated midfielder in a Red Devils shirt, believing he “can do it all” in midfield.

2 Ollie Watkins Aston Villa

A new striker to play in front of Mbeumo and Cunha under Ruben Amorim is wanted before the deadline, with Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins one forward Man Utd have been in talks for.

Littler cited the possibility of Alejandro Garnacho swapping Old Trafford for Villa Park and wants £60m-rated Watkins to head in the other direction.

1 Emiliano Martinez Aston Villa

Another Villa Park star wanted in Manchester by Littler is goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022 won the FIFA award for best goalkeeper in 2024 and could prove to be a major upgrade on Andre Onana.

Sent off on the final day against the Red Devils at Old Trafford, £40m-rated Martinez has been heavily linked with a move to Man Utd.

Littler appears to have got confused regarding Martinez’s contract situation, though, as his deal runs until 2029, but called a move a “no brainer”.

The last time Newcastle United played football, they celebrated a 1-0 loss against Everton in the Premier League.

That was because, owing to results elsewhere, the Magpies sealed their place in next year’s Champions League, finishing fifth. Given that Eddie Howe’s side beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup several months earlier, the 2024/25 campaign is etched down as one of the greatest in the club’s history.

The fruits of Newcastle’s labours can be found in the £55m acquisition of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, and the submitted bid for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig has mused “could reach world-class striker levels”.

These are statement moves. Era-defining moves. And Howe, not one to rest on his laurels, is already planning for another.

Newcastle plan talks with Premier League star

With Liverpool formally registering their interest in Alexander Isak, Newcastle have a tough call to make. However, if that iconic talisman is plying his trade somewhere else next term, Ekitike would certainly soften the blow.

And moreover, the line of communications opened from west to east could lead to Howe getting one of Liverpool’s most talented prospects.

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim Newcastle (and Tottenham Hotspur) have entered the race to sign Harvey Elliott, who is expected to leave Anfield due to limited opportunities in Arne Slot’s system.

The 22-year-old is valued at £40m and also has interest from overseas, but Newcastle’s desire to initiate contact with the player’s representatives signals a strong curiosity about getting a deal done.

Why Newcastle want to sign Harvey Elliott

Elliott has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most talented young players, having featured 147 times for the Reds (notching 15 goals and 20 assists) and having won a range of prizes.

But his opportunities were reduced in Slot’s system last year, and it’s understandable that he wants a fresh start to ascend to the next level in his development.

Newcastle could give the young creative this chance, partnering him with another blooming talent in Ekitike – especially if Joe Willock leaves Tyneside, as has been mooted.

In spite of Elliott’s second-string role on Merseyside, he’s established himself good and proper. The quality is undeniable, and have Newcastle not tasted the fruits of signing an upcoming star from Liverpool in recent years?

24/25

28

5

3

23/24

53

4

14

22/23

46

5

2

21/22

11

1

0

*20/21

1

0

1

19/20

8

0

1

Former Liverpool U18s head coach Neil Critchley once said that Elliott is capable of “some real bits of magic” on the ball, and it’s this silky style that the Magpies would add to a brood that might contain Ekitike over the coming seasons.

Such a partnership really could be a thing to be feared. The French forward’s blend of high-speed running, off-the-ball intelligence and unrelenting shooting lends itself to Elliott’s playmaking prowess.

As per FBref, Elliott ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal contributions, the top 2% for passes attempted and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90.

For a player so frustrated out on the fringes, this isn’t bad data at all. Certainly, entrusted with a more prominent role at St. James’ Park, he could go from strength to strength.

Furthermore, the England U21 superstar also knows how to unleash a fizzling strike into the back of the net, thus widening the offensive proportions of Howe’s set-up.

Howe’s is a system built on swiftness, sharpness and success in the transition. Such flowing attacking play is something that Ekitike would thrive as the frontal piece of, but also something that Elliott could use to establish himself, settled in the middle, collecting and shepherding the ball forward.

There are many variables at play; who knows how Newcastle will shape up come the end of the summer transfer market?

However, there’s plenty of reason to be excited for those of a Magpies persuasion right now.

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As the Premier League campaign draws near and they continue their summer business, reports are now claiming that Tottenham Hotspur have launched an approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.

Palhinha reveals delight at Premier League return

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who opted to sign a new contract at Nottingham Forest instead of joining up with Thomas Frank’s side, a new midfielder always seemed on the Tottenham agenda. And whilst Joao Palhinha is a different type of player to Gibbs-White, he will offer the Lilywhites the reinforcement that they’ve been craving.

Delighted to be back in the Premier League following a tough year at Bayern Munich, Palhinha – on paper – is the perfect midfielder for Frank’s hard-working, combative midfield.

It wouldn’t even be absurd to suggest that the ex-Fulham man could be the Dane’s new version of Christian Norgaard, who thrived under his management at Brentford before leaving for Arsenal this summer.

That said, Palhinha isn’t the only midfield name to find himself on Tottenham’s radar following their Gibbs-White disappointment earlier in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham make first Casado approach

As reported by Sport in Spain, and relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham made an approach to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona before they secured Palhinha’s signature.

The 21-year-old is free to leave the La Liga giants for around €30m (£26m) this summer and, although he reportedly turned down the chance to complete a move the first time around, it will be interesting to see whether Spurs come calling with a second attempt to secure his arrival this month.

Praised for his “superb attitude” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Barcelona’s loss could quickly become Tottenham’s gain if they managed to convince Casado into a move this summer. Whilst Palhinha’s arrival does ease their desperation for another midfielder, the chance to sign a La Masia graduate is not one that the Lilywhites should turn down.

At just 21 years old, the Spaniard would be the long-term option that Palhinha – at 30 years old – can’t guarantee Frank’s side, especially given that they have no obligation to buy the latter after his loan spell next summer.

Arsenal have been blessed with some incredible attacking players over the years.

In Mikel Arteta’s team today, you have the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who over time could become one of the greatest players the club has ever had.

Go back a couple of decades, and you reach the man with the current title in Thierry Henry, but you go back even further than that, and you hit the record-breaking Ian Wright.

The iconic forward was a force to be reckoned with during his time in North London, and while he was a unique player and character, it looks like Arsenal could be about to sign someone who could be a modern version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target attacking superstar

It’s been a brilliant summer of transfer business for Arsenal so far, with the stand-out acquisition undoubtedly being Viktor Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international racked up an astounding 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 games last season, and therefore could be the key to turning the defensively solid Gunners into an attacking tour de force next season.

On top of the former Coventry City star, Andrea Berta and Co have also added the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the side.

However, even though the club have been jam-packed in the market, they don’t appear done just yet, as they now appear keen on an international who could be their new Wright.

At least that is according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in Eberechi Eze.

The Italian journalist claims that the Crystal Palace star is now their “top target” and that they have been in talks with the player’s camp.

However, it could be a financially complicated transfer to get over the line, as reports from earlier this week claimed that the South Londoners want buying clubs to pay the Englishman’s £67.5m release clause, and that the first payment has to be a lump sum of around £30m.

While that is a lot of money to spend, it would be worth it for Eze, as he’s more than proven his ability over the years and could even be Arsenal’s new Wright.

Why Eze could be the new Wright

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Eze plays in a very different position to the one Wright played in during his career, but this comparison is not really about that.

Instead, there are several other easy comparisons to make between the two players, with the first being that, should this deal go ahead, it would be another example of the Gunners going back to Crystal Palace and signing their most important attacking outlet.

Moreover, while he’s not an old player, like Gyokeres, the former QPR gem is older than other players the Gunners have tended to target in recent years, coming in at 27 years old, and when the former Arsenal striker moved to Highbury in 1991, he did so at 28 years old.

The next similarity is that the midfield “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a dangerous player in front of goal.

While he’s never going to have the goalscoring numbers of the former England international, due to his position, he’s still a genuine threat, much like the Gunners great, as over the last two campaigns for the Eagles, he’s been able to amass a seriously impressive tally of 25 goals and provided 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

In other words, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has averaged a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes across two years for a team that is mid-table at best.

On top of that, the former Hale Ender has shown an ability to take games by the scruff of the neck like Wright used to, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup to deliver Palace their first ever major trophy.

Finally, while it was some time ago now, the 61-year-old goal machine was also a tremendously entertaining player to watch when he was in red and white, and while he has a different style of play due to his primary position, you can say the same thing about the Eagles star.

Ultimately, while it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he has the potential to follow in Wright’s footsteps and help guide the club back to the glory days.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 30, 2025

It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish. It certainly seems like it will be away from the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola saying earlier in the summer that “I don’t know” if he will leave.

There have been links with a move away, of course. The most recent club to enquire about the 29-year-old was Everton. It was reported earlier this week that the Toffees were keen to accelerate a deal with City over a season-long loan for the England international, although it remains to be seen if a move will progress this summer.

Instead, City could use Grealish as part of a deal to sign a long-term target, who they are once again linked with, and could be the second coming of the England international.

Man City’s Grealish solution

It has recently been reported by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola that City could look to use Grealish as a makeweight in a deal to sign West Ham United and Brazil attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

That would see City’s number 10 move to the London Stadium, and they manage to knock money off the £50m package the Hammers have requested for Paqueta. A player plus cash deal is something the Citizens are ‘pushing’ to do this summer.

The former Lyon midfielder has been a long-term target for Guardiola, and the club have assessed a possible transfer for the last few summers.

In theory, this part-exchange deal is smart business from City, but Grealish would also need to be open to the move to the capital, or else it would fall through.

Why Paqueta would be a good signing

At 27 years of age, Paqueta is the talisman of this West Ham side, along with captain Jarrod Bowen. Last season, the versatile Brazilian was not at his best, but when at the top of his game, he is a “magical” player, according to Statman Dave.

Indeed, it was a quiet campaign for the former Flamengo midfielder. He failed to register an assist in any competition, playing 36 games in total. He did find the back of the net five times, with four of those strikes coming in the Premier League.

Generally speaking, though, the numbers that Paqueta has put up during his West Ham career have been strong. He’s played 120 games for the Hammers, scoring 18 times and assisting a further 14.

His most memorable assist in Claret and Blue came in the Europa Conference League final, where he teed up Bowen with a perfectly-weighted through ball for the winner.

In many ways, the 27-year-old would join City as the direct replacement for Grealish. The England international does seem like he will leave the club this summer, with West Ham now seeming like a possible destination amid their move for Paqueta.

In 157 appearances as a City player, Grealish found the back of the net 17 times and assisted 23. His best season came in the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23, where he contributed 16 goal involvements.

There are similarities between both players, which could make Paqueta seem like the second coming of Grealish. Both were one of the best players at their previous, or in Paqueta’s case, current clubs. Indeed at Aston Villa, the Englishman “was the talisman and everything went through him”, as per Dave Woodhall, editor of Villa fanzine Heroes & Villains.

Their versatility is a key trait, too. Grealish has played on both wings, as a number 10, a number eight and even as a striker for City. Likewise, so has the West Ham star in East London, as well as playing as a number six.

Comparing the numbers on FBref of each player since Paqueta has been a Premier League player, it is easy to see the similarities.

For example, the Brazil star averaged 1.56 passes into the penalty box and 0.43 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to Grealish’s 2.11 passes into the penalty area and 0.62 goal-creating actions each game.

Goals and assists

0.26

0.43

Passes into penalty area

1.56

2.11

Progressive passes

6.15

4.8

Goal-creating actions

0.43

0.62

Ball recoveries

6.13

4.23

Whatever way City decide to structure this deal, it seems like Paqueta could become the second coming of Grealish. There are plenty of similarities between the two, and Guardiola would love the 27-year-old to replicate the impact City’s number 10 has had at times.

For £50m, or exchanging Grealish and rescuing the fee, this is certainly an exciting deal for City fans.

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Tottenham's board has issued a statement revealing that they have rejected two takeover offers as they insisted that the Premier League club is "not for sale". The announcement came just days after former chairman Daniel Levy was removed from his position after serving the north Londoners for 24 years.

• Spurs reject two takeover offers
• Announced the club is "not for sale"
• Ex-Newcastle director interested in takeover

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Spurs dropped a bombshell last week when they formally announced the departure of Levy. The British businessman was pushed aside after serving the club for over two decades. Under his stewardship, Tottenham became a globally-recognised football institution and, most recently, they won the Europa League to end a 17-year-long wait for silverware.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following Levy's exit, there were speculation that Spurs could be up for sale now. According to , former Newcastle joint-owner Amanda Staveley was keen on a takeover of the north London club, however, after discussions with the UK takeover watchdog, Staveley will formally announce that she does not intend to bid for the Magpies' Premier League rivals. A Chinese consortium is the other party who expressed an interest in a takeover.

• WHAT SPURS SAID

  Late on Sunday, Spurs released a formal statement to clarify that they have rejected two takeover offers as current owners ENIC do not intent to give up their majority stake in the club. The statement read: "The Board of Tottenham Hotspur Limited is aware of recent media speculation and confirms that its majority shareholder, ENIC Sports & Developments Holdings Ltd, has received, and unequivocally rejected, separate preliminary expressions of interest in relation to proposals to acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of ENIC from PCP International Finance Limited and a consortium of investors led by Dr. Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited.

  "The Board of the Club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the Club."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

  Spurs have made a strong start to their 2025-26 campaign under new manager Thomas Frank, as they have won two out of their first three Premier League games and are currently fourth in the table. They will next face London rivals West Ham away from home on September 13. 

El Tri will face South Korea at GEODIS Park in Nashville after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Japan

Mexico return to action this Tuesday following a lackluster performance against Japan, where manager Javier Aguirre and his squad came under heavy criticism after a goalless draw at the Oakland Coliseum. Even Aguirre himself admitted afterward that Mexico didn’t deserve the win, but also stressed that progress is more important than scorelines at this stage. 

Despite winning the Nations League and Gold Cup earlier this year, the “Vasco” still appears far from settling on a definitive roster for the 2026 World Cup, which Mexico will kick off on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca. The coach has also faced scrutiny for some of his call-up decisions – both for players included and those left out. He is likely to make some changes heading into his match against South Korea Tuesday. 

Midfielder Edson Álvarez has been ruled out for three weeks with a muscle injury, meaning he will miss the clash with the Taegeuk Warriors. Other regular starters against Japan – Jorge Sánchez, Jesús Gallardo, Roberto Alvarado, and Raúl Jiménez – could also be dropped to the bench. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre sticks with the same core from Saturday or opts for significant changes.

Now, after a flat showing against Japan, the pressure is on. are expected to deliver a stronger performance against South Korea, as another disappointing result could increase the pressure on Aguirre.

GOAL projects the lineup Aguirre is likely to field on Tuesday.

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GOAL's pick: Luis Ángel Malagón 

Malagón has played the most full matches (13) under Javier Aguirre’s current tenure. The Club América goalkeeper has faced criticism for his recent performances, but all signs point to him being Mexico’s starting keeper at the World Cup if things continue this way. It remains to be seen whether Aguirre will make any changes in goal for the match against South Korea.

Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Raúl Rangel holds the record for the most appearances on the bench (15) during Aguirre’s stint in charge. If Aguirre makes a change, Tuesday could present a good opportunity for him to finally earn a start.

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GOAL's pick: Rodrigo Huescas, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Mateo Chávez

Against Japan, the starting full-backs were Jorge Sánchez and Jesús Gallardo, but for the match at GEODIS Park, expect to see Rodrigo Huescas of Copenhagen and Mateo Chávez of AZ Alkmaar in the lineup. This back four could well be the ideal option heading into the next World Cup, with Huescas currently one of the Mexican players in the best form and Chávez considered one of the country’s top prospects, having made the jump to Europe this year. Unless Aguirre decides to test another option, the center-back pairing should remain unchanged for Tuesday’s clash.

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GOAL's pick: Erik Lira, Marcel Ruiz, Erick Sánchez

With Álvarez sidelined due to injury, his usual replacement is Erik Lira, as was the case on Saturday when “El Machín” had to leave the field. Marcel Ruiz could retain his spot in the lineup, providing creativity and versatility to the team. In place of Orbelín Pineda, Erick Sánchez is expected to start; at Club América, he not only serves as a solid defensive midfielder but has also proven capable of making key runs into the box. There is a slight uncertainty here, as Carlos Rodríguez could also feature in the starting eleven, possibly replacing Ruiz instead.

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GOAL's pick: Diego Lainez, Santiago Gimenez, Alexis Vega

Rotate or keep the same attack? Javier Aguirre fielded Roberto Alvarado, Alexis Vega, and Raúl Jiménez on Saturday. While all three have been regular starters under Aguirre, they still haven’t fully found the chemistry needed to turn chances into goals. Diego Lainez could start in place of Alvarado, while Santiago Giménez might take Raúl Jiménez’s spot. The key lineup question revolves around San Diego FC's Hirving Lozano. Will he replace Alexis Vega from the start, or will he be introduced in the second half?

Fast bowlers dominated the first round picks – Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana were picked by Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders respectively

Mohammad Isam14-Oct-2024

Taskin Ahmed was the first player called in this year’s BPL draft when the new franchise Durbar Rajshahi picked the 29-year old fast bowler. Defending champions Fortune Barishal took Mahmudullah, who recently retired from T20Is, with the seventh overall pick as they retained several of their last season’s squad members for the 2024-25 team.Like Taskin, fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana were also first round picks, for Khulna Tigers and Rangpur Riders respectively. Litton Das (Dhaka Capitals), Shamim Hossain (Chittagong Kings) and Rony Talukdar (Sylhet Strikers) rounded off the first round. There was however no takers for Category A players legspinner Rishad Hossain and Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh’s current T20I captain and the top scorer from 2023 season.Barishal would later pick both Shanto and Rishad with the 15th and 43rd overall picks for local cricketers. Shanto hasn’t been in great form off late, while many believed that Rishad’s availability is slightly unclear as the Hobart Hurricane picked him for this season’s BBL.Sylhet took Mashrafe Mortaza, who appeared for the same franchise for the past two seasons. Sylhet had retained Zakir Hasan, Tanzim Hasan, Paul Stirling and George Munsey, while directly signing Jaker Ali. Among those they picked in the draft were Reece Topley, Rahkeem Cornwall and Samiullah Shenwari.Defending champions Barishal retained Tamim Iqbal, the player-of-the-tournament last season, and Mushfiqur Rahim. They directly signed Towhid Hridoy, Dawid Malan, Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Nabi, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Ali and Jahandad Khan. They also took Pathum Nissanka from the draft although the Sri Lankan batter is available partially during the BPL.Pakistani cricketers Saim Ayub (Dhaka Capitals), Akif Javed (Rangpur Riders) and Mohammad Hasnain (Khulna Tigers) were the first three overseas picks, followed by James Fuller (Barishal) and Graham Clark (Chittagong).Among the uncapped Bangladeshi players, Nahid Rana (Rangpur), Habibur Rahman Sohan (Dhaka) and Jishan Alam (Rajshahi) were the early picks.The BPL teams can continue to sign players directly till the scheduled tournament start date of December 27. Barishal, Khulna, Sylhet and Rangpur are the existing franchises while Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi are new in this season.