The Toronto Nationals, Montreal Tigers, Ottawa Royals, Vancouver Knights and Winnipeg Hawks and the Caribbean All-Stars will make up the six-team tournament
Peter Della Penna16-May-2018Global T20 Canada, the new six-team franchise league organized by Cricket Canada and Mercuri Group based out of Chennai, will take place between June 28 and July 15.Each team will play six games in the league phase: an initial round-robin followed by a single-match second round in which the teams will play one other opponent. The top four teams after the league phase advance to the playoffs beginning on July 12.Similar to the IPL, the top two teams will play in the first playoff, with the winner going into the tournament final while the loser gets a second chance by playing the winner of the first elimination playoff between the third and fourth-placed teams. The final will take place on July 15 at 2pm local time, the same day as the FIFA World Cup Final in Moscow.Though Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini told ESPNcricinfo in February that the tournament would be spread across three venues in the greater Toronto area, the schedule unveiled this week lists all games to be held at Maple Leaf Cricket Club, 25 miles north of downtown Toronto in King City.Saini had indicated that there may be difficulty getting permits for access to certain venues such as the centrally-located Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club, which hosted the Sahara Cup ODI series between India and Pakistan in the late 1990s.While no permanent infrastructure exists at Maple Leaf CC beyond a small clubhouse, the venue has installed temporary seating in the past to accommodate fans for a quadrangular series in 2008 between Canada, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The Global T20 Canada website lists the seating capacity for the tournament matches at Maple Leaf CC as 7,000, meaning temporary bleachers are expected to be brought in once more for the tournament.Though the entire tournament will take place at Maple Leaf CC, Global T20 Canada’s franchise names represent five cities across Canada as well as one team called “Caribbean All-Stars”. The other five teams are the Toronto Nationals, Montreal Tigers, Ottawa Royals, Vancouver Knights and Winnipeg Hawks.The tournament is scheduled to have a player draft on May 26 to fill out team rosters. However, no information has been provided by Cricket Canada or tournament organizers regarding any foreign players in the draft pool or regarding fixed salaries tied to a player’s draft slot akin to the Caribbean Premier League. Saini had told ESPNcricinfo in February that only a minimum of four Canada players would be required in each 15-man squad, with no mandate that any Canada players be in a starting XI.
West Bromwich Albion are reportedly looking to bring in two new players before tomorrow evening’s deadline.
What’s the latest West Brom transfer news?
The Baggies and Carlos Corebran have enjoyed a solid start to the new Championship season on the pitch, picking up seven points from a possible 12. However, off the pitch, it has been a struggle for those at The Hawthorns to bolster the squad, with just two new players arriving so far.
Brighton & Hove Albion attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento arrived at the club on loan, whereas centre-forward Josh Maja signed on a free transfer after leaving Bordeaux.
Speaking after the win over Middlesbrough on Saturday, though, Corberan addressed the need for late arrivals, saying:
"I think our future in the competition depends a lot on this week.
"I like to have a strong team in attack and strong team in defence. The fact we scored goals today doesn't mean anything. We still need one attacking player for me, to strengthen the squad. Also we need someone who can play as a wing back or full back to cover the options for the team at the back."
A fresh update has been shared by The Express and Star, and it looks as if the club are trying to give Corberan exactly what he wants. The report, relayed by West Brom News, stated that the Baggies have rejected offers from Stoke City for striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, whereas Grady Diangana is attracting interest from Burnley, Leicester and Leeds.
Should any player leave, it is claimed that they will be replaced, but even if the club don’t sell, they are looking at signing an “attacking midfielder or versatile option able to cover a couple of attacking roles”. Another area is at right-back, with USA international and free agent Reggie Cannon named as a potential target.
Who could West Brom sign?
It appears as if it could be a key couple of days at The Hawthorns, especially following Corberan’s comments on the weekend, so it’ll be interesting to see if the club can give him his wish before the window slams shut.
One player who has recently been linked with a move to the Championship is Newcastle United’s Jeff Hendrick. It has been reported that West Brom, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday have all registered their interest over a possible transfer after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
The 31-year-old is primarily a central midfielder who can turn out in an attacking or right midfield role when required. He spent last season out on loan with Reading where he was praised by former manager Paul Ince, who said:
“He trains like a demon every day. He is very professional and I like professional players and he is one you can trust. The thing about football ultimately is that you’ve got to have 11 players you can trust. Sometimes you don’t pick the players with the most talent but ones you can trust week in, week out and Jeff is one of those."
Therefore, a move for the Irishman and defender Cannon could be ones to keep an eye on before tomorrow evening.
Barring eight, the overseas contingent involved in Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament has decided to stay back after being convinced of presidential-level security by Afghanistan president Mohammad Ashraf Ghani
Nagraj Gollapudi and Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2017A majority of overseas players and coaches involved in the Shpageeza Cricket League, Afghanistan’s domestic Twenty20 tournament, has decided to remain in the country, despite an incident last week when a suicide bomber reportedly detonated explosives at a checkpoint en route to the Alokozay Kabul International Cricket Ground in Kabul. Eight foreign personnel, most from South Africa and Zimbabwe, left the country.The blast, which killed three persons including the attacker, took place last Wednesday afternoon, during a league match between Boost Defenders and MIS Ainak Knights.Although the match resumed once security officials gave the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) the nod, there was concern among the overseas players and officials and their respective cricket boards. Cricket South Africa was one of the first boards to revoke the no-objection certificates of its players, while Zimbabwe Cricket, too, asked players to return immediately.Four South Africans (Cameron Delport, Morne van Wyk, Glenton Stuurman and Abdul Razak), two Zimbabweans (Hamilton Masakazda and Solomon Mire), and West Indian Rayad Emrit chose to leave, while former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs, who was the head coach of Speen Ghar Tigers, was the only overseas official to depart. According to the ACB, Emrit played two further matches after the blast before flying home to Trinidad to be with his wife who is pregnant.Zimbabwe’s Elton Chigumbura, Sikandar Raza, Johnathan Campbell, Ryan Burl, Richard Ngarava, Tendai Chisoro, Luke Jongwe, Richmond Mutumbami and Vusi Sibanda, former Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq, Sri Lanka’s Ashan Priyanjan, and Oman cricketers Bilal Khan and Zeeshan Maqsood were among those who opted to stay back, along with overseas coaches Adam Hollioake, Andy Moles, Gus Logie, Gordon Parsons and Umesh Patwal. Former Australia batsman Dean Jones and former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell, who are part of the commentary team, also opted to stay back.According to Shafiqullah Stanikzai, the ACB chief executive, Afghanistan’s interior minister Wais Bamrak met all the teams on the evening of the blast and conveyed to them the message from president Mohammad Ashraf Ghani that the government would ensure their safety. Last Saturday, Ghani invited the overseas players and officials to his palace in Kabul, which is adjacent to the team hotel. Ghani, who is also the patron-in-chief of the ACB, told players and officials that they would receive presidential-level security.Ghani’s words had a positive effect, and Zimbabwe allrounder Raza also stated that security had been increased around the teams and the team hotel immediately after the blast. “The security has improved. The radius of the safe zone has grown bigger,” Raza told ESPNcricnfo. “After the incident, there are two ways to look at it. One way is that the incident happened close to the ground. The other way to look at it is that the security forces managed to stop that guy from getting in. So, security did work.”Raza admitted that there was a “moment of fear” following the blast as security personnel assessed the situation. “There was a moment of fear, but once we realised that everyone was safe and nobody was hurt or dead, I think it brought us to our feet again,” he said. “The game stopped and we tried to find out what exactly had happened. We managed to find out that the security forces had done their job and the man was stopped. The sound itself was pretty loud and there was a moment of fear. But we got out of it pretty quickly and that’s why we went out and played the game.”Cricket is the most popular sport in a country that has been war-torn for decades. According to Raza, the Shpageeza League had “houseful” crowds for every match. “I just hope the tournament can finish smoothly now and we are hoping such incidents don’t happen again because all lives matter and are worth the same. From the cricketers’ point of view, we certainly don’t want anyone to lose their lives for us.”
Having endured a patchy start to the new Premier League season, despite remaining unbeaten, it finally seems like Arsenal are clicking into gear and recapturing the rhythm that saw them come so close to immortality last year.
With standout victories over Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven, Mikel Arteta's men have laid a fine foundation for success across the board, with the Spaniard likely boasting grand ambitions of challenging on all fronts.
However, much of the media interest surrounding the current campaign, Kai Havertz's questionable performances aside, has been aimed at the goalkeeping position.
With Aaron Ramsdale having started the term as no.1, given the England international's impressive and ever-improving form since joining, the loan acquisition of David Raya drew questions.
The Spaniard is a fine shot-stopper who boasts exemplary ball-playing skills, but many wondered what the need to replace their current keeper was when the 25-year-old had largely impressed.
However, when the opportunity arose the Brentford loanee certainly took it, with it now widely recognised that he will maintain his starting spot.
Despite all the interest and debate such a saga has whipped up, it could be argued that back in 2020, Arteta actually sold a man who outperforms both of them.
Who has Mikel Arteta sold whilst at Arsenal?
Upon being appointed following the troublesome tenure of Unai Emery, there was plenty of work for the young inexperienced coach to undergo before he could take the Gunners back to the top.
After all, he had inherited a hugely bloated wage bill consisting of ageing luxury stars, many of whom were unlikely to stick around and star for the long-term project that was being crafted.
As such, the 41-year-old was cut-throat, with stars such as Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette all falling foul of the new regime. The former two even saw their contracts terminated in an effort to speed up their exit and free up significant wages to spend on a brighter future.
However, some departures did get lost in the mass exodus, with Pep Guardiola's ex-assistant perhaps a little too eager to completely revamp the squad.
Stars such as Matteo Guendouzi and Bernd Leno have gone on to enjoy fine stints since departing the Emirates, but few have enjoyed a rise to prominence like Emiliano Martinez, who joined Aston Villa in 2020.
After deputising well for the injured German goalkeeper, it became clear that despite his blistering form, the Argentine would not be handed a long-term show of faith. So, in a deal that has since become legendary for the international repercussions it held, the 31-year-old would seek greener pastures.
Having since made 119 appearances for the Midlands outfit, as an ever-present stalwart who has helped them in good times and bad, he is now reaping the rewards of having a fine outfit in front of him, who even charged to a European spot last season.
However, the true outstanding contribution of the shot-stopper's career thus far has come with his national team, more specifically during the 2022 World Cup.
Selected as Argentina's undisputed number one by Lionel Scaloni, the 6 foot 5 titan would play every minute of every game as they charged through the tournament. Brushing aside a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, they would ease past Poland and Mexico before crushing Australian dreams with a narrow round of 16 victory.
Next came the Netherlands, who they defeated on penalties as Martinez starred, before an emphatic 3-0 win over Croatia cemented their spot in the final.
Whilst Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe stole the show offensively, the 32-cap superstar would make the decisive intervention, producing a phenomenal late save to deny Randal Kolo Muani in extra time before making two penalty saves to win his country the ultimate prize.
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – Final – Argentina v France – Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar – December 18, 2022 Best Young Player winner Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez, Golden Ball winner Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Golden Glove winner Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez pose with the trophies REUTERS/Carl Recine
Journalist Thierry Nyann would seek to highlight his contribution, which saw him win the Golden Glove award and later the award for Best Goalkeeper in the World: "Big shouts to Emiliano Martinez — Argentina wouldn’t have won the World Cup without him. A World Class Goalkeeper".
To think, Arteta was willing to sanction his exit for what now seems like a nominal fee.
How much did Aston Villa sign Emi Martinez for?
Whilst few could possibly have foreseen the glistening future Martinez would enjoy, there were signs that Arsenal had a truly special keeper on their hands.
After all, his work during that spell in the first team was exceptional, managing a 7.21 average rating as he recorded 3.8 saves per game, via Sofascore.
Therefore, the £17m spent marked a relatively risk-free signing for the Villans, who had secured a fine first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
How much was Emi Martinez worth at Arsenal?
Having spent eight years at the north London club, his was a stint largely spent in the shadows, patiently awaiting a moment to shine.
As such, he would record just 38 appearances, the bulk of which came in cup competitions, and in that period before his exit.
€40.7m (£35.1m)
2023
Aston Villa
€21.4m (£18.5m)
2022
Aston Villa
€6.9m (£5.9m)
2021
Aston Villa
€0.7m (£0.6m)
2020
Arsenal
€0.5m (£0.4m)
2019
Arsenal
FootballTransfers, recognising his diminutive status, would therefore only value Villa's number one at €3.8m (£3.2m), which marked the pinnacle during that period at the Emirates. Unsurprisingly, this was a figure that would skyrocket in the following years.
How much was Emi Martinez worth at Aston Villa?
Although his value has since decreased slightly now, with the hype surrounding those World Cup performances understandably inflating such a number, it still remains at a level where Arteta will hold much regret regarding the departure.
Emiliano Martinez
After all, as recently as February was the Argentine worth a lofty €40.7m (£35.1m), with that having now dropped to a still admirable €30.9m (£26.7m).
When taking the former figure, since leaving the Gunners Martinez has actually seen a 105% increase when comparing that valuation with the fee first paid.
Why is Emi Martinez worth that much?
That value is not a figure solely upheld by his international displays though, as despite Villa's patchy start to the Premier League season, Martinez has starred.
The former Reading star is averaging an admirable 7.28 average rating this league term, making him the seventh-best-performing goalkeeper in the division, buoyed by his 3.4 saves per game and 84% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.
For comparison, Raya and Ramsdale have only managed 7.15 and 6.63 average ratings respectively, thus emphasising the earlier point. Arteta may have been vindicated in the sales of Ozil and Aubameyang, but he got it all wrong with Martinez.
The regular Monday column in which Steven Lynch answers your questionsabout (almost) any aspect of cricket. This week it’s a World Cupspecial
Steven Lynch20-Mar-2007The regular Monday column in which Steven Lynch answers your questions about (almost) any aspect of cricket. The World Cup dominates your questions again this week:
The German's decision to step down this summer is so surprising because he's laid the foundations for another period of sustained success
When Jurgen Klopp extended his Liverpool contract until 2026 less than two years ago, he rather fittingly talked of his relationship with the club and its supporters as if it were a love affair.
"The feeling we were absolutely right for each other is what brought me here in the first place," he explained in a lengthy statement that concluded with a reference to The Beatles-based chant with which the Kop serenaded him on a weekly basis.
"When the owners brought the possibility to renew to me, I asked myself the question I've mused over publicly: 'Do I have the energy and vibe to give of myself again what this amazing place requires from the person in the manager's office?' I didn't need too long to answer, in truth. The answer was very simple: I'm in love with here and I feel fine!"
Getty 'Running out of energy'
Things have obviously changed drastically in the interim. Klopp remains completely enamoured with the club but says he's now "running out of energy". As it turned out, going within two wins of a historic quadruple in 2022-23 didn't just mentally and physically drain Liverpool's players, who struggled for the majority of last season, it also took a heavy toll on their manager.
He didn't want to depart before putting the Reds back on track, though, and that's exactly what he's done, revamping and revitalising a Premier League-leading squad that is still fighting on all four fronts as February approaches.
Indeed, while Klopp's fatigue is wholly understandable, given his renowned work ethic and the way in which he commits himself so completely to a cause, the timing of his decision has come as such a surprise because Liverpool look perfectly placed to enjoy another era of sustained success under a charismatic leader that looked so focused and refreshed during the first half of the season.
AdvertisementGetty Quadruple hangover
Klopp has admitted that the 2022-23 campaign was "super-difficult", with a late-season rally not enough to secure Champions League football for a side packed with players suffering from a seriously heavy hangover after their heroic quadruple bid, and as he prepared to put things right, he found himself wondering how much longer he could go on.
The thing is, though, the growing concerns over Klopp's irritability last season dissipated during the early stages of the new season. There had been a fear that a high-octane coach who had spent seven seasons at his two previous clubs might be starting to feel the strain.
However, Klopp looked and sounded like his old self as Liverpool made a strong start to the current campaign – and no wonder, given it quickly became clear that the surgery he had been forced to carry out on his midfield had been an unmitigated success.
Getty Blessing in disguise
Klopp was desperately disappointed that Liverpool lost out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea during the summer – but it actually proved something of a blessing in disguise.
Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister, the players who have shared the No.6 role this season to excellent effect, were signed for a combined £51.2 million ($65m) – roughly the same amount Chelsea paid for Lavia, who has made just one Premier League appearance this season, and less than half the British-record fee (£115m/$146m) handed over to Brighton for the struggling Caicedo.
In addition, Ryan Gravenberch's potential is obvious even if he has only played in fits and starts, while Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the signings of the season so far.
Liverpool may have lost a lot of experience when Fabinho and Jordan Henderson departed during the summer, but they've gained goals, dynamism and versatility, and the Reds' revamped midfield has been one of the key components in a surprise title challenge.
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GettyKids are more than alright
Homegrown talent has also played a pivotal role in that regard. Trent Alexander-Arnold's deployment as an auxiliary midfielder, which started during the tail end of last season, is proving a masterstroke, while Curtis Jones is finally delivering the kind of influential displays of which Klopp always believed him capable.
Harvey Elliott is also showing that he very much has it in him to become far more than a super-sub, and then there's the exciting young talents who are getting more and more game time, such as Bobby Clark and James McConnell, who capped a hugely impressive display against Norwich on Sunday with a lovely assist.
Let's not forget either that Stefan Bajcetic, who made such a massive impact in difficult circumstances last season, is approaching a return to action after injury issues connected to growing pains.
So, when one also factors the emergence of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley as serious first-team options in defence, plus the excitement surrounding teenage attackers Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Trent Kone-Doherty, Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni, the future just looks so bright for Liverpool right now.
Leicester City have begun the Championship season in flawless fashion, having secured three wins from three games.
However, manager Enzo Maresca is still on the search for reinforcements and a long-term successor to Harvey Barnes, who joined Newcastle United earlier in the summer.
Therefore, the Foxes are hoping to bring one of Africa’s rising stars into their ranks this summer…
What’s the latest Leicester transfer news?
According to the Daily Mail, the Midlands outfit are chasing Sporting Lisbon dynamo Issahaku Fatawu, who is valued at around £12m.
The winger has reportedly been told that he is not part of the Portuguese outfit’s plans this season, with the 2016 Premier League champions aiming to take advantage with a loan deal that would include an option to buy.
Would Issahaku Fatawu be a good signing for Leicester City?
The 19-year-old gem’s rise to his current position and status is absolutely glorious, meandering through the leagues of his homeland and now seemingly on the verge of a move to a side that won the FA Cup just two years ago.
Fatawu’s endearing journey began in 2019 when the then 15-year-old played for Ghanaian second-tier club Steadfast FC. He registered 13 goal involvements in his first 12 games before the league was abandoned due to the pandemic.
But when he returned to action his form hit new heights, as the attacker netted 12 goals and crafted 12 assists in 14 league outings.
Fatawu’s name was gaining popularity around Ghana, and he was subsequently selected for his nation’s 2021 Africa U20 Cup of Nations squad, where he played in every game and scored twice to enable his side to win the tournament.
This was the next stage of his development and prompted more worldwide recognition of his effervescent talent as the Guardian included him in their ‘Next Generation 2021’ and wrote: 'Arguably the best African prospect of his generation.'
The Tamale native is an all-action midfielder who can play behind a striker or on the right wing, where he cuts onto his powerful left foot and plays incisive passes. He was especially electric at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, where he was named player of the tournament, despite being younger than the vast majority of the players.”
This was the final tipping point for a European club to get involved and Fatawu joined Sporting CP in April 2022. However, he has only started once for the senior side in all competitions and if tempted with the chance of more game time in a different environment, he could easily make the move.
Issahaku Fatawu
In comes Leicester, who are brimming with confidence having forged an unbeaten start to the Championship campaign. In their latest match against Cardiff City on Saturday, Wanya Marcal started on the right wing, and it was a memorable occasion for the 20-year-old.
On just his fourth appearance for the club, the attacker netted the first goal for the senior side in a 2-1 victory, whilst managing 93% pass accuracy and winning five ground duels.
However, he only completed one successful dribble, didn’t register any key passes and just 20% of his crosses were accurate, demonstrating that there is still much room for improvement.
Therefore, this opens a pathway for Fatawu, who could relish a new start in the Midlands to battle for that starting spot.
Once described as a “great talent” by Sporting boss Ruben Amorin, it could be an exciting new era for the forward, should he make the switch to the King Power Stadium.
Former Italy hero Gigi Riva – still to this day the national team's all-time top scorer – has passed away at the age of 79.
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Italian legend passed away on MondayHad been hospitalised over the weekendRemains Azzurri's all-time top scorerWHAT HAPPENED?
Riva had been taken ill at his home in Sardinia over the weekend and was taken to hospital for treatment for a suspected heart problem. However, it was confirmed on Monday that the legendary forward had died after a short spell in hospital.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Riva spent a year at Legnano before going on to become a legend at Cagliari, spending 13 years at the club and winning a Serie A title. He was also crowned the Italian top-flight's top scorer on three occasions with Cagliari and was runner-up in the Ballon d'Or in 1969, losing out to AC Milan and fellow Italy hero Gianni Rivera.
DID YOU KNOW?
It was with the Italy national team that Riva secured himself as a national hero, however. In 42 appearances for the Azzurri, he netted 35 times to become their all-time top scorer – a record he still holds. He helped fire Italy to the Euro 1968 title, scoring in the final as they beat Yugoslavia 2-0. Two years later, Riva scored three times in the World Cup as the Azzurri made it to the final, where they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil.
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GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Italian football legend's passing was confirmed shortly before the Supercoppa Italiana final between Inter and Napoli in Riyadh, so no minute's silence was held in his honour. Serie A clubs will likely pay tribute to him before their matches this weekend.
Nottingham Forest have scheduled imminent medical tests to finalise a summer deal for Manchester United star Anthony Elanga, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Who is Anthony Elanga?
Elanga is primarily a left-sided winger who has played his football at Old Trafford for the past eight years having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team fold back in January 2022, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move during the present window.
During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erik Ten Hag only handed the 21-year-old five top-flight starts and he was reduced to coming off the bench as a substitute on 11 occasions, via WhoScored, showing how out of favour he is and highlighting that he needs to leave should he want to receive more regular game time elsewhere.
The Telegraph have reported that despite interest from West Ham United and Everton, the Sweden international turned down the chance to join David Moyes’ and Sean Dyche's sides and instead has opted to make the switch to Steve Cooper’s men, with The Athletic revealing that the Reds have had a £15m offer for the attacker accepted in M16.
So far this summer, the Midlands outfit have finalised a permanent deal for Chris Wood who initially joined on loan from Newcastle United and most recently they confirmed the arrival of defender Ola Aina from Torino, and the club’s third recruit could be about to walk through the doors at The City Ground.
Are Nottingham Forest signing Anthony Elanga?
Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest have already agreed with Manchester United for a medical to take place for Elanga, whilst also providing an update on their pursuit of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who Cooper is keen to secure following his successful loan spell last season.
“Nottingham Forest are insisting on Dean Henderson as negotiations are ongoing with Manchester United after loan bid sent earlier this week. Medical booked for Anthony Elanga after permanent deal agreed on Friday.”
Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga.
How many goals has Anthony Elanga scored?
Whilst Nottingham Forest will know that Elanga wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, the left-winger has racked up a total of 50 goal contributions (30 goals and 20 assists) in 124 appearances since the start of his career, so should he put pen to paper, he could be reborn under Cooper.
The CAA Stellar client can pose a huge threat in the final third having ranked in the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, whilst averaging 3.59 shot-creating actions per top-flight match last term was also impressive even though he was a bit-part player, as per FBRef.
The Malmo native, who has the versatility to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, also has bags of experience under his belt having previously played in both the Champions and Europa League competitions, so he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality and increase the level of performance in the Midlands.
Erling Haaland sent a heartwarming message to former team-mate Jadon Sancho after the winger left Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund on loan.
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Sancho signs for DortmundEnds Man Utd nightmare at least until the summerHaaland shares a message for SanchoWHAT HAPPENED?
Sancho spent four successful years at Dortmund before moving to United in 2021 for a reported fee of £73 million ($93m). However, during his stay at Old Trafford, he failed to match expectations and has been in exile since August after a public spat with Erik ten Hag. The winger has switched back to his former employers with the hope of reviving his sinking career on a loan deal, reportedly worth €4m (£3.4m/$4.3m) with no buy-back option.
Haaland was excited to see his close friend embark on a fresh challenge in his former stomping ground and wrote "beautiful" in his Instagram story while quoting Dortmund's post.
The duo spent a year together at Signal Iduna Park where they forged a close friendship. They lifted the German Cup together in 2021 when Sancho scored 16 goals and laid on 20 assists. A week before, Haaland expressed his admiration for Sancho by labelling him as a 'proper baller' in his Instagram story with a picture of the German Cup in front of them.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite his previous achievements, Sancho struggled to replicate his Dortmund form in his two-and-a-half seasons at United, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists since his arrival. The off-the-field incidents also hampered his progress and his row with Ten Hag over a social media post was the final nail on the coffin.
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Getty WHAT NEXT?
Sancho is geared up to prove his critics wrong by shining at Dortmund in his second coming. He might be handed an opportunity to feature when the Black and Yellows return to action on Saturday in the Bundesliga against Darmstadt.