The Arizona Diamondbacks missed out on the postseason despite winning 89 games in 2024. With their fate out of their hands, the D-Backs found themselves on the outside of the playoffs looking in after the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves split their doubleheader on Monday, resulting in both NL East teams reaching the postseason.
Speaking candidly during an appearance on Arizona Sports radio's Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick took responsibility for one of the team's failed offseason signings.
When discussing the acquisition of starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery, Kendrick admitted that he was responsible for the signing, going as far as to call it a "horrible decision."
"Let me say it the best way I can say it. If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, you're talking to the guy that should be blamed. Because, I brought it to their attention. I pushed for it, they agreed to it. It wasn't in our game plan," said Kendrick.
"Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did. It's our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I'm the perpetrator of that," he added.
Montgomery, formerly a client of Scott Boras, signed with Arizona after spring training on a one-year, $25 million deal, which includes an option in 2025. He endured the worst campaign of his career, logging a 6.23 ERA across 25 appearances and eventually getting demoted into a bullpen role.
It certainly wasn't the production the Diamondbacks anticipated when bringing him on board. Rather than shift the blame elsewhere, Kendrick took ownership of what was ultimately a catastrophic acquisition for the franchise.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will be looking for more of the same from his team when they come up against Hibernian at Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership this evening.
The German boss was serenaded by the Ibrox support last time out when his side beat Kilmarnock 3-1 in his first league match in charge of the Scottish giants.
A devastating 3-0 loss to Brann in the Europa League just days after his arrival last week would have been a real eye-opener for the former Sheffield Wednesday boss, who has walked into a difficult situation.
Russell Martin only won five of his 17 games in charge of the club, conceding 24 goals in that time, and Rohl is tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around, months before any transfer window is available to make changes to the squad.
The German head coach has to work with what is currently available to him, which means that he will have to make ruthless calls for team selections.
For example, he should ruthlessly remove Bojan Miovski from the starting line-up for tonight’s trip to Hibernian after he struggled last time out.
Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped
The Light Blues signed the 26-year-old centre-forward from Girona during the summer transfer window, possibly with the hope that he would carry his form for Aberdeen in Scotland over to his time at Ibrox.
Miovski, as shown in the graphic above, enjoyed a prolific time with the Dons in his two years there, proving that he can score goals on a consistent basis, even against the top teams, like Celtic and Rangers.
Unfortunately, though, the left-footed number nine has only scored one goal in six appearances in the Premiership so far this season for the Light Blues, which came in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in Martin’s last game in charge.
Rohl opted to go with a front two of Danilo and Miovski for the clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox last time out in the Premiership on Sunday, and the Macedonia international failed to deliver a quality performance before being withdrawn at the break.
Minutes
45
Shots
0
Key passes
0
Touches
9
Possession lost
5
Passes made
2/6
Duels won
1/4
As you can see in the table above, the summer signing from Girona struggled in and out of possession throughout the half, as he offered little in the final third, lost the ball from more than half of his touches, and lost 75% of his physical duels.
It was not a surprise to see Rohl decide to take him off after 45 minutes, because he did not do enough in his time on the pitch to suggest that the second half was going to be better.
Therefore, the German tactician should take him out of the starting XI for this evening’s clash against Hibernian at Easter Road, in the hope that it will motivate him to come off the bench and make an impact, to prove that he deserves to be starting games.
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If Miovski is dropped to the bench for Rangers tonight, Rohl could replace him with a like-for-like option in order to keep a front two alongside Danilo, who scored on Sunday.
With this in mind, the former Sheffield Wednesday head coach should unleash summer signing Youssef Chermiti for his first Premiership start.
Why Youssef Chermiti should start for Rangers against Hibernian
The Portugal U21 international should be unleashed from the start in the hope that he is able to kick on after his first goal for the club against Kilmarnock.
Chermiti’s powerful drive from the edge of the box, which was too hot for the goalkeeper to handle, found the back of the net and marked a notable moment in his young career.
It was his first goal at club level since a strike for Sporting against Pacos Ferreira in the Liga Portugal in May 2023, which means that it was his first goal in over two years.
In those two years, Chermiti signed for Everton and failed to provide a single goal or assist in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side, per Transfermarkt, before an £8m move to Rangers in the summer.
Speaking after the win over Kilmarnock, Rohl praised the Portuguese striker: “We will improve him (Chermiti) step by step. He has something special and you saw the goal today.
“He has things to improve, especially in the pressing and intensity and which moments he needs to drop to cover inside and in the middle. But he should enjoy today and the goal and then tomorrow we will work on the next parts of his game.”
It was not just his goal that caught the eye in his cameo against Kilmarnock, though, as the powerful centre-forward showcased what his all-round game can look like at its best.
Minutes
21
45
Shots
1
0
Goals
1
0
Touches
15
9
Possession lost
2x
5x
Key passes
1
0
Pass accuracy
100%
33%
Duels won
2/3
1/4
As you can see in the table above, Chermiti had more touches, fewer losses of possession, more key passes, more duels won, and a higher pass accuracy than Miovski, despite only playing 21 minutes.
These statistics show that the Portuguese youngster provided a presence in the number nine role that the Macedonia international failed to during his first half showing.
This is why Rohl should look to unleash Chermiti from the start against Hibernian, having only made five appearances as a substitute in the league so far, in the hope that his performance last time out will give him the confidence to kick on.
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ByDan Emery Oct 29, 2025
Hibs are currently third in the Premiership table and will not be an easy team to face away from home, which is why having the physical presence that Chermiti could provide could be incredibly important for Rohl and Rangers in the game this evening.
Wolves have endured a bruising start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Six matches in, they sit bottom of the table after losing five and drawing once, that solitary point coming in heartbreaking fashion against Spurs when Joao Palhinha struck a 94th-minute equaliser.
A goal difference of -9 reflects the struggles Vítor Periera’s side have faced both in attack and defence.
The Carabao Cup has offered a rare glimmer of light, with Wolves progressing past Everton to set up a fourth-round clash against Chelsea.
But in the league, their attack remains toothless: their expected goals tally ranks fifth-worst in the division, better only than Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa, and Burnley.
Burnley
4.5
Aston Villa
5.0
West Ham
5.0
Newcastle United
5.2
Wolves
5.6
Wolves must find a spark quickly, and they are already feeling the absence of their departed talisman, Matheus Cunha.
Cunha’s £62.5m exit was compounded by the sale of Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City for £31m.
Though Wolves managed to retain Jørgen Strand Larsen – who contributed 22% of their goals last season and has since committed his future until 2030 despite heavy interest from Newcastle – Pereira’s squad is still adjusting.
Several arrivals, including Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias, add depth, but none will be expected to bear the same creative burden that Cunha once carried.
That responsibility may fall on the shoulders of a new arrival.
The loss of Cunha – the man who made it all tick
Cunha was central to Wolves’ survival push last season.
Arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2023, he went on to score 31 goals in 76 appearances across all competitions.
His 2023/24 league campaign was particularly vital: 15 goals and six assists in 33 appearances ensured Wolves had a fighting chance after a bleak first half of the season.
The Brazilian forward was not just about end product; his underlying numbers highlight how complete his game had become.
He averaged 0.48 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, ranking him among the very best attacking midfielders in Europe, and his 3.87 shots per 90 placed him in the 99th percentile.
That volume alone kept defenders occupied, but Cunha also created for others, producing 4.68 shot-creating actions and 5.30 progressive passes per 90.
He combined that with 2.05 successful take-ons per game, showing he could beat a man as well as pick a pass.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhain action with AFC Bournemouth's Marcus Tavernier and Lewis Cook
For a side that already struggles to generate quality chances, losing his mix of direct shooting threat, creativity, and dribbling power is a hammer blow.
Wolves have not only lost their goalscorer but also the man who made their attack tick.
His sometimes volatile personality – including controversial outbursts on social media directed at fans – was tolerated precisely because of the quality he brought on the pitch.
Wolves' perfect Cunha replacement
Into that void steps Fer Lopez.
Signed from Celta Vigo in the summer for £19m, the 21-year-old Spaniard is being backed to take on the creative mantle.
Still developing, Lopez has already shown at youth level why he is regarded so highly, earning his Spain U21 debut in September.
Wolves see him as a player who, like Cunha once did, can gradually grow into a leader in the final third.
Lopez’s statistical profile underlines his potential. In La Liga last season, he averaged 2.68 shots per 90, enough to place him in the 77th percentile for his position throughout Europe’s top five leagues.
More importantly for Wolves, he created 4.19 shot-creating actions per 90, showing he can be a reliable source of chances for teammates.
His passing metrics are particularly impressive: a completion rate of 83.4% puts him in the 94th percentile, while his 6.52 progressive passes per 90 are elite, ranking in the 93rd percentile.
Add to that 2.33 successful take-ons per 90, and you have a “tremendous ball-carrier” – in the words of one analyst – who is capable of driving through lines and committing defenders.
Matches Played
17
Goals
2
Shot-Creating Actions
30
Progressive Carries
27
Progressive Passes
43
Those metrics echo some of Cunha’s strengths.
Where Cunha was known for his shooting volume and chance creation, Lopez’s passing reliability and ability to progress play stand out.
His 6.52 progressive passes per 90, ranking in the 93rd percentile, indicate a willingness to move the ball quickly through midfield into dangerous zones – something Wolves badly need as their chance creation dries up.
Importantly, Lopez offers versatility. He can operate as an advanced midfielder, threading passes into the front line or drop slightly deeper to dictate play in possession.
His intelligence in tight spaces could become crucial against compact defensive blocks, a recurring obstacle for Wolves last season.
The task of replacing a proven Premier League attacker like Cunha is daunting, especially for a 21-year-old still adapting to English football.
If Wolves are to climb away from the relegation zone, giving Lopez responsibility sooner rather than later may be their best route forward.
With Strand Larsen carrying the goalscoring burden and Lopez supplying the creative spark, Wolves might yet find a way to recalibrate their faltering attack.
USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman opened up about how the upcoming 2026 World Cup influenced his $40 million summer transfer to Bayer Leverkusen, stressing the importance of playing at the highest level in Europe to secure his place in Mauricio Pochettino's squad. Tillman transferred to Leverkusen in July after a standout season at PSV.
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World Cup ambitions shape career decisions
The 23-year-old midfielder's transfer to Bayer Leverkusen represents one of the most significant moves for an American player in recent years. Tillman, who scored 16 goals for PSV Eindhoven last season, joined the club following Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid.
“Obviously if you want to be at the World Cup you have to play as much as you can and be in the best shape possible,” Tillman told Sports Illustrated. “And then obviously it plays a role in coming to [Leverkusen], the surroundings I have here. The system we play, the coach. But then, yeah it’s not my decision if the coach picks me for the World Cup. I just have to give my best to be basically ready for the call up if it comes. I mean obviously that’s the big goal, but I’m here now, it’s about the club now.
"It’s a long season and as I said, we want to be successful. And want to win titles. And we have to or I have to focus on this first and then the World Cup comes in eight months now, so it’s still a long time to go."
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Building connections within USMNT setup
Tillman's journey with the USMNT began with a unique challenges as he transitioned from Germany's youth setup to representing the national team at the senior level, especially now under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“New team, new surroundings, everything’s new,” Tillman said. "I'd never been to the U.S. before my first camp, so it was also quite special. But yeah, by now I made some good connections there. I was lucky that I knew some guys from a time before, so this also helped me integrate in the team. And we have a new coach now. I have a good connection to him as well.
“I think we’re very very close compared to other national teams also outside of the pitch, because a lot of guys play together since they’re pretty young. And every one is the same age, this helps connecting to the other guys."
Gold Cup breakthrough strengthens team
The 2025 Gold Cup proved transformative for Tillman. His performances in the competition, in which he scored three goals – including one in a crucial group stage win against Haiti – cemented his position as a key figure in Pochettino's plans.
“If we are one team, if we have close connection and we fight for each other, then we can really achieve things,” Tillman said. “If you look at the squad that we had, maybe some people didn’t expect us to go this far. But as I said, we were very close. We had a lot of fun together, and then in the serious moments, we were serious enough. Also this was the last competitive matches that we had before the World Cup, so this was also very important for us.”
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Tillman poised for World Cup impact
Returning to Germany with Leverkusen represents a significant step in Tillman's career trajectory just months before the World Cup arrives on American soil.
Nottingham Forest fell to an embarrassing late collapse against Swansea City last night, losing by a 3-2 scoreline and exiting the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle.
Igor Jesus put Ange Postecoglou’s side two goals ahead at the break, looking almost certain to secure a place in round four after an impressive first-half showing.
However, Cameroon Burgess’ 68th minute goal gave the hosts a glimmer of hope – something which they grabbed with both hands in stoppage time.
Zan Vipotnik scored off the bench, before the centre-back netted his second goal of the encounter in the 97th minute – completing what seemed like an unexpected but remarkable turnaround.
The Aussie made 10 changes for the clash in South Wales, but still had a strong enough side to claim victory against a side plying their trade in the division below.
However, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the new boss, giving him the opportunity to see what players aren’t up to the level he requires for future success.
John Victor’s debut to forget against Swansea
After signing from Botafogo during the summer transfer window, goalkeeper John Victor was handed his Forest debut in the League Cup clash last night.
Whilst he demonstrated the ability to play out from the back in the opening stages, it would rapidly go downhill in the second 45 for the 29-year-old shot-stopper.
He only made one save during his 90-minute performance, but it was what he didn’t save that will have disappointed Postecoglou and the Reds faithful.
The Brazilian was unable to keep out Burgess’ header, before being caught in no man’s land for the Swans’ second effort – resulting in an xG prevented of -2.30.
Victor also misplaced nine of his passes in the meeting, undoubtedly coming in the latter stages of the contest after the hosts tried to push on and complete the comeback.
Despite the showing from the debutant, one other first-team member failed to impress, with the manager desperately needing to drop him from his squad in the coming weeks.
The Forest player who needs to be axed by Postecoglou
Since promotion back to the Premier League back in the summer of 2022, Forest have been renowned for huge amounts of business in the transfer market.
From big-money sales like Anthony Elanga to big wage additions like Jesse Lingard, the Reds truly have seen a stupendous turnover in first team talent.
Huge money has also been spent in the process, undoubtedly aiding the club’s ability to qualify for the Europa League and handing a generation of supporters memories to last a lifetime.
However, despite all the activity, academy graduate Ryan Yates has managed to maintain his place within the first-team squad, with the 27-year-old now nearing 250 appearances for the club.
He was handed a start with the captain’s armband by Postecoglou last night, but it now remains to be seen how much of an impact he’ll have under the new boss after his showing in Wales.
The Englishman featured for the entirety of the defeat, completing 81% of the passes he attempted – subsequently losing possession a staggering 16 times.
He also committed four fouls and only managed to win four of the 11 duels he entered – looking way out of his depth against Alan Sheehan’s men despite the hosts being a division below.
Ryan Yates’ stats against Swansea City
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
90
Touches
82
Pass accuracy
81%
Possession lost
16x
Fouls committed
4
Duels won
4/11
Tackles won
1
Times dribbled past
2
Stats via FotMob
Yates’ dismal showing was further highlighted in his tally of just one tackle won, whilst also being dribbled past twice, numbers which simply aren’t up to the standard of a ball-winning option in Ange’s intense system.
To compound the midfielder’s misery, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by Nottingham Post journalist Sarah Clapson – the joint-lowest of any player who started the defeat.
There’s no taking away Yatesy’s guts and passion to succeed with Forest, but it’s evident that he’s no longer at the level needed, especially given the arrivals of players such as Douglas Luiz.
Postecoglou will no doubt need to address such a performance, subsequently needing to drop Victor and Yates for the Reds’ crucial clash with Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Nottingham Forest now willing to make serious bid for "super" £22m striker
Forest are preparing the groundwork for a transfer, with a centre-forward now in their sights.
Gary Neville has now suggested an “ungainly” Arsenal “misfit” could struggle against better teams than Nottingham Forest.
Gunners breeze past Nottingham Forest
Liverpool’s late winner at Burnley ensured the Gunners remain three points behind Arne Slot’s side in the Premier League title race, but Mikel Arteta is likely to be happy with the statement his side made against Nottingham Forest.
The north Londoners ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Martin Zubimendi bagging a brace, while Viktor Gyokeres also scored his third goal of the season after linking up with fellow summer signing Eberechi Eze.
The Sweden international has made an impressive start to the campaign, having also chipped in with two goals against Leeds United, although there have been some suggestions the former Sporting CP man could be a flat-track bully.
That view is echoed to a certain extent by Neville, who suggested Gyokeres doesn’t fit in with the rest of his teammates, given that he isn’t easy on the eye, although the Sky Sports pundit also made it clear that he could be exactly the type of player Arsenal need.
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Neville said: “He’s a misfit, he’s a misfit for that group of players in the sense that he’s not sort of technically amazing, but I actually like that sort of contrast. That idea of having this battering ram who’s a little bit sort of ungainly, and he’s sort of, I think he’ll beat up small teams.
“Whether he’ll do it in the big games and score in the big games, not as sure, I think that the best defenders might handle him, and we’ll see, but I think he’ll beat up smaller teams for Arsenal, you know, that’s not a bad thing.”
Gyokeres is what Arsenal have been crying out for
In recent years, slipping up against some of the so-called smaller teams has been a problem for the Gunners, with draws against Everton, Brentford and Crystal Palace in April costing them in the Premier League title race last season.
As such, it is by no means a bad thing that Arteta has brought in a striker who may get the majority of his goals against teams lower down the table, and the 27-year-old has made a flying start to life in the Premier League.
The former Sporting CP star is not the only new signing who is looking promising either, with Eze bagging his first assist in an Arsenal shirt against Forest, while Noni Madueke completed five dribbles, the highest number of any player on the pitch.
The Gunners have the squad to make a real push for the title this season, but their next Premier League match will be another real test, with Arteta’s side set to take on Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Prior to Sunday’s hotly anticipated Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Arsenal, Chelsea were the early league leaders.
Fulham were on the receiving end of some controversial VAR decisions at Stamford Bridge, but it was their West London foes in Enzo Maresca’s Blues that would collect a 2-0 victory on Saturday, courtesy of an Enzo Fernandez penalty being tucked away, on top of Joao Pedro scoring yet another strike in his new location.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion hotshot now has five goals and two assists from six blistering appearances for Maresca’s men, with the Italian set to try and clinch a deal for another exciting attacker to help out the clinical Brazilian.
Chelsea's last-minute business
Expect Chelsea to be extremely busy as they head into Monday’s intense deadline day.
Indeed, there have been various twists and turns emerging from West London over the past few days, with it still unclear whether Nicolas Jackson will leave Chelsea behind for Bayern Munich or not.
An injury suffered by Liam Delap against the Cottagers might well make Chelsea feel less inclined to give up their hit-and-miss striker to the Bundesliga, with an enquiry also being lodged for the services of Sporting rising star Conrad Harder to boost the attacking ranks.
Moreover, away from a last-gasp switch to try and sign Harder, the early top-flight pace-setters also look set to go down to the wire to try and snap up Barcelona star Fermin Lopez.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per Fabrizio Romano, via X, the big-spending Blues have officially sent a written proposal to the Catalan giants about signing the explosive attacking midfielder for a fee around the £34m mark.
This development was then followed up by Romano clarifying that the La Liga giants do not want to sell the 22-year-old, with an exit only occurring if the Spaniard wanted to depart the Camp Nou at the last minute.
He could well be tempted by a move away, seeing how instantaneous Pedro has managed to light up Stamford Bridge, with Lopez perhaps entering and making instant waves, too, if a dramatic move is sealed.
Why Lopez could be as impactful as Pedro
When Chelsea snapped up the services of the ex-Seagulls striker this summer, fans of the Stamford Bridge outfit would have been excited by the £55m capture.
After all, heading into his Blues switch, the “exceptional” attacker, as he has been labelled recently by pundit Troy Deeney, had 30 goals and ten assists next to his name from 70 clashes on the South Coast, with Lopez also standing out for his top-drawer numbers in the final third for Hansi Flick’s giants.
Games played
31
28
Games started
14
12
Minutes averaged
47
45
Goals
8
6
Assists
0
5
The 22-year-old has managed to seriously impress those watching on at the Camp Nou over his past few seasons despite regularly being utilised as an impact substitute, with a weighty 19-goal contributions in league action falling into his lap, despite only making 26 starts from 59 overall appearances.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has even dubbed Lopez as being “technically brilliant” with his added presence in Maresca’s camp gifting the Blues yet another standout attacking player to complement the likes of a red-hot Pedro and a skilful Cole Palmer. After all, he’s already a record-breaker at Barca, a fact illuminated below.
It remains to be seen whether the La Masia academy product would be tempted by a switch to West London away from the comforts of his home patch.
But, there could be a pull here for Lopez to test himself in a new environment, having viewed the instant leading man status handed to Pedro after exiting Brighton.
FC Barcelona'sFerminLopezin action with Athletic Bilbao's Mikel Jauregizar
The last few action-packed days of the window always throw up some tantalising rumours, with Chelsea landing Lopez a golden potential deal that could see them maintain their early grip on the top positions in the Premier League.
11 duels won: Chelsea sensation is becoming as undroppable as Enzo & Pedro
Chelsea maintained their unbeaten Premier League record against Fulham this afternoon.
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.
FFC Spurs – James Maddison
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.
FFC in-text wider Maddison vs Grealish
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.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
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.
Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey
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.
How Ramsey and MGW compare in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Ramsey
MGW
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
Stats via FBref
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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Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a new elite-level forward for Thomas Frank.
Sheffield United certainly suffered from a rude awakening on the opening day of the new Championship season.
Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane with last campaign’s playoff agony at the hands of the Blades still evidently on their mind, as the Robins exposed constant weaknesses from the hosts to run out as unexpected 4-1 victors.
It hasn’t got any better for Ruben Selles with another two defeats smacking his forlorn team in the face, as the ex-Hull City boss now also attempts to welcome in more new signings before September comes around to turn around this dire start to his reign.
The Blades will be hoping that their next James McAtee-level signing is waiting in the wings, as the Manchester City outcast instantly settled into his South Yorkshire surroundings once upon a time to secure promotion.
McAtee looks to be on the move this summer away from the Etihad for good, as the 22-year-old finally appears out from the periphery at the Citizens to try and become another side’s leading man.
When he was chucked into the first-team fold at Bramall Lane back in 2022, the silky, 5-foot-10 attacking midfielder was an instant hit, leading to McAtee extending his loan deal with the club to the following season when Premier League action was on the menu.
In total, the England U21s regular would pick up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists from 75 clashes in South Yorkshire, with a hefty 12 of those coming in the second tier as United jumped back up to the big time via automatic promotion.
Selles will still be dreaming of similar promotion heroics this season, even with the defeats piling up early on, with one signing potentially sticking out as a McAtee repeat if it gets over the line.
Manchester City's JamesMcAteeduring the warm up before the match
The "incredible" £10m star who could be a McAtee repeat
As much as McAtee did enhance the attack during his time at Bramall Lane, the priority in the here and now for Selles and Co. might well be to strengthen defensively.
Indeed, in recent weeks, the Championship promotion candidates have been dealt a harsh blow in losing first-team star Anel Ahmedhodzic to Dutch giants Feyenoord, after the Bosnian lined up for 42 contests last season as a key individual.
Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic
Therefore, picking up some fresh blood at the back could be integral to their promotion hopes, over needing to add some spellbinding forward players.
That’s where Callum Doyle could come in handy, with SportsBoom previously speculating this month that the Etihad-based youngster is on the United shopping list this summer, alongside a whole host of other EFL suitors.
Norwich City are also being floated about as a party keen on bringing back their former loanee to Carrow Road off the back of him hammering home a sweet strike such as this one he put away with confidence last season, despite predominantly lining up as a centre-back presence.
It could cost any potential suitor around the £10m mark to land the up-and-coming 21-year-old, but this might well prove to be a price worth paying on United’s end if Doyle’s added presence gifts Selles and Co. the boost they desire in the promotion reckoning.
Games played
40
Goals scored
1
Assists
7
Touches*
93.9
Accurate passes*
65.7 (86%)
Big chances created
7
Ball recoveries*
3.9
Clearances*
3.8
Total duels won*
3.8
Clean sheets
5
Doyle certainly showed off a lot of the same class McAtee brought to proceedings in South Yorkshire when plying his trade in Norfolk last campaign, with a standout seven assists picked up when playing his assured game out from the back.
On top of that, he also won an admirable 3.8 duels per contest for the Canaries, with his potential addition to a depleted backline making the loss of Ahmedhodzic sting less.
Hailed as “incredible” by his Norwich teammate Kenny McLean for his unerring ability with the ball at his feet, it does feel as if Doyle is ready for a switch where he shines even further up the EFL’s elite league, much like McAtee was handed in 2022.
History could repeat itself even more if Doyle is the calm and assured warrior who pushes Selles’ men up to those coveted promotion spaces despite such a bleak introduction to Championship life this season, as his senior game is taken to yet another level.
Sheffield United could land the next Rak-Sakyi with move for "special" ace
Sheffield United could gift Ruben Selles his own Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with this summer move.
تمكن فريق الباطن من تحقيق تأهل صعب إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين، بعدما تفوق على الاتفاق بركلات الترجيح بنتيجة 4–2، عقب انتهاء الوقت الأصلي والإضافي للمباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي 2–2.
وأقيمت المواجهة المثيرة بين الفريقين على أرضية استاد الباطن، ضمن منافسات دور الـ32 من البطولة.
بدأ الاتفاق المباراة بقوة، حيث افتتح المصري أحمد حسن كوكا التسجيل في الدقيقة الـ18، بعدما استغل كرة مرتدة من دفاع الباطن، ليضعها بثقة في الشباك، مسجلًا هدفه الأول مع الفريق منذ انضمامه في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية.
وعاد الباطن سريعًا في الدقيقة الـ40 عن طريق لاعبه خالد عبد العزيز، الذي أدرك التعادل من هجمة منظمة أعادت التوازن للقاء.
طالع.. فيديو | أحمد حسن كوكا يسجل أول أهدافه مع الاتفاق أمام الباطن
ومع بداية الشوط الثاني، نجح الاتفاق في التقدم مجددًا عبر لاعبه جيرجينيو فينالدوم في الدقيقة الـ47، بعد تسديدة قوية من داخل منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك الباطن.
ونجح الباطن في إدراك التعادل في اللحظات الأخيرة عبر محمد فلاح السهلي في الدقيقة الثالثة من الوقت بدل الضائع، ليُشعل حماس الجماهير ويقود المباراة إلى ركلات الترجيح.
وفي ركلات الحسم، تمكن لاعبو الباطن من التسجيل بثبات، بينما أهدر الاتفاق محاولتين، لتنتهي السلسلة بنتيجة (4–2) لصالح أصحاب الأرض. أهداف وضربات ترجيح مباراة الباطن والاتفاق في كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين
ركلات الترجيح كاملة من مواجهة #الباطن_الاتفاق 🎥⚡️
مزيد الفريح يتألق بتصدّيَين رائعين ويقود الباطن للتأهل 🧤💙#أغلى_الكؤوس 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vyTf6vziJl — رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) September 21, 2025
وبهذا الفوز، خطف الباطن بطاقة العبور إلى الدور المقبل، بينما ودّع الاتفاق منافسات البطولة مبكرًا رغم الأداء القوي.