Tag Futebol

Read’s coaching staff will include fellow Trent Bridge stalwart Luke Fletcher as his assistant

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2025Trent Rockets women have appointed Chris Read as their new head coach.The former Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper and captain has been promoted from his assistant role held under previous incumbent Jon Lewis, who left the Women’s Hundred side at the end of the 2025 campaign after three years in charge.Read is a cult hero at Trent Bridge, having made over 700 appearances in all formats for Nottinghamshire across 19 years, serving as club captain for 10 seasons. He earned 15 Test caps for England, alongside 36 ODI appearances.Rockets will enter the 2026 season under new management following the acquisition of a 49% stake by Cain International – whose co-founders Todd Boehly and Jonathan Goldstein are part of the consortium that owns Chelsea FC – and private equity firm Ares Management. They will run the organisation, with Nottinghamshire retaining a 51% stake.Read’s move into coaching has recently included success as with Lancashire Women, marshalling them to two trophies this year. Last week, he signed a two-year deal to remain as their head coach through to the end of 2027.Read’s coaching staff at Rockets will include another former Nottinghamshire team-mate, Luke Fletcher, as assistant coach.”It’s a deeply proud moment to take on a head coaching role based at the ground that I have a huge number of unbelievably special memories at,” said Read in a statement. “I’ve really enjoyed developing my coaching skillset with the Rockets over the last three summers, and the opportunity to continue that journey is really exciting.”I felt the impact of a sold-out Trent Bridge crowd first-hand over many years, and I know how much their support can change the course of games.”With all the fresh energy and investment into the Hundred, I’m really looking forward to starting the preparation for 2026 and beyond as we bid to deliver success.”Rockets general manager Mick Newell, who coached Read at Nottinghamshire, added: “It’s a real full-circle moment for Chris to return to Trent Bridge to lead Trent Rockets, and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”Having established himself as a true club legend here with years of outstanding service as a player, he has now shown himself to be blossoming into an excellent coach and leader too.”His fantastic start to a coaching career at Lancashire, and his experience from previous years with the Rockets, will stand him in great stead, and we can’t wait to see him in his new role.”Despite boasting a strong group, which includes current England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Rockets have yet to reach the final of the Women’s Hundred. Their best finish came in 2022, losing the Eliminator to Southern Brave.

علّق الإعلامي أحمد شوبير على تطوّرات أزمة نادي الزمالك المتعلقة بفسخ التعاقدات، وفي مقدمتها أزمة اللاعب عمر فرج، مشيرًا إلى أن النادي يعيش حالة من التخبط الإداري والمالي انعكست بشكل مباشر على أوضاع اللاعبين ومستحقاتهم.

وقال شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح اليوم الإثنين: “نحن نتحدث عن موجة فسخ التعاقدات داخل نادي الزمالك، لأن هذا الموضوع مهم جدًا، عمر فرج قام بفسخ عقده بالفعل وقدّم شكوى للحصول على مستحقاته”.

وواصل: “عمر فرج لا يتدرّب مع الفريق الأول، أي أنه غير مندمج مع المجموعة، وأصبح مُجمدًا، لقد حاول اللاعب مرة واثنتين وثلاث مرات، ولكن الأمر لم يكن مناسبًا، أنهى الإجراءات وغادر القاهرة فعلًا، كما قدّم شكوى للحصول على المستحقات، ومن ضمن تفاصيل الشكوى أن النادي رفض السماح له بالتدرّب مع الفريق الأول وأنه لم يحصل على أمواله”.

وتابع: “يا جماعة اللاعب لا يتدرّب ولا يحصل على أموال، واللاعب مغترب، فمع من سيقيم؟ وكيف سيصرف؟ هذه قصة غريبة، أنا تحدثت عنها سابقًا، فهي قصة غريبة منذ بداية التعاقد، لقد ضموه فقط لأن بعض الوكلاء روجوا أن الأهلي أنهى اتفاقه مع عمر فرج، فهرع البعض في الزمالك وقالوا لنأخذه وتصبح (ضربة وخبطة)، وأنتم تعرفون السيناريو الذي نعيشه في الأيام الأخيرة، قالوا تعاقدنا مع عمر فرج، وأنه صفقة العمر”.

وأضاف: “جيد، لكن عمر فرج لم يلعب، لعب مباراة واحدة وسجل هدفًا، لكنه لم يحصل على وقت كاف، ثم تمت إعارته إلى السويد، وبعد انتهاء الإعارة عاد إلى الزمالك، لماذا لم تحاول الإدارة تسويقه طالما أنها تعلم أنه لن يشارك؟ لماذا لم يتم منحه إعارة جديدة منذ البداية؟ أو عندما كان في السويد، لماذا لم يُترك هناك؟ لماذا عاد؟ ثم تدخل الرسائل والوسطاء والاتفاقات، من البداية كان واضحًا أنه لن يشارك”.

طالع أيضًا | اتحاد طنجة عن عبد الحميد معالي بعد فسخ عقده مع الزمالك: حالته النفسية ممتازة

وأردف: “أنا عندما أتحدث يغضب البعض، لكن الحقيقة أن إدارة الأزمات داخل الزمالك سيئة جدًا جدًا، لا يعرفون بيع لاعب، ولا شراء لاعب، ولا إجراء تسوية، ولا اتفاق ودي، ووصل الأمر إلى أن اللاعبين يقدّمون شكاوى ضد النادي، اللاعب فسخ تعاقده بالقانون، وبالتالي النادي لا يستطيع فعل أي شيء الآن، ويمكنه اللعب غدًا في أي نادٍ، لأن اللاعبين بدون نادٍ يحق لهم الانتقال في أي وقت وفقًا للوائح الفيفا”.

واستكمل: “سيذهب الآن إلى الفيفا، وإذا ذهب إلى المحكمة الرياضية فإن كل الأوراق التي بحوزته تثبت أنه لم يحصل على أمواله أو مستحقاته، وبالتالي كل الأوراق تثبت أنه صاحب حق، هذا ما حدث مع فرجاني ساسي، الذي حصل على حكم نهائي، انظروا إلى الإسماعيلي الآن، الأمر لم يعد مجرد ديون وإيقاف قيد، بل وصل إلى تهديد بخصم النقاط إذا لم يتم سداد مستحقات كارميلو، وفي النهاية قد يصل الأمر إلى الهبوط للدرجات الأدنى”.

واستمر: “نادي الزمالك بقيمته وجماهيره الكبيرة، والله لولا الجماهير لحدث له ما هو أسوأ مرات عديدة، الخسارة الفنية والمادية كبيرة، اللاعب أصلًا لم يكن مناسبًا للزمالك، لم تتم متابعته جيدًا، وتم التعاقد معه فقط لأن هناك شائعة بأن الأهلي يريد ضمه، فتم التعاقد معه كرد فعل.. هل هذا مقبول؟”.

وأضاف: “هناك مصادر داخل النادي تقول إن عمر فرج اقترب من أحد الأندية السعودية، وأنه عندما غادر كان قد أنهى اتفاقه مع نادٍ هناك، وأنه مستمر في شكواه، وبعد رحيله بدأت إدارة الزمالك تحاول إجراء اتصالات لتجنب أزمة كبيرة مع اللاعب ومنع تصعيد شكواه، لكنه سيصعّدها إذا لم يحصل على أمواله، إذًا ادفعوا له لتُنهي هذه الأزمة”.

وتابع: “بهذا يصبح عمر فرج ثالث لاعب يفسخ عقده، بعد صلاح مصدق وعبد الحميد معالي، وكلهم فسخوا من طرف واحد، هناك حالة رعب داخل النادي، البعض قال إنهم دفعوا لخوان بيزيرا مبلغ 50 ألفًا أو 75 ألف دولار، لأن كل اللاعبين الأجانب بدأوا يستفسرون، محمود بنتايج لم يفسخ عقده كما قلت أمس، لكنه يستفسر رسميًا، وبيزيرا بدأ يسأل أيضًا ما الذي يحدث”.

وأوضح: “الإدارة الآن تحاول جاهدة توفير سيولة مالية لاحتواء الأزمة، وتسعى لأن يكون موقف النادي سليمًا قانونيًا، يحاولون إغلاق الأزمات المتتالية، ولكن ما زالت الأموال غير متوفرة، ولذلك قد يتم دفع مستحقات بعض اللاعبين بشكل فردي، وليس للجميع، أي أن بعض اللاعبين سيحصلون على أموالهم، مثل بنتايج وبيزيرا وشيكو بانزا وآدم كايد وعدي الدباغ، ونتخطى الأزمة. ولكن هذا لن يحل الأزمة بالكامل”.

واختتم: “أنا أطالب لاعبي الزمالك المصريين بالصبر، فالنادي في أزمة، جماهير الزمالك صنعت هاشتاج على السوشيال ميديا لدعم رئيس الجمهورية والمطالبة بإنقاذ الزمالك، الجماهير تشعر بالقلق والخوف والأزمات، نتمنى أن تنتهي هذه الأزمات قريبًا”.

The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will play in front of a record-setting crowd Saturday as they meet for Major League Baseball's new Speedway Classic event at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bristol Motor got a makeover for the occasion with a fully constructed MLB field in the middle of the track. With such a large venue, which has a capacity of just below 150,000, the event is bound to set a single-game MLB attendance record.

On Monday, the league announced that the Speedway Classic sold more than 85,000 tickets to date, which will break the previous attendance record of 84,587 that was set at Cleveland Stadium back in 1954.

Even though Bristol Motor has a larger capacity than Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park and Atlanta's Truist Park combined, the Speedway Classic is shaping up to cost more to get in compared to your average baseball game. Outside of the attendance record the game will break, the contest is the first MLB game played on a race track and the first in the state of Tennessee. The league brought out all the stops for the occasion, planning a pregame concert and giving both squads custom NASCAR-themed uniforms. And fans are coming from all over to witness the unique game.

Here's how much it would run you to catch the first ever regular season MLB game in the state of Tennessee:

Cheapest Tickets for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic

The get-in price for the Speedway Classic between the Braves and Reds is $67 on TickPick and $75 on SeatGeek as of Friday evening. Of course, fans won't be able to call balls and strikes from those seats at Bristol Motor Speedway which has a capacity of just under 150,000.

As of Thursday, TickPick reported the average purchase price for the game was $99 which is 106% more expensive than a typical Reds home game at the Great American Ball Park, which has an average purchase price of $48 for Reds home games.

Most Expensive Tickets for the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic

To get closer to the action, fans can sit in the constructed stands just off the field inside the race track. That option will cost a pretty penny, though. On SeatGeek, there are a pair of seats available three rows behind the Reds dugout for a whopping $1,273 apiece. To shift a section over to sit right on top of the action just beside the Reds dugout, that will cost a pricey $1,528 a seat. TickPick has some seats behind home plate just aside from the Braves' dugout, but that top-notch experience is going for $1,850 a seat. To pay a bit less but stay on the floor, SeatGeek has two seats for $985 each. Those are in the ninth row on the third-base line.

In Sandro Tonali, Newcastle United are enjoying the rise of a truly special player. Walk around the city and ask fans for their opinion of the Italian maestro, and many would say he is the very best they have witnessed at St. James’ Park.

It’s just one masterclass after another. Tottenham Hotspur couldn’t cope on Wednesday evening, dumped out of the Carabao Cup following Tonali’s brilliant midfield performance.

Eddie Howe engineered a covert contractual renewal when the star was serving a suspension for betting breaches, and so the Magpies need not worry about their central talisman playing elsewhere any time soon.

But Tonali alone cannot uphold the midfield, and it looks like change is afoot in the engine room, with United gearing up to sign a new central midfielder.

Newcastle angling for new midfielder

Joelinton has been a stalwart at Newcastle for many years, but the 29-year-old has come under fire at times already this season, with his questionable performances leaving some, such as blogger Thomas Hammond, to question whether this is “the start of the end” for the powerful Brazilian, who seems the weak link in this evolving midfield.

The emergence of Lewis Miley certainly suggests Joelinton’s place in the starting line-up is not as secure as it once was, and the continued question marks over Joe Willock’s long-term future in the Newcastle midfield add fuel to the fire.

Well, given that Howe is determined to re-sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, it does seem the cabinet could be set for a reshuffle.

As per Spanish sources, Newcastle are rivalling the mighty Real Madrid for the Three Lions star, who has been valued as high as £120m by Evangelos Marinakis. Technical director Ross Wilson will know he needs to act swiftly.

Moreover, Football Insider have followed reports with the claim that Liverpool and Manchester United have both placed the 22-year-old at the top of their lists.

Why Howe wants Elliot Anderson back at SJP

In the summer of 2024, Newcastle were being pressured by the Premier League’s PSR parameters, and sold two top talents – Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – to divisional rivals, easing away from financial bother.

Anderson signed for Nottingham Forest in a deal worth around £35m, and he’s only gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as a “powerhouse” of a “midfield warrior”.

Indeed, you need only look at the metrics to see how he has evolved in his short time in red, with the current campaign seeing him take so many touches of the ball, creating and defending and leading by example.

Matches (starts)

37 (33)

9 (9)

Goals

2

0

Assists

6

1

Touches*

54.2

98.2

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

66.4 (88%)

Chances created*

1.0

1.3

Dribbles*

1.0

1.3

Ball recoveries*

5.6

7.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.5

3.7

Duels (won)*

6.5 (52%)

7.8 (56%)

He is the complete number eight, and in this, just like Tonali, who is now considered “the best midfielder in the Premier League” by English legend Paul Scholes.

Anderson isn’t there – yet. However, he is earlier in his development and surely on track to rival the likes of Tonali if he continues to add strings to his bow.

Now part of Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, Anderson is finding a home alongside the more adventurous Declan Rice. Perhaps Bruno Guimaraes could serve as this type of partner, with Tonali elegantly keeping things moving from the side.

This is all to say that Anderson could be a stunning addition to Howe’s team, and maybe even come to surpass Tonali down the line.

Pulling him back over to Tyneside won’t be easy, but Howe has already shown his hand, speaking of his desire to bring the talent back home in a press conference last month, and must now hope that Anderson is swayed toward the nostalgia of returning to his boyhood club.

In any case, that aside, Newcastle might actually be able to canvass the most compelling proposal to the English talent.

New Tonali: Newcastle's 8/10 ace has been an "incredible piece of business"

Newcastle have proved their skill in the transfer market once again this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 30, 2025

Manchester City have now moved into pole position in the race for a “superstar”, and they are now ready to make a bid of over £65m.

Pep eyeing long-term additions to his defence

Pep Guardiola has made it clear he is a huge admirer of Matheus Nunes this season, saying: “He can be an incredible right-back,”

“Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality and as much as he is focused, he can become one of the best [right-backs].

“He has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.”

Nunes has remained a key player for Man City in recent weeks, starting the last three games, with Abdukhodir Khusanov also capable of slotting in at right-back, doing so in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen back in November, while also impressing against Arsenal.

Despite Pep being blessed with a number of options in defence, the City boss remains keen on making long-term additions to his backline, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, which states he views Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as the complete package.

The Blues have now moved into pole position in the race for Livramento’s signature, despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, and they are ready to make a bid of more than £65m, which could include add-ons, while summer signing James Trafford may also be used as part of a swap deal.

"Superstar" Livramento may find it difficult to dislodge Nunes

Lauded as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, there are signs the right-back could be a good fit in a Guardiola system, with his passing ability particularly impressive over the course of the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Pass completion %

85.9% (90th percentile)

Progressive passes

5.17 (87th percentile)

Pep has been keen on signing the full-back for quite some time, and he is now vastly experienced in the Premier League, having made 103 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League for the second time this season.

The 23-year-old could be able to push for Nunes’ place in the starting XI before too long, but it will be difficult to dislodge the Portugal international, given that the City star is arguably a more well-rounded right-back at the moment.

Man City offer Real Madrid shock swap deal to sign "the next De Bruyne"

He’s impressed under Xabi Alonso.

ByTom Cunningham 3 days ago

The 27-year-old has displayed a keen eye for creating chances this season, chipping in with one goal and three assists in the Premier League, while Livramento has just four goal contributions in 93 games for Newcastle.

As such, the Engand international may have to improve the attacking side of his game if he is going to take Nunes’ shirt.

Despite flying high in the Premier League and Champions League, it feels like Arsenal can’t catch a break this season.

Mikel Arteta’s side have played far better football than they did last year, but have been just as unlucky, if not more so, when it comes to injuries.

For example, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, and Noni Madueke are just some of their stars who have been forced to sit on the sidelines, or still are.

And then, if things couldn’t get any worse, the Gunners are now going to be without Gabriel Magalhães for up to two months, although Arteta might just have a surprising replacement in mind for the Brazilian.

Arsenal's record when Gabriel does not play

It’s no secret that, thanks to his impact in both penalty areas, Gabriel has become one of Arsenal’s most important players in recent years.

In fact, it’s this ability that led Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher to suggest he could “be seen as the most influential player in the Premier League” only last month.

However, how essential is the big Brazilian to Arteta’s side? While that’s a pretty tricky question to answer, a decent way of approaching it would be to look at how the team have fared when he’s not been in the side over the last two and a bit years.

Starting with the 23/24 season, then, and across all competitions that year, the former LOSC Lille star made 50 appearances, 48 of which were starts, in which he scored four goals, provided one assist and averaged 2.16 points per game.

There were only two matches in which he didn’t appear: a draw against Fulham and a win over Sheffield United, meaning the team averaged just 2 points per game without him.

However, a two-game sample size is rather paltry, unlike last season, when he was absent for 16 games, of which the club won just eight, drew five and lost three, meaning the Gunners averaged just 1.81 points per game without the Brazilian in the team.

How did they fare when he was playing? Well, across all competitions, the Sao Paulo-born titan made 42 appearances, in which he scored five goals, provided three assists and averaged 1.98 points per game.

Arsenal with & without Gabriel

23/24

With

Without

Games

50

2

Wins

34

1

Draws

6

1

Losses

10

0

Points per Game

2.16

2

24/25

With

Without

Games

42

16

Wins

24

8

Draws

11

5

Losses

7

3

Points per Game

1.98

1.81

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Therefore, while there is not a massive drop in points per game for Arsenal without Gabriel in the side, there is still a noticeable one, and with games against Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Chelsea coming up, that is a worry.

However, Arteta has more than enough replacements for his monster centre-back, including one who could come as a bit of a surprise.

Arsenal's surprise Gabriel replacement

The consensus among most Arsenal fans at the moment seems to be that either Riccardo Calafiori or Cristhian Mosquera would be the ideal replacements for Gabriel this weekend.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse

The former has been in fine form all season, and the latter has shown glimpses of real talent when he’s stepped in.

However, while either player would make total sense, another, more surprising option Arteta could go with is Ben White.

Yes, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man does feel like something of a forgotten man at the moment, and has spent most of his time at the club playing right-back, but the £50m signing could come in and do a job on Sunday.

After all, while he hasn’t played there consistently for some time – his last start in the middle was back in October 2024 – the Englishman was signed as a centre-back and spent the entirety of the 21/22 season playing there, and playing well.

In fact, the only reason he was moved to the right was because William Saliba was finally given a go, and Gabriel was not at all suited to playing at full-back.

Moreover, by playing the Poole-born ace there, Calafiori won’t have to vacate a position he has been incredible in all year, a young Mosquera won’t be thrown into one of the most tense games of the season, and the same could be said for Piero Hincapie.

Finally, and this is particularly pertinent for the game against Spurs, the 28-year-old is, in the words of journalist Charles Watts, a “master of the dark arts.”

In other words, he could be the perfect player to get under the skin of the Spurs players and either throw them off their game or even get them sent off.

Furthermore, he has a track record of making life particularly difficult for Guglielmo Vicario.

Ultimately, it would be a surprise and something of a risk, but even so, Arteta should look to start White at centre-back for Arsenal while Gabriel is out.

Related A new Zubimendi: Berta makes first move to sign "Rodri-like" CM for Arsenal

The incredibly exciting prospect could be another Zubimendi for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.

Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 20, 2025

Sunderland are believed to have contacted Real Madrid over the potential signing of one Spanish ace, as they look to seal an audacious piece of business.

It has been a dream start to life back in the Premier League for the Black Cats, with Regis Le Bris defying all expectations and silencing those who predicted them to be relegated straight back to the Championship this season.

New signings have excelled for Sunderland, helping them sit fourth in the table, but Le Bris will know that his side cannot afford to rest on their laurels, potentially even eyeing further new additions in the January transfer window.

They have been linked with plenty of players of late, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez emerging as a stunning option, in a possible transfer record move to the Stadium of Light. Talks are believed to have opened regarding a mammoth £70m transfer.

It looks as though Lopez isn’t the only big-name target for Sunderland in La Liga, however, with another hugely gifted Spanish player now being mentioned as a target, too.

Sunderland make contact over Gonzalo Garcia signing

According to a report from Spain, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Gonzalo Garcia from Madrid, having made contact with the Spanish giants over a move to the Stadium of Light.

Fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Wolves are also mentioned in the update, with all three clubs willing to offer £17.6m for his services.

The fact that Garcia is a rumoured target for Sunderland sums up the incredible strides they have made under Le Bris, with the idea of signing a Real Madrid player unthinkable in the past.

The Black Cats are a genuinely enticing project currently, though, and the 21-year-old may well love the idea of a move there, having only managed one league start this season.

Garcia has scored five goals for Madrid, though, which is no mean feat in a team littered with world-class players, and scout Jacek Kulig has called him “incredible” in the recent past.

He has also represented Spain across three age groups, including the Under-21s, so there is so much for Sunderland to admire about him, not least the fact that most of his career is still ahead of him.

Move over Xhaka: Sunderland "diamond" is Regis Le Bris' future captain

Regis Le Bris has a future Sunderland captain on his hands in this battling star.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 17, 2025

Garcia’s versatility could also appeal to Le Bris, with the Spaniard a centre forward by trade, but also capable of excelling on either the left or right flank.

Talks open: Sunderland willing to make record £70m offer for Barcelona star

Leeds United have a full midweek to train and prepare for their next Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX next weekend.

One of the aspects of the team’s play that Daniel Farke may place a big emphasis on is their ruthlessness in front of goal when it comes to taking the big chances that they are creating this season.

Crystal Palace

22

Manchester City

19

Liverpool

19

Manchester United

17

Leeds United

15

Brentford

15

Arsenal

15

Newcastle United

14

Everton

13

Chelsea

11

As you can see in the table above, only four teams have missed more ‘big chances’ than the West Yorkshire outfit in the Premier League this term, which shows that they have been wasteful in the final third.

The Whites have only scored nine goals in nine matches in the top-flight in the 2025/25 campaign, but the number of ‘big chances’ that they have missed suggests that they should be well into double figures by now.

Part of that is down to the quality, or lack thereof, within the squad in the attacking areas of the pitch. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was brought in to be their main number nine, and they need much more from him.

Why Leeds need more from Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The £100k-per-week centre-forward was signed on a free transfer in the summer transfer window after he was released by Everton at the end of last season.

Calvert-Lewin’s only goal for the club in all competitions so far, though, came in the 3-1 win over bottom-of-the-league Wolverhampton Wanderers last month, as he brilliantly guided a header into the back of the net from Jayden Bogle’s cross.

The 11-cap England international was a risky signing for the Whites, despite being a vastly experienced player at Premier League level, because of his form in front of goal for Everton in recent seasons.

Since a 16-goal haul in the 2020/21 campaign, when supporters were not allowed in stadiums for the most part, the English striker has failed to hit double figures for goals in a top-flight season.

24/25

8.85

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

13

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/17

1.25

1

The statistics in the table above show that Leeds signed a player who arrived at Elland Road in fairly dismal form in front of goal as a finisher.

As you can see in the graphic below, that form has carried over to his time in West Yorkshire, as he has missed five ‘big chances’ and only scored one goal in the Premier League so far this season.

These statistics show that the Whites need more from the experienced forward, because he is one of the main reasons why they are among the worst teams in the division for missing ‘big chances’.

Leeds considering move for Championship striker

Amid Calvert-Lewin’s struggles as a finisher in the Premier League this season, Leeds are reportedly showing an interest in a striker from the Championship.

Transfer Focus

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

According to LeedsUnitedNews, the club are considering a swoop to sign Coventry City centre-forward Haji Wright to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The report claims that Leeds are keen on a deal to sign the USA international when the January transfer window opens for business, after they also considered a move for him in the summer.

However, the outlet adds that it may be difficult for the club to convince the Sky Blues to part ways with the striker, as they are currently top of the Championship and gunning for promotion to the Premier League.

In January, pundit Carlton Palmer claimed that it could take a fee of around £20m to tempt Coventry to sell him, but it remains to be seen whether or not that would be the case next January.

Why Leeds should sign Haji Wright

Farke should push for Leeds to press ahead with a deal for the USMNT centre-forward when the January transfer window opens for business at the start of next year, because he could be an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.

As aforementioned, the current Whites number nine has not done enough in front of goal in the Premier League to be deemed a reliable marksman for the German head coach, which may be why Wright has emerged as a possible target.

The Coventry star is unproven in the Premier League, having never played in the division, but his form in the Championship suggests that he has the potential to make the step up and excel at Elland Road.

Wright has racked up eight goals in ten starts in the second tier so far this season for Frank Lampard’s side, per Sofascore, after a return of 12 goals in 21 starts in the division in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

7

11

xG

1.77

7.49

Goals

1

8

Big chances missed

5

6

Conversion rate

7%

29%

Minutes per goal

534

101

Duel success rate

38%

44%

As you can see in the table above, the American centre-forward has scored eight times as many goals as Calvert-Lewin at league level, with a far superior conversion rate.

At his current performance level, Calvert-Lewin would miss 40 ‘big chances’ to hit the eight-goal mark that Wright has reached this season, with just six ‘big chances’ missed for Coventry, albeit at a lower level.

The Sky Blues striker, who was described as a “big, big winner” by former USA international Alexi Lalas, has shown that he can finish chances at an impressive rate, outperforming his xG in the Championship in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 campaigns.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin is currently underperforming against his xG for the tenth Premier League season running, which suggests that Leeds cannot expect his fortunes to change in front of goal.

Not just Aaronson: Farke's "monstrous" talent has saved his Leeds career

Brenden Aaronson isn’t alone in turning around his Leeds United career.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 29, 2025

This is why Farke should be pushing for the club to strike a deal to sign Wright in the January transfer window, as his impressive finishing skills could make him an upgrade on the Englishman at Elland Road.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Seleção Brasileira iniciou na última quinta-feira (30) a preparação para a disputa da Copa América. Com a presença de 17 dos 26 convocados, Dorival Júnior comandou a primeira atividade da equipe, que terá um longo período em Orlando para ajustar todos os detalhes antes do início da competição.

continua após a publicidade

O Lance! Betting tem apostas a longo prazo para a Seleção Brasileira em 2024! Vem conferir!

Ao todo, o elenco da Amarelinha vai permanecer mais de 40 dias treinando nos Estados Unidos. Esse será o maior período de convivência do grupo até a Copa do Mundo de 2026. A ideia da comissão técnica é criar entrosamento entre os jogadores selecionados e observar os atletas com menor experiência na Seleção, como Evanílson, Éderson e Savinho.

Diferente de sua primeira Data Fifa, em que teve apenas sete treinos antes dos duelos contra Inglaterra e Espanha, Dorival terá tempo para conviver com o grupo e construir laços com o grupo, que sofreu fortes críticas após a última Copa do Mundo.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Toda a preparação do Brasil para a Copa América será realizada nos Estados Unidos. A base de treinamentos da equipe comandada por Dorival será a cidade de Orlando, na Flórida. No dia 5 de junho, a delegação viaja até o Texas, onde encara o México. Depois do amistoso, o time retorna a Orlando, onde realiza seu último teste, contra os Estados Unidos, antes do torneio continental.

Na fase de grupos da Copa América, a Seleção Brasileira encara a Costa Rica, a Colômbia e o Paraguai. A estreia acontece no dia 24 de junho, contra a Costa Rica, em Los Angeles.

continua após a publicidade

Tudo sobre

Copa AméricaDorival JúniorSeleção Brasileira

Given the chance to bat at No. 5, David showed what could be possible for him in Australia’s T20 side

Alex Malcolm26-Jul-20252:37

Tim David smashes Australia’s fastest T20I century

A few weeks ago, prior to heading to the Caribbean, Tim David revealed he had been having discussions with his personal mentors about the next phase of career.At 29, after 280 T20 matches, there was a danger he could be typecast like a cameo actor, destined to forever fulfill in the same role as a T20 finisher.The fruits of those discussions bloomed in Basseterre on Friday night. Having been given the chance to bat in the powerplay for just the third time in his Australian T20I career, with the other two being tactical in-game promotions in rain-shortened sprints, he scored his first T20 century blasting the fastest T20I hundred by an Australian and rescuing the team from a perilous position to mow down 215 with six wickets and 23 balls to spare.Related

'It's close to all guns blazing' – Australia plan to power through any T20 scenario

'Warming Heady's seat' – Maxwell expects opening role will be short-lived

David parks ODI thoughts ahead of big T20I year

Is Green Australia's new T20 middle-order fulcrum?

David smashes fastest T20I century for Australia to make it 3-0

“I’ve spent a lot of time practising my power-hitting, and to be honest, now I’m trying to focus on shot selection,” David said in the post-match presentation after his breathtaking knock. “Because that power game is always there, and it’s what I built my game around, it’s important to make the right decisions at the right time and obviously, if you bat for a length of balls without getting out, then you get a chance to make big scores.”David not only debunked some misconceptions about his batting capabilities, he destroyed them. His shot selection was superb from ball one in this innings. Even though he scored a boundary off his first ball, with a controlled pull behind square, he picked off five singles off his next six balls with Australia under enormous pressure at 65 for 3.Mitchell Marsh had chewed up 12 dots balls in his 19-ball 22 while Cameron Green had faced six in his 14-ball 11 with both innings marred by a series of wild hacks and ill-advised stroke choices trying to keep up with the double-digit required rate.ESPNcricinfo LtdDavid did nothing of the sort. With Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie in control of the initial post-powerplay period, David respected the tight lines and lengths, controlling his hands to play high percentage strokes to the sweepers. He waited for the right length and whenever they missed it disappeared with a controlled swing of the bat. He did not face a dot ball until he was 19 off 8 but his only risk was a lofted drive over cover for six.”A lot of the practice I’ve been doing recently over the past six months has helped a lot,” David said in the post-match press conference. “It’s about shot selection and not actually trying to hit it too hard. And it felt tonight like I wasn’t trying to hit it too hard, and it probably ended up with some good percentage of being able to hit the ball over the ropes.”That lone dot clicked him up a gear. He smashed his next four balls for six in same over off Motie. His only miscue was a safely toed edge trying to play a high percentage cut to a wide short ball from Hosein to set a new Australian record for the fastest T20I half-century. Either side of that he hit Hosein out of the ground.West Indies skipper Shai Hope oddly chose to follow those two overs with an over of offspin from Roston Chase. Such was the confidence of David, he turned down a single to long-on despite Australia still needing 75 from 54 to win with Mitchell Owen at the other end.He left a wide yorker next ball, his fourth dot of the innings and his third in four balls faced. Another player might have overswung at the next to make up for the momentum-killing inertia. David’s next two swings were smooth and powerful, and the fourth umpire had to run the replacement box of balls out twice.Tim David celebrates the fastest T20I century by an Australian off 37 balls•Getty ImagesThe only time David struggled was when he neared his century. His only other true miscue came on 90 when he failed to clear deep midwicket, but Brandon King did him a favour by spilling a simple chance on the rope.He admitted the thought of a rare T20 century had got to him.”I don’t play for records, but certainly I didn’t think I’d get the opportunity to score hundred and it is your childhood dream to score hundred for Australia,” David said. “That was definitely in the back of my mind, and the position I’ve been playing, I probably played a lot of T20 matches now and obviously I’ve never scored a hundred, so it was a little bit of foreign territory for me for a little bit.”But I’m just really thankful I had Mitch Owen out there who’s scored a couple recently, and my younger team-mate, but he’s certainly had the experience and helped me through.”It was his first century in any professional cricket since he made two List A centuries in three innings for Surrey in August 2021. Having considered batting David higher in the T20I order for some time prior to this series, it is the type of innings that might make Australia’s selectors revisit David’s potential as an ODI finisher in the wake of Glenn Maxwell’s retirement.Regardless, he proved he is more than a one-trick pony in T20 cricket and Australia’s rebuild towards the T20 World Cup is looking ominous as a result.