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Everton are now reportedly keeping close tabs on a Premier League gem who’s been compared to Aston Villa’s Jadon Sancho.

Everton ready to pounce in Zirkzee race

Everton’s January transfer window may well centre around Premier League talent. The Toffees already enjoyed great success in the summer when they welcomed out-of-favour stars Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Now, The Friedkin Group could look to repeat that act of genius.

Despite the fact that Thierno Barry finally scored his first goal for the club against Nottingham Forest last time out, it seems as though those in Merseyside still intend to target an attacking reinforcement.

Reports have even gone as far as to claim that they’re ready to pounce in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January. The forward has fallen down the pecking order since the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, but could have his season saved by the Toffees.

Zirkzee may have struggled at Old Trafford, but Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall are living proof that a move to Merseyside can quickly revive a career.

Patrick Boyland heaps praise on "brilliant" Everton star who gave Barry first goal

The Toffees made it back-to-back wins.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 6, 2025

Even if Barry now kicks on, David Moyes could do with that extra attacking addition, given that Beto is yet to show signs that he’ll become a viable goalscoring option for Everton.

That’s not to say Zirkzee is their only target, however. Alongside the Man United forward, the Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on signing Chelsea’s young, versatile winger, Tyrique George.

Like Zirkzee, the youngster has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge and is now looking to leave Chelsea when the winter window swings open in less than a month.

Everton keeping close tabs on Tyrique George

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now eyeing a move to sign George and have joined Leeds United in the early race to secure the 19-year-old’s signature.

Compared to Sancho by Italian media, George wouldn’t be the first struggling Chelsea star to find life at Everton. His former teammate, Dewsbury-Hall has undeniably thrived since arriving in Merseyside.

Ultimately, fresh faces have forced George down the pecking order in West London, but Enzo Maresca was certainly impressed by the teenager last season.

The Chelsea boss told reporters after George’s display against Man United in May: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.

“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”

Whether it’s Everton or Leeds, both would benefit from George’s arrival in the January transfer window and the striker himself desperately needs senior minutes if he is to kick on.

There has been an obscene amount of cash flying to and from Premier League bank accounts over the last few years, with transfer records tumbling all the time, even in a post-pandemic world and the era of PSR.

Four Premier League clubs received record transfer fees in the summer of 2025.

So which players have gone for club-record sums?

All 20 Premier League clubs' record signings

From Manchester City to Ipswich Town, here’s a look at each Premier League club’s most expensive signing.

By
Brogan Clasper

Sep 4, 2024

Arsenal: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

£35m to Liverpool, 2017

Given the amount of cash Arsenal have splashed in more recent years, it is perhaps a surprise that their record sale dates as far back as this.

However, the Gunners have been perennially poor sellers, particularly under Arsene Wenger, though he received a pretty cool £35m when Liverpool came calling for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017, just months after the midfielder helped Arsenal to the FA Cup.

Considering Oxlade-Chamberlain only shone in brief glimpses at Anfield, Arsenal can put this down as a fine piece of business.

Aston Villa: Jack Grealish

£100m to Man City, 2021

After guiding Aston Villa to promotion and then Premier League survival, it had seemed just a matter of time before Jack Grealish would take the next step in his career.

To the Villans’ credit, they kept hold of the Englishman’s services for a further year, but could not say no to champions Manchester City, who came forward with a British-record nine-figure bid in the summer of 2021.

Grealish was part of City’s treble-winning side in 2022/23, while Villa have gone from strength to strength in his absence, and took part in the Champions League alongside Man City in 2024/25. Grealish’s departure may have been bittersweet, but things have worked out pretty well for the Midlands outfit.

Bournemouth: Dominic Solanke

£65m to Tottenham, 2024

Bournemouth broke their own transfer record in 2024, but not before receiving the largest sum in the club’s history for one of their players.

Dominic Solanke’s move to Tottenham Hotspur cost the north Londoners £65m – eclipsing the £40m they received from Manchester City for Nathan Ake in 2020.

The Cherries responded to Solanke’s departure by signing Evanilson for just over £40m from FC Porto.

Brentford: Bryan Mbeumo

£71m to Manchester United, 2025

Brentford have been pillaged in recent years with Ivan Toney heading to Saudi, Yoane Wissa making his move to Newcastle and Bryan Mbeumo – the biggest of the lot – heading to Manchester United in a colossal £71m deal in the summer of 2025.

Mbeumo was one of the Premier League’s standout players in 2024/25, scoring 20 top-flight goals. That tally of goals richly deserved a move and he duly got one.

Brighton: Moises Caicedo

£115m to Chelsea, 2023

Moises Caicedo was subject to interest from Chelsea and Liverpool in the summer of 2023, with the Ecuadorian selecting the Blues as his next destination after Brighton & Hove Albion accepted mammoth bids from both clubs.

Despite approving a £111m transfer to the Reds, Chelsea decided to go one further by structuring a deal that could yet rise to £115m.

It was reported that £15m of that total is in appearance-related add-ons.

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2

By
Stephan Georgiou

Aug 23, 2024

Burnley: James Trafford

£27m to Manchester City, 2025

James Trafford enjoyed a remarkable campaign with the Clarets during their promotion-winning season in 2024/25.

The goalkeeper kept a whopping 29 clean sheets. Quickly becoming one of the best English stoppers around, Man City paid a £27m fee to bring him back to the club where he grew up.

Sadly for Trafford, he was quickly displaced when the Citizens brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Chelsea: Eden Hazard

£89m to Real Madrid, 2019

Chelsea have had a history of receiving handsome transfer sums for players in recent years, and while Eden Hazard is undoubtedly one of their better stars within the last decade or so, the £89m they received upfront from Real Madrid turned out to be a terrific steal.

The deal to send the Belgian to the Santiago Bernabeu – which came off the back of Hazard guiding Chelsea to Europa League glory – could have reached over £150m. However, given the Blues legend only featured 76 times in an injury-ridden four-year spell in Madrid before retiring, we highly doubt many of the add-ons were ever activated.

Still, it is comfortably the highest fee Chelsea have received – it is most closely rivalled by Kai Havertz’s move to Arsenal for £65m.

Ranking Eden Hazard's 10 best career performances & moments

The former Chelsea and Belgium star enjoyed a fabulous career before retiring at the age of 32.

By
Freddie Taylor

Oct 13, 2023

Crystal Palace: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

£50m to Man Utd, 2019

Manchester United’s spending spree in 2019 features multiple times in this list as they parted with nearly £150m that summer alone. A decent chunk of that went on bringing in Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for £50m.

The six years that have followed have not been too rosy for the club nor the player, with the Red Devils making a significant loss on the full-back when selling him to West Ham United ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Eagles have often been resolute when it comes to high-profile interest in their players, and recently had their resolve tested once more in 2024 as Newcastle threatened to eclipse the sum received for Wan-Bissaka while seeking to add Marc Guehi to their squad.

Everton: Romelu Lukaku

£90m to Man Utd, 2017

It has all been downhill for Everton since selling Romelu Lukaku in 2017, when he linked up with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

However, Everton did manage to secure a princely sum for the striker, with United paying the Toffees an initial £75m in a deal that included a further £15m in add-ons.

It is unclear how much of these were activated, but Everton have struggled on and off the pitch since, finishing in the top half just once since the turn of the decade and remaining out of Europe since the year of the Belgian’s departure – all while being under scrutiny for their finances amid a number of transfer flops.

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic

£50m to Al-Hilal, 2023

Fulham were one of the many victims of the Saudi Pro League’s raid on European-based footballers. Their riches were too much for Aleksandar Mitrovic to ignore in the summer of 2023 – and they nearly took manager Marco Silva along with them.

However, Fulham have remained a solid top-flight club after comfortably surviving in their first season back with Mitrovic in 2022/23.

They have invested the reported £50m fee paid by Saudi champions Al-Hilal for the Serbian’s services wisely, with Rodrigo Muniz among those to shine at Craven Cottage.

Division Reports

• AL East
• AL Central
• AL West
• NL East
• NL Central
• NL West

Award Picks

AL MVP: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals SS
Last year Witt was worth 9.4 WAR and won the AL batting title—in his age 24 season. He also won a Gold Glove. In other words: He’s valuable.

AL Cy Young: Logan Gilbert, Mariners SP
Breakout alert: Seattle’s workhorse led the AL in innings and WHIP while striking out nearly six times as many hitters as he walked.

AL Rookie of the Year: Kristian Campbell, Red Sox 2B
He played at three levels in the minors last sason and his worst OPS was .898. Meanwhile, Boston’s second basemen were worth -2.3 WAR in 2024.

AL Manager of the Year: Alex Cora, Red Sox
Cora has the Sox poised to break their three-year playoff drought (their last four-year dry spell was in the early 1990s).

NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers SP/DH
Now that he’s back on the bump, Ohtani is a strong bet to become the first player (non-Bonds division) to threepeat as MVP.

NL Cy Young: Paul Skenes, Pirates SP
For those concerned about his durability: As a rookie last year, his best month was September (0.75 ERA, 12.8 strikeouts/9 IP).

NL Rookie of the Year: Roki Sasaki, Dodgers SP
The Dodgers own this award. They’ve had 18 winners; no other team has more than 10. Sasaki, who can touch 102 mph, should make it 19.

NL Manager of the Year: Carlos Mendoza, Mets
Expectations are high in Queens after a 67–40 finish last year—and a new addition you might have read about.

Rasmus Hojlund is thriving out on loan at Napoli currently and a new update claims that a permanent switch there from Manchester United is already close.

The £87,000-a-week Dane found it tough to shine in a Red Devils shirt after joining in a big-money move from Atalanta, proving to be one of many disappointing young signings at Old Trafford in recent years.

Last season, Hojlund only managed four goals in 32 appearances in the Premier League, not offering enough consistency leading the line, and it felt right for him to enjoy a new challenge.

The 22-year-old was shipped out on loan to Napoli during the summer transfer window, and he is enjoying a far more fruitful time of things in Germany, already netting twice in five Serie A outings, and also bagging a couple of goals in the Champions League.

It remains to be seen if Ruben Amorim sees a long-term future for Hojlund at United, but a new update suggests that a permanent exit is far more likley than him returning to Old Trafford.

Napoli close to permanent Hojlund move and now want Mainoo

According to a key claim from Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Napoli now want to trigger the buy clause in Hojlund’s Manchester United contract once this season comes to an end. Talks have been held and a deal looks set to be finalised ready for the summer.

“Napoli are confident. They’re in a strong position with the buy clause and they’re ready to activate it. Talks have been taking place and it should be finalised soon, ready to formally go through at the end of the season.”

It is also stated that Napoli want to sign Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window, with the England international “likely to push for a move away” from the club.

There is a certain risk in United allowing Hojlund to leave, considering he is still young, but they now have Benjamin Sesko in their ranks, suggesting that they have moved on from the Denmark international.

With all due respect to Serie A, it is a weaker division than the Premier League, so he is naturally standing out more – Scott McTominay was arguably the best player in the whole league last season, which speaks volumes – and he has struggled with the pace of English football.

Hojlund may simply be one of many transfers that just hasn’t worked out for United, but that’s not to say he can’t still enjoy a strong career for club and country. He possesses plenty of attributes, from speed to power, but his finishing is inconsistent and the Red Devils need a far more prolific figure to lead the line.

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Manchester United now have a talent who has managed to transform his career at Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

Oct 30, 2025

Granted, Sesko is still finding his feet and hasn’t exactly been perfect yet, but the likes of Amorim and Jason Wilcox seem to be confident in him being an upgrade on Hojlund, and they need to be trusted after this recent improved run of form.

As for Mainoo, on just £25,000-a-week, it would be a shame to see such a talented homegrown player leave, but if United’s manager doesn’t see him as an important part of his plans, a move away may be best for all concerned.

Man Utd flop Rasmus Hojlund has seen value fall £20m since Amorim was hired

Bangladesh have announced an unchanged squad for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan, following the 2-1 T20I series win over Sri Lanka.Pakistan have already arrived in Dhaka, where they will play all three matches at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on July 20, 22 and 24. All three are night matches.The Bangladesh squad arrived in Dhaka on Thursday, after having crushed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Colombo to complete a turnaround from 1-0 down and win the series.Related

• Bangladesh take Sri Lanka momentum into contest against bogey team Pakistan

• Shadab, Rauf to miss revamped Pakistan's T20I tour of Bangladesh

Litton Das became the first Bangladesh captain to win two overseas T20I series. He had also led Bangladesh to a 3-0 win in the West Indies in December last year.Bangladesh have an in-form batting group, with Tanzid Hasan, Litton, Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain scoring important runs against Sri Lanka. Offspinner Mahedi Hasan led the bowling effort in the third T20I, picking up 4 for 11, while Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman completed the series with economy rates of less than six an over.Bangladesh’s most recent T20I series result against Pakistan was a 3-0 defeat in Lahore in May-June earlier this year. Pakistan boast a strong record against Bangladesh, having won 19 of the 22 T20Is between the two sides.Bangladesh will be wary of the preparedness of the pitches in Dhaka, which has been experiencing heavy rain during the monsoon season.

Bangladesh squad for T20Is against Pakistan

Litton Das (capt), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.

Celtic have won the Scottish Premiership title in 13 of the last 14 seasons, but might just be facing genuine competition for this season’s trophy.

Last Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ team were beaten domestically for the first time this season, defeated 2-0 by Dundee at Dens Park.

This, though, had been on the cards for a while.

Across the previous four Premiership outings, the Hoops had required stoppage time goals to beat both Kilmarnock and Motherwell, as well as being held to goalless draws by Rangers and Hibs, thereby failing to score on six occasions across all competitions to date.

So now, on Sunday lunchtime, they will travel to league leaders Hearts, the Jambos currently five points clear at the top, so which “animal” should Rodgers select in attack for this eagerly-anticipated clash at Tynecastle?

The latest Celtic injury news

Celtic did claim their first European victory of the season on Thursday, fighting back from a goal down to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 in the Europa League, but this win may have come at a cost, or three to be exact.

During the first half, featuring for the first time since picking up an injury against Kairat on 20 August, Alistair Johnston suffered a recurrence of this hamstring tear, which is a major blow for both the player and Rodgers.

Even before that, as early as the fourth minute, Kelechi Ịheanachọ had hobbled off too, which is not ideal considering he’s the only senior centre-forward at the club.

Chalkboard

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

Then, right at the end, star centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers was stretchered off having picked up a serious Achilles tendon injury that could see the American international sidelined until March; an enormous blow.

On top of this, Daizen Maeda is also already sidelined, unlikely to feature at Tynecastle on Sunday, while also a doubt for the following Sunday’s clash with Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals at Hampden.

The Japanese striker scored 33 goals last season, per Transfermarkt, four of which came in the Champions League, with former Celtic striker Chris Sutton thereby asserting that he ranks among the club’s best-ever bargain buys, alongside Henrik Larsson and Ľubomír Moravčík.

Now, though, with neither Maeda nor Ịheanachọ, Rodgers has to trust the Celts’ rarely-seen “animal” to lead the attack.

Celtic's new Daizen Maeda

When Ịheanachọ hobbled off very early against Sturm Graz, it was Johnny Kenny who was introduced, so it stands to reason that he will be the number nine for the foreseeable.

The young Irishman joined Celtic back in January 2022 from Sligo Rovers, before being immediately loaned out to Queen’s Park, subsequently making a name for himself in a different shade of green and white hoops.

His form at Shamrock Rovers certainly caught the attention of those across the Irish Sea, with the table below documenting his eye-catching form in Dublin.

Appearances

76

Goals

26

LOI goals

18

European goals

7

Assists

8

Statistics below are UECL only (per 90):

Shots

2.9

Shots on target

1.9

Shooting accuracy %

66.67%

% of touches in opposition area

13.5%

As the table above notes, Kenny scored 13 goals in the League of Ireland last year; only two players bagged more, but it was his European form that caught the eye.

The youngster scored five goals in six Conference League appearances, helping Rovers reach the knockout phase, on target against Larne, APOEL Nicosia and Rapid Wien, before bagging a brace when Borac Banja Luka were battered 3-0 at Tallaght.

Speaking on Premier Sports, following Shamrock Rovers’ credible 1-1 draw in Vienna last November, former teammate Ronan Finn asserted that Kenny has become a “different animal” in recent years, adding that “physically he’s got stronger” and that his ceiling is sky-high.

Stylistically, Kenny proved to be not only a clinical finisher in the box, but also an energetic nuisance to defenders, constantly closing them down and running all day, characteristics he certainly shares with Maeda.

Since returning to Celtic in January, he has seen limited game time, just 438 minutes to be precise, heading home his first goal for the club at Pittodrie back in May, before also netting during the drubbing of Livingston in August.

So now, set to enjoy a run in the team, can he replicate the success enjoyed by Maeda?

When the Japanese forward first arrived in January 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos, he was very raw, often erratically missing chances, but has now become a well-rounded attacker who is a pivotal figure in this side.

Well, as already alluded to, Kenny possesses similar traits, simply needing an opportunity to showcase what he is capable of, so could he come to the fore and be the hero at Tynecastle on Sunday as Celtic’s new Maeda?

Rodgers must finally ditch Yang & unleash Celtic's "terrific talent"

With Celtic under pressure to beat Sturm Graz in the Europa League, Brendan Rodgers must bench Yang Hyun-Jun and start his “terrific talent” instead.

ByBen Gray Oct 23, 2025

Shimron Hetmyer the only absentee from recent series wins over Bangladesh and England

ESPNcricinfo staff05-May-2025

West Indies have named a largely unchanged squad for their upcoming ODI series in Ireland and England. Shimron Hetmyer, currently in action at the IPL, is absent from the group that beat Bangladesh 3-0 in December, with Jewel Andrew returning to a 15-man touring party.Shai Hope will captain the side, with Brandon King and Evin Lewis likely to form the opening combination ahead of Keacy Carty at first drop. Shamar Joseph and Matthew Forde are both fit after withdrawing from the Bangladesh series, while Amir Jangoo will hope to win a run in the side after his 79-ball hundred on debut in St Kitts.West Indies will head into the three-match series against Ireland, starting in Dublin on May 21, sitting ninth in the ICC’s ODI rankings after finishing 2024 with series wins over Bangladesh and England, as they push for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe.Related

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“These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year,” West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said. “We expect the conditions to be challenging but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasise playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives.”West Indies have also made some changes to their backroom staff, with Ravi Rampaul replacing James Franklin as the team’s bowling coach. Former Ireland allrounder Kevin O’Brien will join the coaching team for the Ireland leg of the tour.After three games at Clontarf Cricket Club, West Indies will move on to England for three more ODIs, starting at Edgbaston on May 29. That series will be followed by three T20Is, for which West Indies have yet to confirm their squad.West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (capt), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

أكد روبن أموريم مدرب مانشستر يونايتد أنه غير مهتم بما يقوله آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول عن فريقه، حيث تحدث مدرب ليفربول عن طريقة لعب فريقه خلال الفوز بهدفين لهدف على ملعب أنفيلد في المباراة الماضية في الدوري الإنجليزي.

وكان مانشستر يونايتد قد احتفل بأول فوز له على ملعب ليفربول منذ عام 2016، حيث خطف هاري ماجواير هدف الفوز لفريقه بضربة رأس بعد عرضية رائعة من برونو فرنانديز.

وألحق مانشستر يونايتد بليفربول الهزيمة الرابعة على التوالي في جميع المسابقات وقال سلوت: “من الصعب دائماً اللعب ضد فريق يدافع بشكل منخفض ويلعب بشكل أساسي على الكرات الطويلة”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. سلوت: أريد إثارة غضب محمد صلاح.. وهو من يستطيع إنقاذ حياتي

ولم يهتم أموريم بما قاله سلوت حيث علق قبل لقاء برايتون مساء اليوم في تصريحات نشرتها “ESPN”: “ليفربول أصبح من الماضي، لا أريد التعليق وهذا ليس مهماً، المهم هو ما قاله هورزلر لفهم ما سيحدث ضد برايتونن أنا سعيد جداً لأن الفريق قادر على لعب مباريات مختلفة”.

وواصل أموريم: “كان فوزاً مهماً لكني كنت أول من قال إننا بحاجة للعب بشكل أفضل بالكرة لذا لا يهمني ما يقوله سلوت أو ما يقوله الناس عن فريقنا، أستطيع تقييم فريقي وأنا واضح تماماً أننا يجب أن نلعب بشكل أفضل بالكرة، سنحاول القيام بذلك في المباراة القادمة”.

وحول احتمالية أن يكون الفوز على ليفربول نقطة تحول في عهده، قال: “نتحدث دائماً عن ذلك لكن هذا يرتبط بالسؤال الآخر حول كيفية مواجهة المنافسة، إذا فكرت في الأمر فقط، سنحاول تقديم أداء جيد، وتقديم كل ما لدينا في الملعب، هذا أهم شئ، أحياناً عندما نتحدث كثيراً عن نقاط التحول يكون الأمر أسوأ، لنأخذ الأمر ببساطة، لقد فزنا بمباراتين، كان يجب أن يأتي ذلك مبكراً، لنفكر في المباراة القادمة”.

The Gabba will be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games, and cricket will move to a new 60,000-seater stadium in the Victoria Park area of Brisbane, which will be built for the Olympics.Queensland’s premier David Crisafulli announced the latest plans for Olympic infrastructure on Tuesday, with cricket a pivotal figure in the outcome, having been impacted by the uncertainty over what the state would do after going through various proposals since being awarded the Olympics in 2021.When Cricket Australia announced its seven-year international venue allocation in 2024, the Gabba was only guaranteed international cricket until next summer’s men’s Ashes amid the wrangling over whether the ground would be redeveloped or replaced.Related

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• Is this the end for the Gabba?

“This decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling which in turn allows us to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic cricket,” CA said in a statement. “We strongly advocated building a stadium in Victoria Park together with Queensland Cricket, the AFL and Brisbane Lions, and cricket will play a major role in ensuring this significant investment delivers long-term benefits for cricket fans and the people of Queensland.”On behalf of the cricket community we want to thank the Queensland Government for seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give the fans, the city and the state the stadium they deserve.”Cricket is returning to the Olympics for the 2028 edition in Los Angeles having only previously featured in 1900. Should it be retained for 2032, it is earmarked for Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena as well as the Gabba in what would shape as the ground’s final matches before it is knocked down.”Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli said at an event in Brisbane.The Gabba was initially set to be demolished and rebuilt for A$2.7 billion under the Labor government for the 2032 Games before that was scrapped amid a backlash over rising costs. It was then set for a $600 million facelift under Labor before those plans were also abandoned under the new government.”The Gabba is at its end of life,” Crisafulli said. “It hasn’t been well maintained, and we do need a stadium to host this great show, and there is an opportunity for legacy play.”It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy, or securing the future of AFL [and] cricket at a new home.”Queensland Cricket welcomed the latest plans with the new stadium providing clarity over the future.”The Gabba has been wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories – however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future,” chief executive Terry Svenson said. “There is now the opportunity for Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, such as ICC events, men’s and women’s Ashes Series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, as well has hosting the BBL and WBBL in a new purpose-built stadium.An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics•Queensland Government

“Thirty years ago this week, the Gabba was in the very early stages of its major redevelopment as the historic Sheffield Shield Final was being played, with many ensuing highlights following in the past three decades.”Today’s decision gives us certainty after many years without clarity. We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium that will be known the world over.”The Gabba hosted its first Test in 1931 and has staged 67 men’s matches alongside two women’s Tests with the most recent being the rain-affected draw in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.It became the traditional starting point for Australian Test summers although that had changed in recent seasons with Perth staging the opening game as it will against England in 2025-26. The Brisbane Test is the second of the series and will be a day-night encounter.While it remains uncertain what international cricket the Gabba will host after next summer, it will likely stage at least white-ball matches and could still hold Test cricket again before being consigned to rubble.There is likely to be another new international venue in Australia prior to 2032 with Hobart’s proposed stadium, which will include a roof, set to be ready by 2029 as part of Tasmania gaining an AFL team.

Manchester City are reportedly considering a second raid on Paris Saint-Germain for another Champions League winner. The Premier League giants took advantage of a surprising situation in the French capital to lure Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to the Etihad Stadium during the summer of 2025. It is now being claimed that Warren Zaire-Emery is a “dream target” for Pep Guardiola.

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  Another PSG star to follow Donnarumma through the exits?

  The chances of prising teen sensation Zaire-Emery away from PSG are said to have been explored during the same window that saw Donnarumma bid farewell to Parc des Princes. It quickly became apparent that no deal would be done at that stage. PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is said to have put a €100 million (£87m/$117m) price tag around the 19-year-old’s neck.

  Zaire-Emery may, however, not be as untouchable as it appeared a matter of months ago. He is considered to be enduring similar issues to former team-mate Donnarumma, who was allowed to head for the exits after being unceremoniously ruled out of Luis Enrique’s long-term plans. The towering goalkeeper was as surprised as anybody to be moved on, rather than handed a new contract.

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• Debut at 16 generated plenty of interest

  Zaire-Emery has figured in seven games for PSG across all competitions this season, but is without a goal and is not considered to be producing his best form. The youngster burst onto the scene at Parc des Princes when making his senior debut at 16 years of age. He was considered to be one of the hottest prospects in world football.

  It is that talent, with plenty of potential still to be unlocked, that report has made City boss Guardiola so interested. The Blues are prepared to be patient, with it possible that another unexpected transfer opportunity will fall into their lap.

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  Wrong fit for Enrique? Zaire-Emery question asked

  Ex-PSG star Jerome Rothen, who now works as a pundit, is among those to have asked questions of Zaire-Emery’s development under the current coaching regime in Paris. He has said: “The situation is terrible for Warren Zaire-Emery. Since Luis Enrique’s arrival, he has regressed. But every time he plays, he has average performances. He may not be compatible with Luis Enrique’s style of play. For his own good, it would perhaps be better for him to look elsewhere and have another experience with another coach.”

  Said opportunities may be presented by City, who are forever in the market for exciting talents that fit Guardiola’s ball-playing philosophy. It is easy to see how Zaire-Emery would slot into the bigger picture being pieced together at the Etihad Stadium. PSG are, however, reluctant to see another home-grown star bid farewell to his roots.

  While Enrique has supposedly struggled to bring the best out of the highly-rated midfielder, the former Barcelona boss remains a big fan. He has offered no indication that a sale would be sanctioned. Enrique has said: “With a player like Zaire-Emery, it’s a real pleasure. He’s an incredible player, with top-level behavior and quality. He must continue doing what he does, try to play more. He has the quality. He has been, is, and will be a very important player. He’s an example of what a PSG player should be.”

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• Big decision to make if transfer offer is tabled

  Said comments would appear to suggest that PSG will continue to resist any interest shown in Zaire-Emery. Their resolve would be tested, though, if an official approach were to be received. The teenage wonderkid would also be presented with a big call on his future if the likes of City were to formalise their interest.

  Jeunes Footeux claims it is “too early” to speculate on whether Zaire-Emery will ultimately end up in Manchester or on the books of another club outside of his native Paris. It is suggested, though, that he would be likely to consider offers from afar if the conclusion is reached that – after more than 130 appearances for PSG – his efforts to become a global superstar, with telling contributions being made at the highest level on a regular basis, would be best served elsewhere.