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There are no other changes to the squad that recently played Afghanistan at home

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Nov-2025

Newman Nyamhuri has played four ODIs and as many Tests for Zimbabwe•ICC/Getty Images

Fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been ruled out of Zimbabwe’s upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka due to a back injury. Left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri, yet to be capped in T20Is, has been named his replacement.There are no other changes to the squad that recently played Afghanistan at home, which Zimbabwe lost 0-3. Muzarabani, who had missed the last two T20Is of that series, picked up 2 for 41 in the first T20I.Nyamhuri, 19, has played four Tests and four ODIs, having made his international debut in December 2024. He was named in the T20I squad for the tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand in July but did not feature in any of the games.Led by Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe will open their campaign against hosts Pakistan in Rawalpindi on November 17, before facing Sri Lanka at the same venue on November 19. Zimbabwe will then travel to Lahore, where they will meet Pakistan again on November 23 and Sri Lanka on November 25. The top two teams on the points table will contest the final on 29 November in Lahore.Zimbabwe squad for T20I tri-series: Sikandar Raza (captain), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Wellington Masakadza, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Brendan Taylor

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Recordista brasileiro em número de participações seguidas na Libertadores 2024, o Palmeiras recebe o Independiente Del Valle nesta noite de quarta-feira (15), no Allianz Parque, podendo chegar pelo oitavo ano seguido nas oitavas de final da maior competição do nosso continente.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Desde 2017, o Verdão se coloca entre pelo menos as 16 melhores equipes da América do Sul, e agora o time de Abel Ferreira busca chegar nas quartas de finais pelo sétimo ano seguido, ultrapassando o Boca Juniors que entre 2000 a 2005 chegou entre os oito melhores em todas as edições.

O Palmeiras é o clube brasileiro com mais participações em oitavas de finais de Libertadores, ao lado do Grêmio, com 16 participações entre os 16 melhores do continente.

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Clube brasileiro com mais jogos, mais vitórias e mais gols na história da Libertadores, o Verdão vai em busca do tetracampeonato para confirmar de vez a sua hegemonia na competição nessa última década.

➡️ Faça as suas apostas na Libertadores 2024: quem será o campeão? Vem pro Lance! Betting!

Na era Abel Ferreira, o Palmeiras já fez 22 jogos de fase de grupos de Libertadores, com 19 vitórias, um empate e duas derrotas, e nos três tropeços, o atual bicampeão brasileiro atuou com um time alternativo.

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Chelsea have made a solid start to the season under Enzo Maresca despite being presented with a fair few obstacles, and the Blues briefly climbed to second in the Premier League table last weekend.

Maresca’s approach has been defined by extensive squad rotation, a strategy that has drawn both praise and criticism.

The Italian has made 93 changes in total this season, a staggering number and more than any other Premier League side. This rotation policy could reflect Chelsea’s depth and ambitions to compete on all four fronts, even if Maresca reportedly isn’t completely satisfied with the squad right now.

That being said, injuries and suspensions have significantly tested that depth this term.

Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee after sustaining an ACL injury during pre-season training in August, ruling him out for most of the campaign and likely England’s Euro 2026 preparations. Superstar forward Cole Palmer has also been sidelined with a niggling groin injury since September, with Maresca initially expecting him to return shortly after the last international break before the recovery timeline was extended by six weeks.

The England international missed a full month of action and was targeting a return in December, but he is now expected to return before the end of this month and could feature against Barcelona in the Champions League.

The striker department has been particularly affected by injuries. Summer signing Liam Delap sustained a hamstring problem early in the 2-0 win over Fulham in August, leaving him out for two months, and following his return from a lengthy layoff, the forward’s comeback quickly turned into a disaster.

Delap picked up two needless yellow cards against Wolves, prompting fury from Maresca, who labelled his conduct ’embarrassing’.

After Roméo Lavia’s latest in a long line of injuries since joining from Southampton, Chelsea’s medical room is starting to feel overcrowded again, but the west Londoners have done well to navigate it with Colwill, Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong all missing at various points.

Chelsea became the first team in history to win all five UEFA club tournaments back in May, and as Maresca looks to build upon that feat, their form on paper suggests the club have every chance of doing so.

BlueCo’s ownership appears to finally be reaping dividends, but it hasn’t always been this way.

There’s been a fair few trial and error, high-profile mistakes since Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly took over the club in 2022, not least their deal for ex-Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits Chelsea transfer was a "big mistake"

Speaking to YouTube content creator Troopz, via ESPN, Aubameyang himself has now admitted that joining Chelsea was a “big mistake”.

Aubameyang signed for Chelsea in September 2022 for a reported fee of around £10 million, reuniting with his former boss at Borussia Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel. However, Tuchel was sacked just days after the Gabonese’s arrival, setting the tone for a disastrous spell.

He was handed his first Premier League appearance in October, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-1 away victory over Crystal Palace. The now-Marseille striker made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring just three goals, and all three of them came in the space of ten days that October.

By February, he was dropped from the Champions League squad by Graham Potter, highlighting his fall from grace, and he didn’t fare any better under Frank Lampard either. Aubameyang struggled for form and consistency, and just 10 months after signing, the 36-year-old left Chelsea and signed a three-year deal with Marseille on a free transfer.

He’ll go down as one of, if not the worst signing of BlueCo’s tenure — so the feeling of regret will be pretty mutual in London.

A major injury update has now emerged on Gabriel ahead of the North London Derby, with Arsenal set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Gunners are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, four points clear of nearest-rival Manchester City, but injuries once again risk derailing their title charge, with Mikel Arteta being forced to contend with a number of setbacks already this season.

Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz have all spent time on the sidelines in recent weeks, and there has been more bad news during the international break, with defender Riccardo Calafiori being forced to drop out of the Italy squad.

Fortunately, Calafiori is expected to be available for the big game against Tottenham at the weekend, but a more concerning injury update has now emerged on one of Arteta’s other key players.

Gabriel now a major doubt for North London Derby

As reported by The Guardian, Gabriel is now a major doubt for the North London Derby, with recent scans revealing the defender suffered a thigh injury on international duty with Brazil, and there are concerns he may be facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old has returned to London for treatment, having not travelled with Brazil for their upcoming friendly against Tunisia, with the Gunners planning to take their time to assess the extent of the injury.

There are concerns the Brazil international could be sidelined during a busy period, with a number of tough fixtures on the horizon for Arteta’s side over the next few weeks.

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Tottenham Hotspur (h)	November 23rd
Bayern Munich (h)	November 26th
Chelsea (a)	November 30th
Brentford (h)	December 3rd
Aston Villa (a)	December 6th

Should the centre-back be unavailable for quite some time, it would be a major blow for Arteta, given that he has been one of the manager’s key players so far this season, with the Spaniard saying: “I adore Gabriel: his attitude, his commitment, his positivity, what he’s willing to do for the team.”

The £150k-a-week defender has formed a formidable partnership with William Saliba at the heart of defence, with the Gunners shipping just five goals in the Premier League this term, the fewest of any side.

That said, Piero Hincapie has proven he could be a solid replacement for Gabriel, having impressed in the 2-0 EFL Cup triumph against Brighton & Hove Albion, receiving an 8.2 SofaScore match rating, the highest of any player, after winning six duels and recording a 94% pass-completion rate.

Gabriel has been named as one of the best centre-backs in the world

The Best 15 Centre-Backs in World Football Ranked (2025)

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world.

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 20, 2025

The San Diego Padres had a blast Sunday night while blowing out the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLDS. They made some history along the way, too.

The Padres crushed six home runs in a 10–2 win at Dodger Stadium. Those six home runs tied the MLB postseason record for a single game. But, they became the first team in MLB playoff history to hit six home runs on the road.

The other teams to hit six home runs in a single postseason game were the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the 2023 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, and the 2015 Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals. Both teams were at home. And both wound up winning those series.

All six home runs are below.

1. Fernando Tatis

2. David Peralta

3. Jackson Merrill

4. Xander Bogaerts

5. Kyle Higashioka

6. Fernando Tatis Jr. (again)

Quite an onslaught from the Padres in a game that got really chippy and even downright ugly at times.

The series is now tied 1–1. Game 3 will be on Tuesday at 9:08 p.m. ET at Petco Park in San Diego.

Half-century for James Vince keeps Hampshire interested but asking rate proves too steep

ECB Reporters Network19-Jun-2025

Will Smeed was in big-hitting form•Getty Images

Lewis Gregory clubbed a brutal half-century as Somerset defeated Hampshire Hawks by 17 runs at the Cooper Associates Ground to return to winning ways and move clear of Surrey at the top of the Vitality Blast South Group table.Will Smeed smashed 68 from 37 balls with nine fours and three sixes and dominated stands of 59 and 46 with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell for the second and third wickets respectively after Somerset had been put in beneath the Taunton floodlights. But the home side lost their way during the middle overs and were indebted to skipper Gregory, who clubbed a much-needed 55 from 27 balls with four fours and four sixes and staged a record-breaking seventh-wicket partnership of 82 with Lewis Goldsworthy to propel the cider county to 209 for 6. Veteran allrounder Benny Howell claimed 2 for 12 and Liam Dawson 1 for 29 as the Hawks struggled to contain the South Group leaders.James Vince raised a 30-ball 54 and South Africa batter Dewald Brevis crashed 36 from 16 deliveries, but Ben Green took 3 for 40 as Somerset took wickets at key moments to restrict Hawks to 192 for 7 and secure a sixth victory in seven outings in the short format this season.Put into bat, Somerset made a subdued start by their own high standards, Tom Banton falling cheaply to a tremendous catch on the run by Joe Weatherley at deep square leg off the bowling of Eddie Jack. Kohler-Cadmore encountered no such problems, taking 14 runs off the third over, bowled by James Fuller, as the home side reasserted themselves.Smeed was equally expansive, plundering three boundaries in one Jack over, while Kohler-Cadmore emulated that feat at the expense of Fuller in the next as the second wicket pair fashioned a half-century partnership from just 23 balls in advancing the score to 68 for 1 at the end of the powerplay.Hampshire’s seamers held their nerve and Fuller provided relief, bowling Kohler-Cadmore for a 15-ball 29 in the seventh with the score 70 for 2. Kohler-Cadmore accrued a quartet of fours and a six, only to depart before he could inflict real damage. In his absence, Smeed picked up the cudgels, hoisting Fuller over midwicket for six and then straight-hitting the next ball for four to post 50 from 27 balls.Dawson’s nagging accuracy notwithstanding, Somerset initially managed to maintain momentum during the crucial middle overs, Abell adopting the role of chief support to Smeed, who continued to trade in boundaries and put bowlers and fielders alike under pressure. He eventually succumbed, hitting Jack straight down the throat of Scott Currie at long-on as Somerset slipped to 116 for 3 in the 11th.When Abell played across the line to Howell’s first delivery and was bowled via an inside edge, the home side were 116 for 4 and Hampshire fancied they were right back in the contest, an impression that was confirmed in the 13th, Sean Dickson playing back to Dawson and watching the ball clatter into his stumps.Green came and went quickly, holing out to long-on to provide the wily Howell with a second wicket as the flow of boundaries temporarily dried up and Somerset further subsided to 127 for 6 in the 14th. Gregory then took matters into his own hands, harvesting 25 off one Wood over as the seventh-wicket alliance realised 50 in just 25 balls. Unleashing a barrage of sixes, Somerset’s captain tucked into the seamers on his way to a high-octane 25-ball half-century. His partnership with Goldsworthy, who finished unbeaten on 29 from 16 balls, was a Somerset record for the seventh wicket in T20 cricket, eclipsing the 67 made by Omari Banks and Ben Phillips at Northampton in 2008.Living up to their formidable reputation, Hampshire openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Vince afforded the reply a super-charged start, posting 50 in 5.2 overs to force Somerset’s seamers onto the back foot. Pugilistic in his approach, Pretorius struck four fours and a brace of sixes as the partnership advanced to 74 inside nine overs.Somerset needed a wicket and the ever-dependable Green obliged, luring Pretorius into front-foot indiscretion and having the South African held in the deep for 37. With the asking rate rising above 12 for the first time, Vince and new batter Toby Albert looked to attack Goldsworthy. But the spinner defied their best attempts as the home side worked hard to restrict the supply of boundaries during the middle overs.Goldsworthy struck a telling blow in the 12th, inducing Albert to hit high to long-off with the score 95 for 2 as the rate continued to climb. While Vince remained at large, Hampshire were in with a chance, and the England batter hoisted Green high over midwicket for six to raise 50 from 29 balls. He was out next ball, caught on the long-on boundary as Green further reduced the visitors to 107 for 3.South African dangerman Brevis and Weatherley opened their shoulders in a bid to put the chase back on track, but Somerset’s bowlers remained disciplined in their lengths and the latter was run out by Riley Meredith for 15 with 75 still needed from five overs.Fuller attempted to match Brevis blow-for-blow, only to be undone by a Meredith yorker and fall for 11. Having struck four sixes and a four, Brevis then attempted to drive Green down the ground and skied a catch to Gregory at mid-off to signal the end of Hampshire’s prospects in the 18th..

Everton has long been synonymous with the development of English talent, cultivating players through one of the Premier League’s most respected academy systems.

From the legendary emergence of Wayne Rooney to modern stars like Anthony Gordon, the club has consistently provided a pathway for young players to break into the first team and make an impact on both domestic and international stages.

The club’s focus is clear: technical development, tactical intelligence, and professional growth are embedded from academy to senior squad.

Competitive youth fixtures, exposure to domestic cups give emerging players confidence and experience under pressure.

This structured approach ensures that English graduates are not only technically proficient but also resilient and tactically aware – qualities essential in modern football.

Under David Moyes, Everton’s strategy of integrating homegrown talent continues, blending experienced professionals with promising English players.

This season, Jack Grealish has become the symbol of the club’s revival, while another young talent represents the future of English defensive prospects at Goodison Park.

Why Grealish deserves a World Cup place for England

Grealish, 30, has been central to Everton’s resurgence under Moyes.

Arriving from Manchester City, Grealish has gradually regained the form that once made him a household name in England – staking his claim to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans heading into 2026, despite being overlooked recently.

In the 2025/26 season, he has already contributed a goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances, playing 557 minutes – almost matching his totals from last season when he played only 721 minutes due to injury.

Known for his creativity and ability to dictate the tempo, Grealish ranks in the 6th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.27), 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and maintains an 84.1% pass completion rate.

His shot-creating actions per 90 sit at 4.55, while he completes nearly two successful take-ons per game.

These metrics underline his influence in Everton’s attacking transitions, providing both flair and functional output.

His 93rd-minute goal against Crystal Palace to end their 19-match unbeaten run highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, again boosting his claim to be in Tuchel’s next squad, or next summer’s roster at the very least.

Despite past injuries limiting his minutes, Grealish’s resurgence under Moyes shows that he remains a key creative fulcrum, bridging experience and leadership for Everton’s younger English talents.

However, while all eyes focus on Grealish’s headline performances, his role may impact other English players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who thrive in similar carrying and passing areas but lack the freedom to shoot.

Everton’s system will need to balance flair and structure, ensuring Grealish’s influence does not inadvertently limit opportunities for other homegrown talents.

Why Branthwaite is the next big English talent at Everton

While Grealish is providing immediate returns, Jarrad Branthwaite represents the long-term promise of Everton’s English talent pipeline.

Born in 2002, the 6 foot 5 left-footed centre-back joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 after nine league appearances.

Branthwaite has since made over 75 appearances for the senior side, featuring prominently during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers (ten appearances in 2021) and PSV Eindhoven (27 league games in 2022/23), where he scored twice, featured in European competitions, and won the KNVB Cup.

His leadership qualities and composure on the ball are complemented by defensive steel, ranking in the top 9% for clearances among Premier League defenders per 90.

Matches Played

30

Minutes

2,511

Blocks

31

Tackles

36

Challenges

20

Internationally, Branthwaite has progressed steadily through England’s youth setup, earning eight U21 caps and winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship before making his senior debut in June 2024 in a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite missing the start of the 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, his market value of £42m – as per Transfermarkt – and long-term contract until 2030 underscore Everton’s commitment to securing homegrown English talent.

Branthwaite – described as a “physical beast” by analyst Ben Mattinson – embodies the club’s vision: combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years.

As Everton continue to develop a squad capable of competing in the top half of the Premier League, the centre-back is expected to play a pivotal role once fully fit, complementing experienced players like Grealish and ensuring Everton’s tradition of nurturing English talent endures.

Everton’s commitment to developing English talent remains clear, blending the immediate impact of established stars like Grealish with the long-term promise of Branthwaite.

While Grealish’s resurgence provides creativity, energy, and leadership, Branthwaite represents the next generation of homegrown players ready to step into key roles.

Under Moyes, Everton continues to balance development and performance, giving both established and emerging English talents the platform to succeed.

Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise

Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team

ByWill Miller Oct 16, 2025

Bangladesh’s first Test centurion assumes the BCB president’s role at a difficult time

Mohammad Isam30-May-2025

Aminul Islam – here coaching the China U-19s – has been working as an ICC development manager based in Melbourne•AFP

Aminul Islam has been elected president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after a board meeting in Dhaka on Friday, following the removal of Faruque Ahmed by the sports ministry. Aminul is a former Bangladesh captain who led the side at the 1999 World Cup, and was their first Test centurion in 2000.Aminul’s ascent comes less than 24 hours after Faruque lost his place as the sports ministry’s representative on the board of directors, effectively ending his reign as the board president.The sports ministry said in a statement that it took the decision after eight BCB directors tabled a no-confidence motion against Faruque. It also based the decision on a fact-finding committee’s report on corruption within the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Related

Anatomy of a fall: How the BCB presidency changed hands

'It is totally performance-based' – Bangladesh's sports adviser on Faruque's removal

Aminul is BCB president for a 'quick T20 innings'

Hathurusinghe questions BCB's motives after sacking

BCB director Fahim threatens to quit over fallout with Faruque

The sports ministry made Faruque one of its two directors on the BCB board on August 21, 2024, following the resignation of Nazmul Hassan, who was also the country’s sports minister during the Awami League regime. On the same day, the directors elected Faruque as the BCB president.Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, one of the signatories to the no-confidence letter, was the other sports ministry representative in the board. Aminul made his way into the BCB through the same path. The sports ministry added Aminul as one of its representatives in the board, making him a director first. Then the nine other directors elected him board president.ESPNcricinfo understands that Aminul will continue until the next BCB election, which is likely to take place by October this year. He has taken leave from his work as an ICC development manager based in Melbourne.Faruque Ahmed’s tenure lasted nine months and eight days•BCB

Aminul assumes the BCB president’s role at a difficult time. There were several controversies during Faruque’s nine months as the board chief. On his first day in charge, Faruque questioned head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe’s position, before sacking him two months later. The BCB directors, in their letter to the sports ministry, said Faruque had ignored the BCB constitution, which expects the president to inform the board directors on decisions such as hiring or firing a coach.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Faruque’s handling of BPL 2025 was a key reason behind his losing his job. Bangladesh’s interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus had taken a keen interest in the BPL, but the controversy surrounding the Durbar Rajshahi franchise marred the tournament. The government had to intervene when the Rajshahi owner failed to pay players on time, even ignoring to pay their hotel bills in Chattogram and Dhaka. It led to a player revolt.Faruque also clashed with an assistant of the sports adviser, and his fallout with board director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim also became public. Dr Yunus didn’t attend the BPL’s final match as planned, which many believed was viewed negatively by the sports adviser Asif Mahmud.The BCB has continued to be mired in controversy since. The Dhaka cricket clubs were angered when the BCB was in the process of amending its constitution, before questions began to emerge about certain Dhaka Premier League (DPL) matches. The situation came to a head after a stumping incident in the Shinepukur-Gulshan club match. The start of the investigation process was also criticised after the BCB’s head of anti-corruption asked the same players to enact the incident publicly at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on the following day.Last month, Faruque said in an interview on YouTube that he would contest the upcoming board elections. Some board directors told ESPNcricinfo that his focus on the upcoming elections alienated him from the other directors. In all, Faruque lasted nine months and eight days on the hot seat.

عبر برونو فرنانديز لاعب خط وسط مانشستر يونايتد، عن سعادته بالفوز أمام ليفربول بهدفين لهدف واحد، على ملعب أنفيلد، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وكان برونو فرنانديز قد صنع الهدف الثاني والفوز لمانشستر يونايتد عن طريق هاري ماجواير، وساهم أيضًا في الهدف الأول الذي أحرزه بريان مبيومو.

وقال فرنانديز في تصريحات نشرتها “بي بي سي” البريطانية: “من الجيد دائماً الفوز بالمباريات، نعلم ما تعنيه هذه المباريات لنادينا وجماهيرنا وأيضاً لأنفسنا في وضعنا الحالي”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فان دايك: استقبلنا هدفًا مخيبًا للآمال أمام مانشستر يونايتد.. وعلينا أن نتكاتف

وأضاف: “نعلم ما تعنيه هذه المباريات للجماهير والنادي، أردنا تحقيق ذلك لأنه مر وقت طويل منذ فوز ليفربول في أنفيلد، إنه أمر مهم للغاية لذا أنا سعيد جداً بتحقيق الفوز اليوم”.

وواصل برونو فرنانديز: “كنا نعلم أنه يتعين علينا الفوز بالصراعات الثنائية، في الدقائق العشر الأولى، كنا نعلم أنهم سيحاولون بدء المباراة بقوة وفي الشوط الأول أيضاً، أدركنا أنهم كانوا تحت الضغط، عندما كانت الكرة معهم، كان الجمهور يضعهم في موقف صعب ويطلق صيحات استهجان ضدهم، مطالباً إياهم باللعب بشكل أسرع”.

وختم لاعب خط الوسط البرتغالي: “أردنا تعطيل لعبهم، كنا نعلم أن ذلك سيمنحهم مساحات كبيرة في وسط الملعب، في الشوط الثاني كان بإمكاننا أن نستحوذ أكثر على الكرة”.

After opening day humiliation at the hands of newly-promoted Sunderland, West Ham United have reportedly launched their first approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.

Potter: West Ham have to "improve" after Sunderland defeat

West Ham know all too well that the Premier League is a slippery slope towards shock relegation when teams get off to a disastrous start and must ensure that their defeat at Sunderland is a turning point in Graham Potter’s reign. Picking up where they left off last season, the Hammers were blunt going forward and vulnerable going the other way in what has been the trend of Potter’s tenure.

Having his say on a disappointing afternoon, Potter told reporters: “In the first half, I thought we were good. I thought we did lots well in terms of quieting the crowd down and creating some opportunities. We could have scored, I thought, but nevertheless, we felt OK.

“We started a bit slow in the second half, and from out of nowhere, a goal goes in and it becomes difficult. It was a game where probably the first goal, especially here with the environment, was going to be challenging for us. But we tried to push.

“But in trying to push, we opened ourselves up. The second goal’s a poor one – a mistake leads to a cheap set-piece, and then we didn’t do the basics well enough in the second phase. We haven’t done the basics well enough – it’s as simple as that, and we have to improve that.”

Sheringham 2.0: West Ham in race to sign Premier League "proven goalscorer"

The vastly experienced goalscorer could be a brilliant signing for West Ham and Graham Potter.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 20, 2025

That defeat may have been the wake-up call that those at the London Stadium needed both on the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with reports now indicating that they’ve made their first move for a Barcelona talent.

West Ham launch first Casado enquiry

As reported by Mundo Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona. The Spanish giants reportedly value their midfielder at just €30m (£26m), which has sparked a race between the Hammers and Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a bargain deal this month.

Minutes

1,611

2,380

Key Passes

0.50

1.36

Progressive Passes

5.98

5.87

Ball Recoveries

5.03

5.64

When compared to Lucas Paqueta last season, Casado’s quality becomes clear. Whilst he struggled to match the Brazilian when it came to key passes, the 21-year-old progressed play at an excellent standard, whilst also impressing when recovering possession.

Dubbed a “genius” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Barcelona ace still has plenty of room for improvement and plenty of years ahead of him to realise an ever-increasing potential.

For just £26m, West Ham would be landing an undeniable bargain and a player who would slot straight in as one of Potter’s most effective players this season.