The chartered flight “AIC24WC” (Air India Champions 24 World Cup) has been organised by the BCCI
PTI03-Jul-2024
The world champions were made to wait before they were able to bring the trophy home•Getty Images
India’s T20 world champions finally left Barbados for New Delhi on a chartered flight from the Grantley Adams International airport in Bridgetown on Wednesday after being stranded for three days because of a category 4 hurricane, which forced the airport there to be shut down.The special Air India flight AIC24WC (Air India Champions 24 World Cup) took off around 4.50am local time and will land in New Delhi on Thursday at around 6.20am IST.The India players, the support staff, the players’ families and some board officials are aboard the flight along with members of the travelling media contingent. The flight was arranged by the BCCI.
The Boeing 777, which took off from New Jersey on July 2, landed in Barbados around 2am local time at the Grantley Adams International airport, which resumed its operations on Tuesday. The team was scheduled to leave around 6pm local time on July 2 and arrive at 7.45pm IST on Wednesday but that was delayed as the plane landed late in Barbados.India won the T20 World Cup title after pulling off a thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the final on Saturday.The players are set to be felicitated by India prime minister Narendra Modi within hours of returning to the country. Plans are also afoot to have a roadshow in Mumbai to honour the team, who won a senior ICC trophy after a gap of 11 years.
علّق الصحفي توماس جواش، على تصريحات النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي، بشأن إمكانية عدم مشاركته في كأس العالم 2026.
وفجر ميسي مفاجأة حيث صرّح النجم الأرجنتيني بأنه إذا لم يكن في حالة بدنية جيدة، فلن يشارك مع منتخب الأرجنتين في كأس العالم العام المقبل.
وصرّح ميسي: “لا أعتقد أنني سأشارك في كأس العالم القادمة، نظرًا لعمري، فإن الأمر الأكثر منطقية هو أن ذلك لن يحدث، أنا متحمس، لكنني أتعامل مع الأمر يومًا بيوم، ومباراة بمباراة” (طالع التفاصيل).
وبحسب ما نشرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، تحدث جواش عن الأمر قائلاً: “كنا جميعاً في غاية الهدوء حتى ظهر ميسي، متسائلاً عن إمكانية مشاركته في كأس العالم العام المقبل”.
وأضاف: “يقول إنه من الطبيعي ألا يكون هناك، ولكن إذا كان لكأس العالم أي جاذبية، فهي الرقصة الأخيرة بين ميسي وكريستيانو رونالدو، فيما سيكون من أروع الملاحم في تاريخ كرة القدم والرياضة العالمية، لكن ليو يُشكك في ذلك”.
وأتم: “أتمنى أن يلعب ميسي في كأس العالم، حتى لو كان مُحنّطاً، لأن 48 فريقاً سيشاركون، ومئات اللاعبين، وميسي فقط سيغيب؟ أعتقد أن الأمر سيكون بمثابة مزحة في عالم كرة القدم، وعلى أي شخص التدخل”.
Glasgow Rangers officially kicked off the 2025/26 campaign by playing their first pre-season friendly in front of supporters at Ibrox against Club Brugge on Sunday.
The Light Blues found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, having conceded twice in the opening 12 minutes, but second-half goals from Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis ensured that they avoided defeat.
Russell Martin was without some of his summer signings to choose from, though, as the likes of Thelo Aasgaard and Joe Rothwell, for example, watched on from the sidelines.
The former Scotland international did get to see Emmanuel Fernandez and Max Aarons out on the pitch for the first time, as the Scottish giants ramp up their preparations for their Champions League qualifying clash with Panathinaikos.
Martin will surely be hoping to get Aasgaard up to speed as quickly as possible in the next couple of weeks, because the former Luton attacking midfielder has the potential to be an exciting addition to the team.
Why Thelo Aasgaard is an exciting signing for Rangers
The Gers recently snapped up the 23-year-old attacker on a four-year contract after agreeing a reported fee of £3.5m to sign him from the English League One outfit.
Aasgaard left the Hatters just six months after he signed for the club from Wigan Athletic, as they were relegated from the Championship last season, which activated a relegation release clause in his contract at Kennilworth Road.
Luton Town's Thelo Aasgaard in action against Sunderland.
Rangers took advantage of that to bring him to Ibrox this summer, and they will now be hoping that he plays a key role on the pitch for Martin for many years to come.
Whilst some supporters may not want to hear this, Aasgaard is similar in style to Todd Cantwell. He is another attacking midfielder who can also play out wide and thrive as a roaming number ten who can carry the ball and dribble past players, rather than being outstanding as a goalscorer or a creator.
24/25 Championship
Thelo Aasgaard per 90
Percentile rank vs midfielders
Goals
0.12
Top 24%
Progressive carries
1.61
Top 26%
Take-ons attempted
2.74
Top 12%
Successful take-ons
1.31
Top 9%
Touches in opposition penalty box
2.62
Top 14%
Fouls won
1.96
Top 11%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool-born midfielder thrives with the ball at his feet in the middle of the park, picking it up in pockets of space that allow him to then drive forward into the box, taking players on or winning fouls.
He only produced two goals and one assist in his 17 Championship outings for Luton, though, and Martin may want him to improve his output in the final third at Ibrox.
It is his ball-carrying and willingness to take players on, though, that could make him an exciting signing for the club, who are now eyeing up a forward who would be even more exciting than Aasgaard.
Rangers eyeing Premier League winger
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are one of the clubs in the race to secure a deal for Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi this summer.
The report claims that the Light Blues are ‘chasing’ a move to sign the left-footed star, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield United in 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.
It reveals that Palace are ready to demand a fee of around £10m to allow the right winger to move on from Selhurst Park before the end of the summer transfer window.
Rangers, however, would prefer to land the talented young forward on a season-long loan, rather than to splash the cash out to sign him permanently, but they would be willing to do a permanent deal if the asking price is reduced.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants can convince the Eagles to allow the dynamo to leave on loan, which may depend on whether or not any other teams are prepared to meet their £10m valuation for a permanent deal.
Why Rangers should sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Vaclav Cerny returning to Wolfsburg at the end of last season, after his loan spell at Ibrox came to an end, left a hole in the team in the right wing position.
This means that Rak-Sakyi could slot straight into the starting XI as Martin’s right winger to replace the Czechia international, and his form for Sheffield United suggests that he has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Whilst Aasgaard is an exciting player in his own right, due to his technical ability, the Crystal Palace youngster would be even more exciting for supporters because he also has the ability to deliver goals and assists to get fans out of their seats.
The 22-year-old whiz, who produced 15 goals and eight assists in League One for Charlton in the 2022/23 campaign, ended last season with a return of seven goals and two assists in 22 league starts for the Blades.
This shows that he is more likely to make an impact in front of goal than Aasgaard in the Scottish Premiership next season, as the Norway international only managed two goals and one assist in the same division.
24/25 Championship
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi per 90
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
0.32
Top 13%
Goals
0.36
Top 11%
xG on target
0.36
Top 9%
xA
0.18
Top 22%
Assists
0.10
Bottom 47%
Successful dribbles
2.44
Top 7%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking statistics, aside from assists, which shows that his teammates let him down with their wasteful finishing.
The left-footed star, once hailed as “remarkable” by Roy Hodgson, is a forward who can provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals on a regular basis, whilst also consistently taking on opposition defenders, as shown by his 2.44 successful dribbles per 90.
This suggests that Rak-Sakyi could be an incredibly exciting player for Rangers supporters to watch, because he can combine exciting dribbling skills with quality end product in the final third.
Whereas Aasgaard has the technical and dribbling ability to get around the pitch, but needs to prove that he can deliver the goals and assists to go along with it, which is why the Palace winger could be an even better signing for Martin in the here and now.
Rangers are closing in on another signing alongside a deal for right-back Max Aarons, according to a report.
Rangers agree Max Aarons loan deal
The Gers already reached an agreement with midfielder Lyall Cameron earlier this year, with his transfer officially unveiled in the week. However, the first target identified by the 49ers Enterprises and Russell Martin who is set to be signed is Aarons.
The Bournemouth right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 season out on loan at Valencia and looks set for another temporary move away from the Cherries in 25/26.
Rangers have agreed a straight loan deal for Aarons, who looks set to rival James Tavernier for a starting spot under Martin, providing the club captain remains at Ibrox.
Martin previously tried to sign Aarons at Southampton and knows the full-back from his time at Norwich City. Aarons has also praised the Rangers manager in the past.
“When he came and trained with us he had an aura. I always knew he would go on to be a manager. “I think players who played with him always knew that as well. I knew we had to be on it when he was training with us and giving 110 per cent because if not Russ would tell you and I loved that.
“He pushed every single training session. When he was training with us it almost gave me a feel that I was ready to go and make the jump with the senior players.”
Rangers target once worth £38m is now open to Ibrox transfer after contact
This comes as a boost to Russell Martin.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 20, 2025
Attention will be on further signings alongside Aarons, and another heavily linked target also looks to be close to a Rangers move following an update.
Rangers closing in on £350,000 Kwame Poku transfer
Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku is the man who could be next through the door in Glasgow, with The Scottish Sun providing specific financial details over a permanent transfer to Ibrox.
Out of contract at the end of the month, it is claimed Rangers are “homing in” on the signing of Poku and that he “will cost a cross-border fee in the region of £350,000”.
Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry admitted last month he didn’t think Poku would move to Scotland, but it appears as if a transfer is close. Talking last month, Fry said: “Celtic and Rangers have been at most of our games this season, but I don’t believe Kwame will go to Scotland. He will more likely sign for a top end Championship club.”
Kwame Poku’s 24/25 stats
Games
31
Goals
12
Assists
11
Minuted played
2,364
Turning 24 in August, Poku, dubbed a “huge talent”, had a career best season in 24/25 in regards to goals and assists, so it is no surprise that up to 30 clubs were keen on his services.
Therefore, Rangers winning the race for the Ghana international could be a shrewd piece of business, and by the looks of things, a £350,000 transfer is on the cards.
Arnos Vale has not hosted an international game in nearly 10 years, and both teams will hope for better batting conditions after struggling in New York
Mohammad Isam12-Jun-2024
Bangladesh will hope they can bounce back quickly from a what-might-have-been result against South Africa•Getty Images
Match detailsBangladesh vs Netherlands June 13, Kingstown, 10:30am localBig picture: Winner stays in touching distance of Super 8sNetherlands will hunt for their first big fish (Full Members side) when they take on Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup’s newest venue in Kingstown, St Vincent. It is a fresh pitch where competitive cricket hasn’t been played for a while now. Both sets of batters, battered and bruised in New York, will look forward to a better experience.Bangladesh endured a hectic travel schedule after their South Africa game in New York, with their chartered flight out delayed by five hours. They arrived early Tuesday morning in their Kingstown hotel, and cancelled training on that day.Coupled with the travel stress, Bangladesh are dealing with heartbreak of a close defeat to South Africa. Their inability to put away Keshav Maharaj’s full-tosses in the final over cost them the game. Bangladesh have had trouble closing off T20I chases over the last eight years, and on Monday, Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali, reputed big hitters, could not find a boundary in the last three overs of their chase.Related
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Washout puts SL on brink of exit; SA confirm Super Eight spot
Their top order batting has also been worrying. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opened with Tanzid Hasan against South Africa, with Soumya Sarkar left out, but neither opening pair has managed a double-digit stand yet in this tournament. Litton Das showed a bit of form against Sri Lanka but gave it away cheaply against South Africa. Only Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah have shown batting form, while it has mostly been the bowling attack that has kept Bangladesh afloat.Netherlands will have their hands full against Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Taskin Ahmed with the new ball, before Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain go at them in the middle overs. The pace trio has done well in the death overs too, and among the spin-bowling allrounders Mahmudullah has been mostly economical while Shakib Al Hasan, despite a poor start to the tournament, can never be counted out.Netherlands themselves have bowled brilliantly in the T20 World Cup, beating Nepal in Dallas and pushing South Africa close in New York. Logan van Beek, Bas de Leede and Tim Pringle have bowled well in partnerships alongside Vivian Kingma and Paul van Meekeren.Like Bangladesh, they too have batting problems. Max O’Dowd has made their only half-century so far, while the rest of the batters haven’t taken off, particularly Michael Levitt who was their form player leading up to the T20 World Cup.This could be a tense scrap in Kingstown, with the result coming down to which bowling attack can better dominate on the day.Form guideBangladesh LWWLL (last five completed T20Is, most recent first) Netherlands LWLLLIn the spotlight – Logan van Beek and Taskin AhmedTaskin Ahmed has performed admirably as the attack leader. He has taken the big wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka in Bangladesh’s two games, while going at just 5.50 per over. It is still early days but if he can keep getting the ball to shape and maintain his overall fitness, Taskin could end as one of the top bowlers of the tournament.Logan van Beek has already bowled arguably the ball of the tournament. His delivery to Reeza Hendricks in New York pitched on middle and off, squared up the batter, and flicked the off bail as van Beek flew into a celebratory run. He has been Netherlands’ best bowler in their two matches so far, picking up five wickets. Accuracy is van Beek’s hallmark, regardless of whether he is bowling with an upright or wobbly seam.All aboard the Logan van Beek flight•ICC/Getty Images
Team news: Bangladesh could look at batting optionsBangladesh are still unsure about their top and lower middle order. Soumya Sarkar and Mahedi Hasan are among their batting options if they are looking for another change.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Najmul Hosain Shanto (capt), 3 Litton Das (wk), 4 Shakib Al Hasan, 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan, 10 Taskin Ahmed 11 Mustafizur Rahman.Barring last-minute injuries, Netherlands are likely to continue with the same XI.Netherlands (probable): 1 Michael Levitt, 2 Max O’Dowd, 3 Vikramjit Singh, 4 Sybrand Engelbrecht, 5 Bas de Leede, 6 Scott Edwards (capt & wk), 7 Teja Nidamanuru, 8 Logan van Beek, 9 Tim Pringle, 10 Paul van Meekeren, 11 Vivian Kingma.Pitch and conditionsInternational cricket returns to Arnos Vale after nearly ten years. The ground has never hosted a CPL match either, so it is hard to predict what the conditions might be like. There’s a bit of early-morning rain in the forecast in the region.Stats and trivia Bangladesh, incidentally, played the last international match at Arnos Vale, a Test-match defeat to West Indies in September 2014. Mahmudullah is the only member of their T20 World Cup squad to have featured in that game. They will also play against Nepal here on June 17, and a three-match T20I series against West Indies later this year. Bangladesh hold an overall 4-3 win record over Netherlands in all formats but they lost their most recent meeting, the 2023 World Cup game in Kolkata. Netherlands made their best start with the ball against a Full Member team in T20Is when they reduced South Africa to 12 for 4 in their last game. Tanzim Hasan has picked up three wickets in the powerplay overs at this World Cup, at an average of 8.33.Quotes”We spoke about this ground. I think Shakib was telling me that he made his captaincy debut in this ground. Riyad has a Test five-for.” “We are in the ground for the first time today. It seems to be in wonderful shape. The wicket is great. I think tomorrow’s match is one that the island has waited a long time for.”
Everton are embarking on a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could be set to turn to a familiar Premier League face in their attempts to bolster under David Moyes, per a report.
Everton look to shape successful summer with savvy recruitment
The Toffees have been hamstrung in their ability to spend large amounts in the market over recent years, but they are likely to encounter a little more leeway this time around under the ownership of the Friedkin Group.
Looking to build on that advantage, Everton are set to poach former recruitment chief James Smith from Manchester City to help their drive to bring in new blood after he previously served as a technical director under David Moyes between 2002 and 2013.
Everton manager DavidMoyesreacts
Replacing Dan Purdy, he will help oversee potential arrivals, and it is fair to say a lengthy list could make their way to Merseyside this summer in a period of significant change.
Reports suggest Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson could join Everton permanently after becoming a peripheral figure on the South Coast, characterised by their willingness to let him spend the second half of the campaign at West Ham United.
Goalkeeper Walter Benitez was also wanted before opting to join Crystal Palace, reflecting that experience may be a commodity Moyes is keen to add after losing the likes of Ashley Young and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made
Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025
There is a feeling that plenty of action is expected to make sure Everton are fighting fit to take on the new campaign, but the market is competitive, signifying a need for patience.
Nevertheless, recent developments suggest the Toffees could be about to buck that trend in their latest transfer pursuit.
Everton willing to sanction big-money deal for Fenerbahce midfielder Fred
According to Tavkim, Everton are willing to pay a large fee to sign Fenerbahce midfielder Fred, who could return to the Premier League following a high-profile stint at Manchester United between 2018 and 2023.
Making over 100 appearances in the top-flight at Old Trafford, the Brazil international could be left surplus to requirements if the Turkish giants push through with a potential move for Tottenham Hotspur star Yves Bissouma.
Fred’s record at Fenerbache – would he be a worthwhile signing for Everton?
Appearances
80
Goals
8
Assists
16
Fenerbache would require a fee in the region of £15.3 million to sanction an exit, which doesn’t seem like a major financial commitment in the modern-day Premier League climate.
His contract in Istanbul expires in 2027, but it appears that Everton are ready to go to whatever lengths necessary to land their man in the middle of the park.
The aforementioned departure of Doucoure has left room for some new legs for Moyes to utilise over the course of a long season and Fred, once labelled “extremely valuable” by Ralf Rangnick, definitely appears to fit the bill.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.
Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers
The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.
Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer ahead of Fulham
Crystal Palace are now in a race with Fulham to sign an experienced midfielder from La Liga.
ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025
It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.
As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.
The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.
Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star
According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.
Joe Willock
Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”
Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.
Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.
Joe Willock’s Premier League stats
Apps
157
Goals
15
Assists
9
His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.
Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.
Manchester City scored a remarkable winner to overcome Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium in a crucial battle for the Premier League’s Champions League spots.
Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-1 victors over the West Midlands outfit, who had their share of chances to win the game. City, however, made them pay with the late winner.
It was almost the perfect start from the Villans, with Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford brilliantly striking the post just moments into the game.
However, City got the early goal through Bernardo Silva, crashing the box to meet a loose ball in the box and firing past Emiliano Martínez, who should have kept the chance out.
Rashford does tend to score against the Citizens, and he managed to get Villa back on level terms from the penalty spot, after Jacob Ramsey was fouled in the box by Ruben Dias for a coming together. The Villa number nine coolly slotted home to equalise.
When the game seemed to be fizzling out late on in the second half, it was City who came up trumps in the dying moments. Matheus Nunes got on the end of a cross from substitute Jeremy Doku who made a mockery of Axel Disasi. It was a vital moment, one that secured a huge three points.
There were certainly some standout players on the night for the East Mancunian outfit.
Man City's best players vs. Villa
Yet again, one of the best players for City against Unai Emery’s Villa side was young Nico O’Reilly. Defending against former City academy man Morgan Rogers, he did a good job of keeping the England international quiet.
Not only that, but O’Reilly looked potent going forward whenever the chance arose. As the stats state, via Sofascore, the 20-year-old attempted four crosses and created one chance against the Villans on Tuesday night.
In fact, the academy graduate wasn’t the only City player who stood out against Villa at the Etihad Stadium. It was another impressive performance from Omar Marmoush, who has eight goal involvements in 16 games for his new club.
Although he went without a goal or assist against Villa, it was his ball that deflected into Silva’s pass for the goal. Goal journalist Richie Mills was complimentary of his performance, giving him a 7/10 and explaining he gave Matty Cash “nightmares” all night long.
So, it was impressive stuff from O’Reilly and Marmoush in a crucial game for City in the race for the top five. However, some players struggled, including one man who has a fight on his hands for a starting spot.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The Man City player who struggled vs. Villa
It was a tough night at the office for young James McAtee. The City number 87 had a golden chance to win the game in the second half after O’Reilly put a deadly ball into the box, but failed to capitalise despite two bites at the apple, notably airkicking the chance as it went begging.
Aside from that, he struggled to get into the game and actually had fewer touches than Stefan Ortega on the night, with 28 compared to 33.
His stats were largely uninspiring outside of that, failing to create a chance and winning just two from five duels.
McAtee stats vs. Villa
Stat
Number
Touches
28
Pass accuracy
88%
Passes completed
14/16
Number of times ball lost
6
Duels won
2/5
Tackles won
0/2
Chances created
0
Stats from Sofascore
Indeed, GOAL’s Mills seemed to think McAtee struggled against the Villans. He gave the Salfordian a 5/10 for his performance, stating that he can “be a bit too lightweight” at times, and explained he must “offer more in attack” in the future.
It will be interesting to see how McAtee breaks into the side in the long term. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave, there might be a more permanent role for him, but he has struggled to become a regular this term. The 22-year-old has featured for just 885 minutes, or nine full 90-minute games, this season.
Manchester City'sJamesMcAteecelebrates after the match
If reports as recent as last week are to be believed, City are targeting Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen, with Christian Falk reporting the race is “wide open” for the German. With that in mind, you certainly have to question how McAtee’s long-term future looks.
After a performance like the one against Villa, where he struggled to make a real impact in the right half space, it does seem like signing Wirtz would be a good idea for City. It is certainly a big few months ahead for McAtee, but on this evidence, he should be axed for the German when he arrives.
Instead of signing Wirtz & Gibbs-White: Man City must unleash teenage star
Manchester City have been linked with moves for Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Rangers have been hit with a massive injury blow to an “immense” player, following an update from interim manager Barry Ferguson.
Rangers hold Bilbao in spirited display
The Gers produced an impressive performance at Ibrox on Thursday evening, drawing 0-0 at home to Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
Robin Propper was shown a red card with only 13 minutes played, giving Rangers a huge uphill battle, but they held on in the end, with Liam Kelly saving an Alex Berenguer penalty in the second half, leading to scenes of joy inside the stadium.
While Ferguson’s side still have a huge amount of work to do to make the semi-finals ahead of their daunting trip to Bilbao next week, they still have a fair chance of progressing.
However, one of the few negatives for Rangers on the night was a serious-looking injury to Dujon Sterling, with the 25-year-old stretchered off, leading to concerns about the length of his absence.
Ferguson confirms huge Rangers injury blow
Speaking to reporters on Friday (via Sky Sports), Ferguson confirmed that Rangers defender Sterling suffered a long-term injury against Bilbao, with his season definitely over:
“I just got a bit of bad news about Dujon – he’s going to be out long-term. He’s had a serious one. I’m devastated for him for a few reasons.
“He’s come in and been immense for me at the back. He’s had his injury issues and now we need to suffer another lengthy spell on the sidelines, which I’m devastated about. We’ll get around him, he’s a popular member of the dressing room and has been a big player for me.
“We just need to get him back fit as quickly as we can. I don’t know exactly [how long he will be out for] but I mean long-term. I’m no medical expert, but I’ve spoken to the doctor, he’ll go for surgery on Monday and we’ll just need to wait and see how that surgery goes.”
Glasgow Rangers defender Dujon Sterling.
This is a cruel blow for Sterling, who has been a solid performer since arriving from Chelsea back in 2023, making 70 appearances for Rangers to date.
This season, the Englishman has made 20 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, while Andy Halliday has shown his appreciation for him, saying:
“I’m sure I’m sitting here along with a lot of other people thinking, ‘Where’s Dujon Sterling been all season?’. For me, his two performances since he’s come into the team have been nothing short of incredible.”
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Hopefully, Sterling returns the same player as before when he does eventually return – and at 25, that should be the case – but he will be a big loss for Rangers as an effective squad player, especially in the Europa League.
Barry Ferguson’s Rangers are still, just about, alive in this season’s Europa League.
Before kick-off, most would’ve agreed that the Ibrox outfit required a win at home to stand a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Well, when referee István Kovács blew for full-time following a whopping 12 minutes of injury time, the Ibrox faithful celebrated the 0-0 draw with Athletic Bilbao like a victory, and with good reason.
This stalemate means the Light Blues will travel to the Basque Country next Thursday with a fighting chance of keeping this continental adventure going but it wasn’t without its stresses, that’s for sure.
Was Robin Pröpper's red card justified?
The primary reason why Rangers supporters and players alike were delighted with this first-leg goalless draw is because centre-back Robin Pröpper was sent off after just 12 minutes.
Following video review, the referee deemed that the Dutch defender had denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity when he, rather aggressively, brought down Inaki Williams on the edge of the penalty area.
Speaking during commentary on TNT Sports, Rangers legend Ally McCoist, fair to say, did not agree with this decision, describing the red card as “really harsh”, adding “he’s gone to try and win the ball… he’s been beaten by a bit of skill”.
Pröpper was only starting as a result of John Souttar’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation, meaning the Scotland international will be available to return at the heart of the Rangers’ defence in Bilbao next Thursday.
This though, is not the Dutchman’s first mishap; Aaron Nijjar of Football Insider claims his ‘performances have been marked by uncertainty’ since joining from Twente last summer.
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Not everyone in Blue performed badly…
Rangers' hero against Bilbao
The headline team news ahead of Thursday’s first leg came in goal where, following a string of error-stricken performances, Jack Butland had been dropped, with Liam Kelly donning the gloves instead.
Well, fair to say the 29-year-old repaid his manager’s faith, accumulating three high claims and making three saves, preventing an xG figure of 1.84, a large proportion of which is thanks to his penalty save late on.
As outlined by Will Unwin of the Guardian, everyone inside Ibrox ‘was confused’ when Athletic had a goal ruled out for offside, only for a penalty to be awarded instead; Dujon Sterling penalised for handball, and this one was rather harsh.
Álex Berenguer who, four and a half minutes earlier, had been celebrating in front of the 3,000 traveling Athletic supporters, elected to smash his spot-kick down the middle, only for Kelly to stick out his right boot and make a remarkable save, sparking wild scenes of celebration.
So, while Kelly was the hero, his teammate up the other end of the park did not cover himself in glory.
Rangers' frustrating front-man
Rangers assistant manager Neil McCann himself admitted last week that Cyriel Dessers ‘will always divide opinion’, which is probably a bit of an understatement if we’re honest.
Scott Bradley of Breaking The Lines describes the Nigerian as the “most frustrating player” he’s ever seen in a Rangers jersey, and Dessers did not star on Thursday, accumulating just 18 touches – fewer than the aforementioned Kelly (44) – losing possession seven times, registering just four passes and firing both of his attempts off target, albeit in difficult circumstances.
Dessers has, in fairness, been in fantastic form since Ferguson took over as interim manager, scoring five goals in eight appearances, most notably on target during the famous 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in İstanbul.
Nevertheless, despite the fact his centre-forward was clearly exhausted, Ferguson waited until the 85th minute before introducing Hamza Igamane.
This change surely should’ve been made earlier, with the Moroccan possibly even deserving to start in Bilbao, as these statistics underline.
Dessers vs Igamane 24/25 comparison
Stats
Dessers
Igamane
Appearances
48
39
Minutes
2,892
2.277
Goals
23
14
Assists
7
3
Europa League goals
3
4
Minutes per goal
126
163
Goals – xG (UEL only)
-2.3
+2.8
Big chances missed
26
5
Stats courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref & SofaScore
The two statistics that jump off the page from the table above are big chances missed, Dessers have racked up a staggering 26 across the Europa League and Premiership this season, as well as the goals – xG.
In this season’s Europa League, only Malick Fofana of Olympique Lyonnais can boast a better goals – xG figure than Igamane, while only five players rank below Dessers for the same metric.
Thus, looking ahead of next Thursday’s mouthwatering return leg at San Mamés, it’s clear that Igamane is the better option to start at centre-forward.
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