The pair added 116 for the fourth wicket after a brief wobble to secure a comfortable win for India in Rajkot

Shashank Kishore10-Jan-2025Pratika Rawal continued her impressive initiation into international cricket, hitting her second half-century in four innings at the top of the order, as India secured a comfortable six-wicket over Ireland in the first ODI in Rajkot.Rawal’s partner was another rookie, Tejal Hasabnis, who notched up a maiden half-century in her fourth ODI. The pair added 116 for the fourth wicket after India briefly wobbled when they lost Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues in quick succession.While Rawal steadily shifted gears after playing second fiddle to Smriti Mandhana in a robust 70-run opening stand, Hasabnis displayed an attacking game and a penchant for the big shots from get-go.Hasabnis couldn’t break into the XI in any of the three ODIs against West Indies late last month, and only got the opportunity here because Harmanpreet Kaur was rested. She repaid the faith, getting to a half-century off just 43 balls and remaining unbeaten on 53.As India’s chase entered its home stretch, Rawal’s impending century became a matter of great interest. Rawal showed keenness to go for the runs as she raced through the 80s. With Rawal needing 25 and India just 21, she tore into left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire, hitting her for two fours and a six.The first of those fours was an aesthetically pleasing inside-out drive over extra cover against the turn. She followed that with two big hits straight down the ground. On 89, an attempt to loft the ball down the ground for six led to her holing out inches from the boundary as Orla Prendergast took an excellent catch.Tejal Hasabnis played a counterattacking knock•BCCIRawal walked off to a standing ovation. That she was even remotely in with a chance to score her maiden ODI century was down to her sensational strokeplay once she crossed fifty. Richa Ghosh came in to hit her first two balls to the boundary to seal India’s win in the 35th over.While Rawal couldn’t remain unbeaten, Hasabnis did her reputation no harm, showing the ability to be a big-hitting middle-order batter India would love to have. She got going very early on, when she smashed Laura Delany for two back-to-back fours in the 24th over that went for 22.When Delany pulled out midway through the over, Prendergast came under Hasabnis’ hammer as she hit a third four by slapping a length ball through extra cover. The enterprising nature of the Rawal-Hasabnis partnership allowed India to charge towards the target.Despite the nature of the defeat, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Ireland. They challenged an inexperienced Indian attack with Gaby Lewis, the captain, leading the fight with 92 in a total of 238 for 7 after electing to bat. Lewis, who narrowly missed out on a maiden ODI century with cramps eventually leading to her downfall, was supported by Leah Paul, who made an industrious 59 from No. 5.Gaby Lewis led the Ireland batting effort with 92 from 129 balls•BCCIThe pair shared a stand of 117 to rescue an innings that appeared to be heading towards a free-fall when rookie legspinner Priya Mishra sent back Prendergast and Delany, two of Ireland’s most-experienced batters, off successive deliveries in the 14th over to leave them 56 for 4.India were off the boil on the field though, dropping four catches in all that played a role in them allowing Ireland to bat the entire 50 overs. Lewis was the first to be reprieved on 59 when Richa Ghosh bailed out of a catch to stop the healthy edge with her boot. Paul was let off in back-to-back overs, off Titas Sadhu at deep midwicket and by Mishra off her own bowling, after the batter had crossed her seventh ODI half-century.Then with Ireland looking for end-overs acceleration, Harleen reprieved Arlene Kelly at extra cover. Ireland batting out the entire 50 overs should count as a mini-victory of sorts given only two players – Lewis and Delany – had prior experience of having played in India.Cameos from Kelly and Christina Coulter Reilly helped Ireland pick up some crucial runs in the death overs, but it became evident very early on, as Mandhana turbocharged her way to a succession of pull shots in her breezy 41, that it wouldn’t be enough.

There are nerves in the air at Leeds United at the moment as the brand new Premier League season gets closer and closer by the day.

The newly promoted Whites have been very active in the transfer window so far, as seen in seven fresh faces joining Daniel Farke’s ranks this summer to date, but the German is still hesitant about his side’s top-flight acumen heading into the anxious opening run of matches.

In particular, the German is concerned about the options he has at his disposal up top, with both Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford out of his first-team plans.

Whilst adding in more depth up top looks to be crucial, Leeds wouldn’t say no to additions elsewhere, as a fresh midfielder is now also eyed up.

Leeds pushing for move for £100k p/w star

Before exploring further as to who Leeds could add to the midfield department, it’s clear that the Whites want more Premier League-capable striker options, and fast.

Beto, who Leeds were linked with earlier in the transfer window, has reportedly come back onto their shopping list as he weighs up moving away from Everton, with the Whites’ interest in Fulham ace Rodrigo Muniz also long-standing.

Away from the plethora of names filtering through in the centre-forward areas, Leeds have also been credited with interest in free agent midfielder Josh Brownhill, as per a new report by GIVEMESPORT.

The report further reveals that Everton is also trying to push through a deal for the ex-Clarets captain, but a tricky stumbling block has emerged for both parties.

The hurdle both sides will have to try and overcome is the spending power of MLS side Toronto FC, who are willing to offer the Manchester-born star a £100k-per-week deal to leave England behind for Canada.

It remains to be seen what Brownhill’s short-term future looks like, but if he does decide to relocate from Lancashire to Elland Road, over pastures new in Canada, he could be just what Leeds need in terms of an attacking outlet centrally, away from the more defensively sound members of the squad from the middle of the park.

Why Brownhill's addition could be perfect for Stach

Indeed, out of all the midfielders at Farke’s disposal, new £17.4m recruit Anton Stach is the most content with just sitting back and doing his defensive dirty work.

So much so, Stach can even line up as a centre-back if needed – as seen in his 16 career appearances from this part of the pitch – alongside the fact that the Whites number 18 singled out his “aggressive” nature as one key attribute to his game when speaking just after his move to Leeds had been confirmed.

Stach’s league numbers for Hoffenheim (24/25) vs Brownhill’s for Burnley (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*	Stach	Brownhill
Games played	30	42
Goals scored	1	18
Assists	2	6
Touches*	66.8	52.1
Shots*	1.2	1.6
Accurate passes*	41.9 (83%)	31.8 (82%)
Key passes*	0.9	1.2
Tackles*	2.2	1.5
Ball recoveries*	5.7	2.8
Total duels won*	5.6	3.4
Stats by Sofascore

The German’s aggressive approach on the pitch is certainly more evident when looking at the table above, with Stach greatly trumping Brownhill when it comes to tackles made, ball recoveries made, and total duels won per match last season in their respective leagues.

Having such a lively, fierce anchor in the side means Brownhill will be able to focus even more on his explosive attacking game at Elland Road, with the 29-year-old’s stunning output of 18 goals and six assists last season for Burnley clinching automatic promotion out of the Championship, alongside Farke’s title-winners.

With six goals and six assists already next to his name in the Premier League, too, both Brownhill and Stach could be components of a new-look midfield that just work alongside each other, as the EFL “superstar” – as he was once dubbed by former manager Lee Johnson – attempts to become a top-flight regular wearing Leeds white.

Of course, the £100k-per-week salary at Toronto might prove to be too tempting to turn down.

But, with steady teammates such as Stach next to him, Brownhill could shine as a gung-ho midfield presence up a division, as Leeds attempt to make survival less of a chore with entertaining displays.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign £35m Brazilian ahead of Man City and Leeds

The Villans desperately need to get moving this summer.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as widely reported, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has a price in mind.

Fabrizio Romano was among the reliable media outlets to confirm Spurs’ negotiations for Eze in a separate deal to their pursuit of Man City winger Savinho, with supporters now poised for a potentially exciting end to the transfer window.

“Understand Tottenham are also back in talks for Eberechi Eze in separate deal from Savinho,” wrote Romano on X.

“Spurs trying again for Eze while they work on Savinho, following Maddison injury and Son exit. Eze keen but deal depends on Palace as release clause expired.”

Interestingly, other reliable media sources differ with Romano about Eze’s £68 million release clause.

According to both talkSPORT and Standard Sport, the buy-out currently remains active and won’t expire until this Friday – potentially giving Levy and co a window of opportunity to trigger it and make Eze a Spurs player.

In a further bit of good news for Thomas Frank, who is in dire need of another creative attacking player after James Maddison’s ACL rupture, Eze is reportedly becoming open to joining Tottenham before the transfer deadline on September 1.

It is important to note that Frank’s side face stiff competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who have been in pursuit of the 27-year-old for well over a month after holding consistent talks with his representatives (Fabrizio Romano).

However, Arsenal currently have to make sales first (The Telegraph), and that may be stopping them from making a formal bid for Eze.

Their hesitancy could hand Spurs an advantage in the race for Eze, especially considering Levy and technical director Johan Lange were ready to splash £60 million on Nottingham Forest’s number 10, Morgan Gibbs-White, over a month ago.

The price Tottenham want to pay for Eberechi Eze

According to reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham have a minimum valuation for the England international and an ideal price they’re willing to pay, as Levy looks to strike a deal quickly.

Taking to X, Jacobs reports that Levy wants to pay a similar fee to their deal for winger Mohammed Kudus – around £55 million.

That being said, Palace have been clear in their demands to sell their star attacking asset.

Given Tottenham’s glaring need for another forward option, after losing Son Heung-min to LAFC, Maddison to injury and being forced to deal with Dejan Kulusevski’s continued absence, it is imperative that Levy pulls no punches here.

Eze appears set to cost a similar price to what they were more than prepared to pay for Gibbs-White, so the Lilywhites clearly have the necessary funds to meet Palace’s valuation.

He’d be worth every penny, too, having averaged more shots, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any other Palace player in the Premier League last term – all whilst racking up 14 goals and a further 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze can also play on the left-wing when required, and you can make a serious case that he’s exactly who Frank is crying out for.

The total prize pot has gone up by 53% to $6.9 million

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Feb-2025The winners of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will receive US$2.24 million as prize money along with the trophy they lift on March 9. The runners-up will get $1.12 million, and the losing semi-finalists will be awarded $560,000 each. The total pot is worth $6.9 million, a jump of 53% from 2017, when Pakistan had lifted the trophy at The Oval.The Champions Trophy continues to be an eight-team tournament, split into two groups of four teams each. The top two from each group will proceed to the semi-finals. Each group match is worth more than $34,000 to the victorious team. the teams that finish fifth and sixth will each earn $350,000, while the seventh- and eighth-placed teams will take home $140,000 each.”In addition, all eight teams are assured of $125,000 each for competing in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025,” an ICC statement said.ICC chair Jay Shah said, “The substantial prize pot underscores the ICC’s ongoing commitment to investing in the sport and maintaining the global prestige of our events. Beyond the financial incentive, this tournament ignites fierce competition, captivates fans worldwide, and plays a vital role in fostering the growth and long-term sustainability of cricket for future generations.”The tournament begins on February 19 in Karachi with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand. It’s the first ICC tournament to be played in Pakistan since they co-hosted the 1996 World Cup. India’s matches will, however, be played in Dubai – against Bangladesh on February 20, against Pakistan on February 23, and against New Zealand on March 2 – since the team wasn’t allowed to travel to Pakistan. The rest of the tournament will be played across Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. If India reach the knockouts, the matches will continued to be played in Dubai. Their semi-final is slotted for March 4.It will continue to be an eight-team tournament and played every four years going forward. The Women’s Champions Trophy will be played for the first time in 2027 in the T20 format.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians está por detalhes de anunciar a venda de 50% dos direitos econômicos de Pedro ao Zenit, da Rússia, por 9 milhões de euros (R$ 47 milhões na cotação atual). Os valores deixaram a torcida corintiana incomodada, tendo em vista que o atacante de 17 anos é visto como a principal promessa da base nos últimos anos.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoTorcedores do Corinthians exaltam jovem após vitória na Libertadores: ‘Vai ter que jogar’Fora de Campo29/06/2023CorinthiansSilêncio nas organizadas e cobranças à diretoria: torcida protesta na despedida do Corinthians na LibertadoresCorinthians28/06/2023CorinthiansATUAÇÕES: Carlos Miguel e Crias do Terrão roubam a cena em vitória do Corinthians na LibertadoresCorinthians28/06/2023

+ IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Timão na Liberta por apenas R$1,00!

Alessandro Nunes, gerente de futebol do Timão, justificou a venda como forma de quitar pendências financeiras e tirar o transfer ban do clube, já que o Timão está impedido de registrar novos jogadores por conta de uma dívida com o empresário Eduardo Bou Daye e corre risco de sofrer novamente essa punição por uma dívida com Mauro Boselli.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Uma das formas de arrecadação é a venda de atletas. Se fez necessário fazer uma venda para pagar contas. Não estou falando isso para justificar os valores do Pedro. É um número que avaliamos ser importante, e que se finalizarmos os detalhes, tudo deve ocorrer para a venda acontecer, e quem sabe até outras, se forem importantes e se entendermos que vai vão ser boas para pagar nossas contas, que não são poucas – disse o dirigente após a vitória corintiana sobre o Liverpool-URU.

continua após a publicidade

Alessandro admitiu que o clube não irá receber o valor da venda de Pedro à vista, e sim parcelado, sendo esse um dos últimos pontos da negociação.

+ Veja grupo do Timão e a situação dos brasileiros na Libertadores

– Quando mencionamos detalhes é porque a negociação envolve isso, Existe um montante final e buscamos que esse valor inicial seja o mais significativo possível. Quanto maior for, mais ajuda nosso clube – concluiu Alessandro.

continua após a publicidade

Pedro começou a partida contra o Liverpool-URU no banco de reservas e entrou no segundo tempo, no lugar de Wesley. Após o jogo, o técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo analisou a situação envolvendo o atacante de 17 anos.

-Se encaminhado para ter uma solução. Meu pensamento das coisas que tão vendo aqui. Futebol é que nem macarrão, se esfriar fica ruim, se come quente. Coisas do futebol. Base é ativo do clube. Se aparecer oportunidade boa de negociação, vamos fazer. Dentro de uma conversa com dirigentes de que se aparecer a proposta a gente vai fechar, transação de futebol valores de mercado até bom que é um moleque que estava aí, todo mundo falava. Futebol é negócio, tem que fazer caixa. Ativo dos clubes estão muitos nas categorias de base. Esse molecada antes do jogo era um valor e hoje foram observados e começando a jogar são ativos do clube – disse Luxa na coletiva.

The attacking department at Tottenham Hotspur has been subject to somewhat of an overhaul this summer, especially after the departure of fan favourite Heung-min Son.

The South Korean departed in a £20m move to join MLS outfit LAFC, ending his Lilywhites career on a high after claiming the Europa League title at the end of last season.

However, it was an emotional departure, bringing an end to his decade-long stint in North London – a period that saw him amass over 400 appearances and become the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

At 33, it was undoubtedly the right call to allow him to move on to pastures new, but it’s left a void in the forward area – something which Thomas Frank will want to fill before the end of the summer window.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already been added to such a department, the new boss has made it abundantly clear that he wants added reinforcements to help him in his quest to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Spurs preparing another big move after Eze

A deal for Eberechi Eze has been in the pipeline for numerous weeks now, but a deal seems to be edging closer to completion, after key moves were made by Daniel Levy.

It was reported that the Spurs owner held face-to-face talks with Steve Parish over a move for the Englishman, which has seen a verbal agreement of £55m plus £5m in add-ons be reached in recent days.

A deal for the 27-year-old could see the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number ten finally come to an end, subsequently turning their attention to Monaco star Magnhes Akliouche in an attempt to further strengthen the squad.

According to The Independent, Frank’s men have identified the winger as the latest attacking target this window, potentially pursuing a move for the 23-year-old before the September 1st deadline.

Their report claims that the Frenchman is seen as an alternative to Manchester City’s Savinho after the lack of progress on a deal for the Brazilian, with Akliouche a cheaper option, currently available for around a bargain fee of £43.5m.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect alongside Eze

As previously mentioned, a deal for Eze appears to finally be edging towards its completion, in a deal that would be yet another excellent deal for Spurs this window.

The attacking midfielder was one of the most potent number 10s in the division last year, managing to register 26 combined goals and assists – subsequently firing the Eagles to FA Cup glory.

If he can replicate such numbers across the capital in 2025/26, it would be a signing that would go a long way to improving the options at Frank’s disposal – making the side a force to be reckoned with across all competitions.

Such a deal would also allow the Lilywhites to get one over their bitter North London rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners also previously interested in a move for the England international.

However, the prospect of Eze operating in Frank’s side is scary enough, not to mention the potential partnership he could strike up with Akliouche, should he too make the move to join the club.

He may be an unknown quantity to many, but the 23-year-old enjoyed a season to remember in his homeland last campaign, notching seven goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

His underlying stats were just as impressive, adding another dimension to the Lilywhites squad, offering another huge attacking threat in the hierarchy’s quest for added success in the near future.

Akliouche, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ranked in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box and passes into the 18-yard box last campaign – highlighting his ability to create or be on the end of chances.

Such numbers would fit perfectly into the hands of Eze, who registered 12 assists last season, with the pair able to link up and improve their respective tallies in North London.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

15

Pass accuracy

82%

Progressive passes

6.5

Progressive carries

4.8

Touches in opposition box

5.4

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

Carries into final third

1.8

Take-on success

49%

Key passes made

1.9

The Monaco youngster also ranked in the 94th percentile for carries into the final third, whilst posting a 49% take-on success rate, subsequently able to get the ball into dangerous areas at any given opportunity.

His talents are further reflected in his progressive passes per 90 rate, averaging 5.5 per 90, with such tools able to find Eze – who will be required to make third-man runs in behind the striker within Frank’s current system.

Whilst both players would set the club back over £100m, they are additions that need to be made if the club are to build on their recent European triumph in 2024/25.

Both players are extremely technical, having the talent to get out of tight spaces and create endless opportunities, with Akliouche in particular being an exciting addition for the immediate and long-term future in North London.

Romero will love him: Spurs chasing "one of the best defenders in the PL"

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land another top defensive talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 19, 2025

Aston Villa have experienced a far from ideal summer transfer window.

Indeed, Unai Emery’s Villans were rocked early on by PSR-related worries, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers routinely linked away from Villa Park to try and cough up some much-needed money.

In the end, Jacob Ramsey was sacrificed, as the homegrown midfielder waved the West Midlands goodbye for £43m to join Newcastle United.

In terms of incomings, it has hardly been the most exciting environment, either, with moves for both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to leave Chelsea behind for another Premier League shot at redemption going awry.

It could well go down to the wire as the clock ticks down to 7pm on Monday evening, with a dramatic last-gasp move in the offing.

Aston Villa's last-minute business

Strap in to the deadline day rollercoaster; it might well be an intense one for fans of a Villa persuasion.

Indeed, it’s not out of the question that Emiliano Martinez could be leaving Villa Park behind, with reports emerging on Sunday that Manchester United are looking at him to replace error-prone Andre Onana, as the Argentine’s name reappears on their shopping list.

In case Martinez leaves, Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has emerged on their radar, as has Senne Lammens at Royal Antwerp.

But, the most eye-catching rumour of them has little to do with the ‘keeper department, as Villa prepare a last-gasp swoop for forgotten Red Devils winger Jadon Sancho.

Despite largely impressing last season on loan at Chelsea, Sancho looks to be on the way out of Old Trafford before deadline day is up.

According to the Athletic, the possibility of the £31m-rated attacker coming to Villa Park is being explored as part of a deal that sees Martinez relocate to the Theatre of Dreams.

This could be quite the last-ditch move in the West Midlands, with Emery potentially working his magic on yet another much-maligned United presence, like he did with Marcus Rashford last season on loan.

How Sancho can be Emery's new Rashford

Rashford was in dire need of a confidence boost when walking into Emery’s camp last season, after seeing his Red Devils reputation tarnished in front of his eyes.

After being pushed out of Ruben Amorim’s starting XI in Manchester, it might well have been hard for the 27-year-old to get back to letting his football do the talking.

However, he managed that in style under the Spaniard’s wing, with a sublime four goals and six assists coming his way from just 17 clashes.

Games played

41

Minutes played

2419

Goals scored

5

Assists

10

Trophies

1x

Sancho also silenced some of his vocal naysayers on loan at Stamford Bridge last campaign when deployed regularly down Rashford’s usual left flank, with five goals and ten assists next to his name after 41 games in West London, as a Europa Conference League trophy was even lifted off the back of his short-term heroics.

Hailed as a “special” player by Enzo Maresca, Emery could perhaps the correct manager to raise his game to another level beyond his impressive Chelsea stint, having just proven himself to be the spark that Rashford needed to breathe life back into his own faltering playing days.

The Villans require some more options down either flank, too, with Leon Bailey another notable departure this summer.

That’s where Sancho could come to the rescue, having lined up down either channel for Chelsea last season, as Emery hopes his side can kick on past a turbulent window to be a success story in the Premier League once more.

Aston Villa now reach agreement to sign "brilliant" star ahead of Everton

The Villans are set to get their man…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 31, 2025

Everton have made some smart signings this summer and could be set to ruffle the feathers of a couple of Premier League rivals in their latest pursuit, per reports.

Everton probe for late signings under David Moyes

The summer window always promised to be a transformational one at the Hill Dickinson Stadium due to Everton’s newfound financial clout under the Friedkin Group, and the likes of Jack Grealish, Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall arriving have illustrated their ambition.

Still, David Moyes recently delivered an honest response when asked about the Toffees’ remaining activity before Monday’s deadline, claiming his side won’t be able to accomplish everything they’d have hoped in terms of recruiting new personnel.

He said: “We’re trying to up the quality as we go along. But I’m sort of saying it now because we’re just about at the end of the window, we just can’t do everything and we generally don’t have the finances to do everything in this window.”

Still, Everton aren’t letting up in their pursuit of new additions and have Tomas Soucek on their radar, who Moyes is a huge admirer of due to their time spent together at West Ham United.

Nevertheless, the Hammers are standing firm on their £19 million valuation of the midfielder, leading the Toffees to keep an eye on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

Morale is high at the club and supporters are buying into the project put forward under Moyes. Regardless, there is an appetite for further business to see their side break through a glass ceiling that has been tough to crack in recent years.

If recent developments are anything to go by, the Toffees could now be about to upset the apple cart by attempting to usurp two of their Premier League rivals in pursuit of an in-demand playmaker.

Everton vying to sign West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta

According to Globo, Everton have held talks behind the scenes over West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is also wanted by Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the transfer deadline.

Despite a deal taking him away from the London Stadium being deemed unlikely, negotiations between the parties mentioned haven’t yet ceased, though the Hammers are demanding a fee of £50 million before sanctioning the Brazil international’s exit.

Related The new Barry: Everton chasing late move for another "special" English star

Everton are interested in signing an England U21 star.

Posts 1 ByWill Miller Aug 29, 2025

Labelled a “maverick” by Moyes, Paqueta has scored twice in three matches across all competitions this campaign, which is made all the more impressive by the fact the Irons haven’t managed to win a single fixture under Graham Potter.

Capable of featuring in attacking midfield or as a centre-forward, his arrival would add another exciting element to the Toffees’ attack, albeit it remains to be seen how realistic forcing a deal over the line will prove in light of their financial reality.

PSR regulations need to be adhered to and the Friedkin Group will only spend if necessary, leaving supporters on the edge of their seats for further developments.

Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has admitted he still regrets missing out on signing Florian Wirtz, insisting the German star "would be better off at Bayern than at Liverpool". The former executive also reflected on failed attempts for Nick Woltemade after their public pursuit of the striker ended in him joining Newcastle from Stuttgart.

• Wirtz’s Liverpool start and adaptation

  Since joining Liverpool in the summer for a reported £116 million ($156m), Wirtz has struggled to fully assert himself. Starting six of seven appearances, the 22-year-old has managed only one assist, prompting questions about his adaptation to the Premier League. While he was left out of the Carabao Cup squad against Southampton, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged patience, reminding fans and pundits alike that Wirtz needs time to adjust to his new environment.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Rummenigge reflects on missed Florian Wirtz transfer

  Bayern board member and former CEO Rummenigge feels Wirtz's situation would be much different had he opted to accept the Bundesliga side's offer when he chose to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

  "I have to honestly say, I still feel sorry for Florian Wirtz because I think the player would be better off at Bayern Munich than at Liverpool," he told

• Nick Woltemade and financial caution

  It was a frustrating summer for Bayern that saw them miss out on several attacking targets. One of those was new Newcastle striker Woltemade, who agreed to join the Bundesliga champions from Stuttgart after talks with coach Vincent Kompany. Their offers were rejected by Stuttgart, though, and the Premier League side were able to swoop in late in the transfer window.

  "We could have signed Woltemade," Rummenigge said. "But I also have to say that FC Bayern would be well advised not to go along with every financial madness. I've always said that we want sporting success, but please with serious and solid financing. We have a top team. We'll be back this year as well. And if the three currently injured players come back soon, then we'll have a superb team."

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  Next challenges for Liverpool and Bayern

  Bayern will host Werder Bremen in a Bundesliga clash that, on paper, heavily favours the Bavarians. Rummenigge’s reflections serve as a reminder of the club’s careful transfer policy and long-term planning, even amid high-profile disappointments. For Wirtz, the Premier League challenge continues, with the upcoming match against Crystal Palace offering a chance to break his scoring drought and justify the investment that Bayern narrowly missed.

Marseille’s historic 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain was not without drama, as manager Roberto De Zerbi was sent off in stoppage time for his on-field confrontation with the referee. Pundit Daniel Riolo has since criticised the Italian, warning that his temper could end up costing the team following his latest fiery outburst.

De Zerbi sent off in famous PSG win

De Zerbi was booked for protesting a foul in stoppage time, but when he kept going and stepped on to the field, the referee showed him a red card. The drama didn’t derail Marseille’s night, though, as they held firm to claim their first home win over the defending Ligue 1 champions in 14 years.

AdvertisementAFPMarseille coach told he 'absolutely has to calm down'

Speaking on , Riolo said De Zerbi’s constant tension is becoming a problem for the club. "If this team wants to grow with the quality of its players and the coach's playing ideas, he absolutely has to calm down. The problem is, I can't remember the last time I saw him calm. It's as if everything is too big for him, the event is too big, the pressure he's under is too great. He can't play a season like that. Now he has players, enough to make a team, he has choices. He has to put his brain in the fridge from time to time. He can't play matches non-stop with a pressure cooker instead of a brain."

Italian manager shrugs it off

The 46-year-old wasn’t interested in the criticism despite the drama surrounding his red card and instead focused on his team's performance. 

"It’s one of the best days since my arrival,” he said after the. game. "I came here for the Velodrome and to beat PSG, the team that represents power, that has been winning unrivaled for years, which I don't accept in my philosophy. But we haven't done anything so far. The most important thing is Friday in Strasbourg to take another step towards building a great team."

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GettyWhen do Marseille play next?

Marseille sit sixth in Ligue 1 with three wins and two defeats. They travel to Strasbourg on Friday before hosting Ajax in the Champions League on September 30.