The New York Yankees solidified the back end of their bullpen for 2025 with the acquisition of closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this month.
Williams, who has established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the game, was excited about the trade to the Yankees, but said heading to New York was never on his radar.
"To be honest, I didn't really think so," Williams said, when he was asked if he thought being traded to the Yankees was a possibility. "I thought…I kinda thought I would be going to L.A. [Dodgers]. That's what I was being told and you know, the Yankees snuck in there under the table and got the deal done."
Williams was traded to the Yankees on Dec. 13 in a package that included pitcher Nestor Cortes, second baseman Caleb Durbin and cash considerations heading to the Brewers.
What the Yankees got was a premier reliever, who in a shortened season coming off a stress fracture in his back, posted a 1.25 ERA with 38 strikeouts and 14 saves over 21.2 innings pitched in 2024.
When healthy, the 30-year-old Williams is one of the most reliable bullpen arms in the sport, and will certainly solidify the New York bullpen next season.
Barcelona have confirmed they will host an open training session for 23,000 fans at the Camp Nou in a test run ahead of the renovated stadium's official reopening. After many lengthy delays to the team's return to the iconic ground, the event will serve as a test to help secure the necessary licence to begin playing games there again.
Barca confirm open training session test
Barcelona officially announced a first-team open training session at the Spotify Camp Nou on Friday, 7 November, which will double as a crucial operational test for the partially redeveloped stadium.
The session will be the first time fans can enter the stadium since its long-running construction began and will serve as a "technical and operational test" ahead of a full, competitive reopening.
A total of 23,000 fans will be allowed to attend as Barca take a vital step forward in the "gradual reopening process" as they work towards hosting an official La Liga fixture.
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Camp Nou reopening nears
The first-team squad, led by manager Hansi Flick, will train at Camp Nou, with fans watching on from the Main Stand (Tribune) and Gol Sud (South Goal) areas. This corresponds to "Phase 1A" of the reopening, for which the club has confirmed it now "holds the first occupancy licence."
Ticket sales began on Friday and the club has confirmed all proceeds will go to the 'Polseres Blaugranes' (Blaugrana Bracelets) project, a Barca Foundation initiative supporting the emotional well-being of hospitalised children.
While the event allows fans a first glimpse of the new stadium, its primary purpose is technical. Barcelona confirmed the session will be used to verify the new infrastructure under live conditions.
In its official statement, the club described the event as a test "to ensure the proper functioning of systems, access points, and various aspects of the facility." This "general rehearsal" is a required step to gain final clearance for hosting competitive matches in the 23,000-capacity Phase 1A configuration.
A nightmare year of construction delays
This test event comes after a tumultuous year of setbacks for the Espai Barca project, which has been plagued by never-ending delays and controversy.
The original plan, stated by president Joan Laporta, was for the team to return to a partially opened Camp Nou for the club's 125th anniversary in November 2024. That deadline was missed by almost a full year, with the project reportedly running 317 days behind schedule as of mid-October 2025.
The project's delays have been scrutinised alongside a "bombshell report" concerning the selection of the Turkish construction firm, Limak.
According to the report, Barcelona's own technical experts rated Limak's €960 million bid as the worst option, scoring it below 50 out of 100. It was placed last behind rival bids from Ferrovial and FCC, with internal experts citing concerns over Limak's ability to justify its construction schedule and its demand for €200 million in initial financing, compared to just €12 million from competitors.
The club's management, led by Espai Barça director Joan Sentelles, allegedly overruled this "non-binding" technical report. The decision reportedly caused significant internal strife, leading to the resignation of board director Jordi Llaurado, who felt the process "lacked transparency."
The primary reason for selecting Limak, despite the damning internal review, was the firm's "aggressive timeline." Limak was the only bidder to guarantee a return to Camp Nou by the November 2024 deadline, a date competitors reportedly described to the club as "impossible."
With that "impossible" deadline now passed, the club is reportedly not enforcing contractual financial penalties for the delays. Officials have attributed the setbacks to external factors like material shortages, despite a reported contract clause stating that "any delay due to a lack or delay in the supply of materials" is the contractor's responsibility.
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Why Barca rejected an earlier 27,000-fan return
Adding to the complex situation, the city council had already granted Barcelona permission to reopen Camp Nou for 27,000 spectators under the Phase 1A licence.
However, the club's board opted to reject this immediate return, choosing to remain at Montjuic. Club sources stated the decision "comes down to finances." The larger capacity at Montjuic currently offers higher matchday revenue, and the club believes a return to a partially open Camp Nou does not make economic sense until the 47,000-seat approval for Phase 1B is secured.
Phase 1B, which includes the side stands, is also necessary to host UEFA Champions League matches.
The club are now focused on securing approval for Phase 1B. Vice president Elena Fort, who oversees the Espai Barca project, recently explained the club's strategy to .
"We hope that phase 1B, which would accommodate 47,000 spectators, will be approved soon, because the works are finished and it's a matter of permits and project validation, and it's simpler than the approved phase," Fort said.
She also identified a new target window for the official, competitive return. "Any date would be good, because what we want is to return, but the end of November, whether it's against Athletic or Getafe, which would coincide with the club's 126th anniversary, would be a great match."
Em alta na temporada e na parte de cima da tabela, RB Bragantino e Atlético-MG se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (25), às 19h, no Estádio Nabi Abi Chedid, pela 29ª rodada do Brasileirão. O duelo reune o quinto melhor mandante contra o terceiro melhor visitante da competição.
+ Acompanhe o dia dos atletas brasileiros no Pan-Americano de Santiago
O Massa Bruta defende uma invencivilidade de nove jogos e aposta na boa fase do atacante Eduardo Sasha, que participou dos últimos três gols da equipe no Brasileirão, para seguir na caça do líder Botafogo.
O Galo junta os cacos após perder o primeiro clássico mineiro disputado na Arena MRV e quer os três pontos para entrar no G6. O técnico Felipão aposta na dupla Paulinho e Hulk, que juntos somam 21 gols no Brasileirão, para reverter a impressão deixada contra o Cruzeiro.
+ Veja tabela e simule os resultados do Brasileirão
RB BRAGANTINO X ATLÉTICO-MG 29ª RODADA DO CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO
Local: Arena, Cuiabá (MT) Data e hora: quarta-feira, 25 de outubro de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília) Árbitro: Marcelo de Lima Henrique (CE) Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa (FIFA-RJ) e Marcia Bezerra Lopes Caetano (RO) Árbitro de vídeo: Rodolpho Toski Marques (FIFA-PR) Onde assistir: Premiere e no tempo real do Lance!
RB BRAGANTINO
Cleiton; Aderlan, Realpe, Léo Ortiz e Juninho Capixaba; Raul, Eric Ramires e Lucas Evangelista; Vitinho, Matheus Gonçalves e Eduardo Sasha. Técnico: Pedro Caixinha
Desfalques: Matheus Fernandes (suspenso) e Lucão, Lucas Cunha, Eduardo e Nathan Camargo (lesionados)
Pendurados: Realpe, Aderlan, Vitinho e Matheus Gonçalves
ATLÉTICO-MG
Everson; Saravia, Bruno Fuchs, Jemerson (Igor Rabello) e Guilherme Arana; Rodrigo Battaglia (Cristian Pavón), Otávio, Igor Gomes (Pedrinho) e Alan Franco; Paulinho e Hulk. Técnico: Felipão
Desfalques: Maurício Lemos e Zaracho (suspensos) e Mariano (lesionado)
Marcus Rashford could be thrust into the starting line-up for Barcelona for the highly-anticipated El Clasico clash on Sunday following another damaging injury to a key Barca star just hours before the match. The England international has made an excellent start to his loan spell at Barcelona, bagging five goals and six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Barca's patched-up side head to Bernabeu
Barcelona head to the Santiago Bernabeu with a significantly depleted squad and assistant coach Marcus Sorg has now confirmed that forward Raphinha will also miss the game, as the Brazilian has not recovered from a leg muscle injury. Sorg will be in the dugout for the defending champions after Hansi Flick was sent off during the recent clash with Girona.
Raphinha joins a long list of high-profile absentees, which includes Dani Olmo, Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, and goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The Catalans are firmly up against it, but there was some good news as key players Ferran Torres, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Frenkie De Jong all participated in Saturday's training session. And now Rashford could line-up against his Three Lions team-mate Jude Bellingham.
AdvertisementAFPRashford feeling the love at Barca
The England international has thrived under coach Hansi Flick where his performances have been a key factor in the Catalan giants’ positive start to the season, and he has expressed his strong desire to make the loan move permanent.
When asked if he would like to stay at the Catalan giants, Rashford told Barcelona's YouTube channel: "I'm really enjoying my time in Spain. The weather is the best part. It’s a very big change. I’m learning every day, I’m really enjoying it. I hope to be here for a long time. I get along really well with Roony (Bardghji), as well as Jules (Kounde) and Frenkie (De Jong). It’s a team where we all blend together. We’re united. The team is fantastic. I just have to be in the right position. I’ll keep trying to do this. We have to keep going like this to be our best. We have a lot more to do this season."
He added: "I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game so to play here is an honour. I just believe that things happen when they’re supposed to happen. It’s not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn’t happen in the past, and now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there’s no time like the present now."
Raphinha rocked on eve of El Clasico
Sorg said: "Any team would miss Raphinha, but the situation is what it is. He is injured. We'll see if Ferran (Torres) starts, we'll decide tomorrow. Jules Kounde also trained this morning and may play. I still have no idea about the starting eleven."
Sorg also spoke about Flick’s absence, he said: "Flick will always be missed because he's one of the most important parts of the team. I think to have Flick on the sidelines, because the players trust him, he gives them confidence. His absence does have an influence. But Flick is in a good mood, positive, motivated."
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AFPYamal stirs up the tension
The war of words ahead of El Clasico shows no sign of abating with Madrid captain Dani Carvajal planning to confront Barca wonderkid Lamine Yamal at the end of the match over what he sees as "disrespectful" remarks in the build-up to the hotly-anticipated clash between the Spanish giants. Speaking on a Twitch stream ahead of the game, Yamal stoked the ill-feeling between the two sides, saying: "They (Real) steal, they complain, and they do things".
Andres Iniesta has shared his thoughts on the situation and isn't too concerned by Yamal's words. He said: "It’s a comment to add a little spice to the Clasico. Beyond the comments or not, it will be a spectacular match. We'll see what happens. A lot of importance is always given to what is said, especially if it's before a match like this. I'm not very up to date with the news either. Some people will say it's to warm up the match and others won't like it, but what really matters is what happens in those 90 minutes."
Arsenal and Man City have developed a fierce on-field rivalry over the years, and they could now be involved in a “surprise” transfer saga away from the pitch too.
Andrea Berta's priorities after busy Arsenal transfer window
Sporting director Andrea Berta made a real splash during his debut summer window as sporting director, overseeing a £250 million-plus spend on eight major signings to bolster Mikel Arteta’s title challenge.
This outlay made Arsenal one of the Premier League’s most lavish spenders, and they recorded the highest total net spend when factoring in their lack of significant player sales.
Rank
Club
Gross Spend
Sales
Net Spend
5.
Sunderland
£183.4m
£42m
-£141.4m
4.
Tottenham
£171.2m
£17m
-£154.2m
3.
Manchester United
£232.4m
£61.7m
-£170.7m
2.
Liverpool
£446.5m
£228.1m
-£218.4m
1.
Arsenal
£267m
£10m
-£257m
The arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapie, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres were arguably worth the Gunners’ massive outlay, and before even considering any January recruitment plans, Berta is working on new deals for some of Arsenal’s key stars.
Arsenal were gifted an almighty boost by William Saliba’s agreed contract extension, which will keep him at the club until 2030, and Berta is swiftly lining up a new contract for winger Bukayo Saka as well.
Saka is expected to put pen to paper before Christmas, according to Football Transfers, and his prospective fresh terms could bring him in line with Arsenal’s highest earners.
The 24-year-old is poised to earn around £250,000-per-week once he signs, but this number could go even higher to smooth negotiations over.
Once both Saliba and Saka are tied down for the foreseeable future, Berta can turn his attention back towards the transfer market, with journalist Pete O’Rourke sharing that the Arsenal recruitment team have their eyes on one of Germany’s rising stars.
Arsenal and Man City eye "surprise" Nathaniel Brown move
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who told Football Insider that both Arsenal and Man City are targeting Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown.
The German Under-21 international left-back penned a new contract himself earlier this year, keeping him at Eintracht until 2030, so the Bundesliga side are in a very solid position to demand good money.
What’s more, Arsenal have Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori at left-back already, something not lost on O’Rourke, but he insists that Berta is looking at a “surprise” move for Brown at some point over the coming transfer windows.
The 22-year-old bagged three goals and seven assists from 26 Bundesliga appearances last season, featuring both as a left-back and left-midfielder, so Brown has more uses than simply filling in on the left side of defence.
He’s already off the mark for Eintracht this season too, and Arteta may well be taking note of his attacking capabilities amid the uncertain futures surrounding super subs Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
According to WhoScored, only Omar Marmoush averaged more key passes per 90 in the final third than Brown for Eintracht last season, with the youngster finishing 24/25 as their third-best performer overall behind the Egyptian and Liverpool star Hugo Ekitiké.
On the face of it, Brown isn’t a major requirement right now, but it is clear as day why Arsenal are taking note of his exploits in Europe.
Jack Grealish couldn’t resist giving himself a cheeky pat on the back after firing home a comical late winner that sealed Everton’s 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace. After a turbulent final year at Manchester City, Grealish has rediscovered his spark, and his trademark grin, under David Moyes’ revitalised Everton side.
New club, new energy – the rebirth of Jack Grealish
It’s safe to say the blue half of Merseyside is smitten. Since joining on a seaoson-long deal this summer, Grealish has been electric. Nine appearances, four assists, and now his first goal, it’s been a perfect redemption arc for a player written off by many as past his prime. His dazzling August displays even earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award, proof that the 30-year-old’s talent is still as sharp as ever. Moyes has handed him freedom on the left wing, and Grealish has responded with the kind of form that made him one of England’s most exciting players back in his Aston Villa days.
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The winner that brought the house down
Sunday’s victory over Palace was pure theatre. With the game finely balanced at 1-1, a fortuitous Grealish popped up in the dying moments to rebound a misplaced clearance into the net – a moment of chaos that sent the Everton bench into raptures. Taking to Instagram, he joked: “Nah what a one-touch finish that was man!!! Unbelievable day that was for you the Toffees! What a group of lads well done my brothers.”
Left out in the cold by Tuchel – but Grealish won’t give up
Despite his resurgence, Grealish’s form wasn’t enough to earn him a recall to the England squad named by Thomas Tuchel last week. The Three Lions boss opted to leave him out once again, a decision that raised plenty of eyebrows among fans. But rather than sulk, Grealish has taken it on the chin. He revealed he’s already spoken to Tuchel about the situation and made it clear that his ambition to return to the national setup burns stronger than ever.
Grealish said: "First of all, you want to play well for your club, because that’s what we do every week. But, obviously, you want to be in the England squad. But I do understand it. I spoke to the manager there, and I understand that there’s a lot of competition, especially in that left-wing spot at the moment. Rashy’s [Marcus Rashford] flying, Eze, Anthony Gordon, you know, everyone’s doing so well. I can’t really complain, it is what it is. Hopefully, I can just keep performing and keep influencing games."
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On the road back to the top
With his trademark swagger back and the Hill Dickinson Stadium chanting his name, Grealish is fast becoming Everton’s new poster boy. Under Moyes, he’s become the heartbeat of the side, driving attacks, creating chances, and now popping up with match-winners. He may not be in Tuchel’s England plans right now, but if this form continues, that door will swing open again soon.
England off spinner will begin the County Championship season at Sophia Gardens with opportunities limited at Somerset
Vithushan Ehantharajah20-Mar-2025England Test off spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to join Glamorgan for the start of the County Championship season on a short-term loan from Somerset, ESPNcricinfo understands.With Bashir behind Jack Leach at Somerset, and the emergence of off-spinning allrounder Archie Vaughan, the county were happy to let Bashir leave Taunton on a temporary deal. The ECB helped facilitate the move to Glamorgan as Bashir is currently on a one-year central contract, and are keen for the 21-year old to get more playing time to hone is raw talent. The stint is understood to be for the first three matches of the season, starting at Sophia Gardens against Leicestershire on April 4, before away fixtures against Gloucestershire and Middlesex.The move allows Glamorgan to cover for leg spinner Mason Crane who will miss the first three rounds with a shoulder injury. The acquisition of Bashir in the absence of Crane, who was due to partner Ben Kellaway – who bowls both left- and right-arm orthodox – allows the club to adhere to a plan of playing two spinners in their XI at the start of their Division Two campaign.Related
Shoaib Bashir on fast track as Ashes mission begins in earnest
Shoaib Bashir joins Worcestershire on short-term loan from Somerset
Bashir emerged as Ben Stokes’ go-to spinner last year, with 49 wickets across 15 Tests, and will use the move to tune-up for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge which begins on May 22. The 21-year-old undertook a similar loan spell at Worcestershire last season – an arrangement Glamorgan were also interested in at the time – in what was a breakthrough 2024.Propelled onto the international scene for the Test tour of India despite just six first-class appearances to his name, Bashir impressed with 17 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in his first three caps. He soon usurped Leach as England’s primary slow-bowling option for the home summer and marked that ascension with career-best red-ball figures of 5 for 41 in the second Test against West Indies, bowling England to victory at Trent Bridge.Challenging series followed against Sri Lanka (six dismissals at 49.33) and in the winter against Pakistan (nine at 49.55) and New Zealand (eight at 51.75). And after taking just four wickets in three matches on England Lions’ tour of Australia, including 1 for 74 in the unofficial Test against Australia A, the chance to start the summer with first-team cricket at Glamorgan will be vital given the high-profile engagements that lie ahead.Bashir will hope to lock horns once more with India in this summer’s five-match Test series, leading into the Ashes at the end of the year. At six-foot-four, his high release point, and a natural ability to impart overspin on the ball are regarded as vital characteristics for success on Australian pitches, something he was able to work on as part of Andrew Flintoff’s Lions squad at the start of the year, with assistance from Lions spin-bowling coach Graeme Swann.To date, just 11 of Bashir’s 27 first-class appearances have come in the County Championship, and his current deal at Somerset is set to expire at the end of the summer, along with his central contract.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo at the start of the year, Bashir underlined a desire to improve his consistency and ability to hold up an end without shirking his wicket-taker responsibilities. “I’m 21 years old, right? I’m still learning. I’ve only played professional cricket for about, what, two or three years? It’s just a work in progress.”Even in the short-term, a move to Glamorgan will aid that development given their propensity to operate with an out-and-out spinner. Last year, Crane played 11 of a possible 14 matches in Division Two, bowling 304.2 overs, the second most in the squad after James Harris’ 309.5, with 29 dismissals. Bashir can also call on the expertise of ex-England spinner Richard Dawson, who was appointed interim-head coach at Glamorgan in January.
Real Betis opened their Europa League account with a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The Andalusian outfit had Antony to thank as his late equaliser denied Forest all three points. Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo hailed the Brazilian's impact and even went so far as to say that the Manchester United flop might be the club's most important signing ever.
Betis blushes saved after Antony heroics
Antony has picked up right where he left off at the end of last season, continuing his strong form by rescuing Real Betis in their opening game of the Europa League on Wednesday. The score was 2-1 in Forest's favour – thanks to a brace from Igor Jesus after Antony's assist set up Cedric Bakambu to break the deadlock in the 15th minute – as the game approached full-time. The ex-United winger, though, proved why him and Betis are a match made in heaven, as he scored the important equaliser in the 85th minute.
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'Antony is the most important signing in Betis' history'
After the game, Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo couldn't contain his euphoria after witnessing Antony's exploits at the Benito Villamarin. "I am 100% sure that maybe Antony is the most important signing in Betis' history," Fajardo told news agency
"Everything [about the signing] because the talent, the level of the player, the level of the club as Manchester United – a big team, a big project, so I am 100% sure that Antony is the best signing in Betis' history.
"When players like Antony come to Betis, it's very, very important. It helps Betis to continue growing in Europe. Last season since Antony arrived, we got to play in a European final.
"Antony, players like Gio [Lo Celso] and Isco, are very, very important because they are the example that Betis continues growing, that we are a serious club in Europe and players in the top level want to come to play in Betis."
Fajardo explains how Betis signed Antony from Man Utd
After stunning during his loan spell at the club in the second half of the season, Antony pushed hard for a permanent move to Betis. The love he received from the Betis faithful and the confidence shown by head coach Manuel Pellegrini meant that he was unwilling to entertain a switch to any other club. With United demanding €40 million (£35m/$46m), Betis' hopes of signing Antony diminished due to their inability to fork out that amount. However, United and Betis agreed on a cut-price €25m (£22m/$29m) fee, which saw the Brazil international return to Seville on a five-year deal.
Fajardo provided insights on how the two clubs reached middle ground after intense negotiations. "We started to discuss with Manchester about Antony in May, June because we needed a lot of time for convincing Manchester," Fajardo said. "But Antony, the agent, his family were convinced to come to Betis again.
"In the first moment we spoke with Manchester United for Antony to stay in Betis one year more on loan. But for Antony, for Manchester it was very, very important to recover the investment, so for Betis it was not easy. The move was too much for us [from a financial standpoint].
"But Manchester United made a big effort, Betis made a big effort, Antony made a big, big effort to play here again. Maybe in that situation that was the secret.
"For Betis it is not easy to sign players from Premier League, because the difference in respect to the salary between the Premier League and La Liga is too big. But when a player like Antony, for example, wants to come to Betis it's easier. Antony only thought to play in Betis again, so when you have a negotiation with a big club in Manchester United, a club that paid a big amount for Antony, it's not easy. But the player wants to play in Betis."
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When will Antony and Betis play next?
Antony is off to a flyer with his new side, while Pellegrini's men are just two points behind the top four in La Liga. The left-footed right-winger will be expected to lead Betis' attack once again when they welcome Osasuna on Sunday.
Trevor Bayliss has left his role at London Spirit in the Hundred after his men’s team finished bottom in 2024. Bayliss replaced the late Shane Warne as men’s coach ahead of the 2022 season, when Eoin Morgan captained them to the play-offs, but his team have won only three games and lost 11 in the last two years since Morgan’s retirement.Bayliss’ side were particularly poor in 2024, losing seven of their eight matches with a scrappy three-wicket win over Welsh Fire the only exception. Their top picks at the draft, Shimron Hetmyer and Andre Russell, managed 216 runs between them, and Dan Lawrence was unable to get them out of a rut as captain.The Spirit’s struggles in the men’s Hundred were only emphasised by the success of their women’s team, who won the title for the first time under Heather Knight and Ashley Noffke. Noffke has since signed an extension for the 2025 edition, though has lost assistant Ali Maiden to Birmingham Phoenix.”We’d all like to thank Trevor for his considerable efforts across the last three seasons,” Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s general manager and the MCC’s head of cricket, said in a statement. “He initially joined us in difficult circumstances and led the side to a strong finish in 2022, but the team hasn’t been able to replicate that success since.”As a group, we’re desperate to see London Spirit competing at the right end of the table and we think a new approach may be of benefit to our chances. Trevor leaves Lord’s with our best wishes and our gratitude.”Related
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Bayliss’ stock has fallen as a coach of late, five years on from his England side’s triumph in the 2019 50-over World Cup. He was replaced as Punjab Kings coach by Ricky Ponting earlier this year, though has been retained as Sydney Thunder coach for the upcoming Big Bash League season despite overseeing their last-placed finish in 2023-24.London Spirit have already advertised for Bayliss’ replacement, with a first-round deadline of December 11. James Foster and Paul Collingwood are both potential contenders, having spent time working under Bayliss as assistant coaches, and an appointment appears likely to take place before the completion of the Hundred’s ongoing sales process.The second-round deadline for bids from private investors (for 49% stakes in the Hundred’s eight teams) is December 9, with London Spirit expected to attract the highest offers. Interested bidders for the Spirit are understood to include at least two IPL franchises in Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants, as well as the Manchester United co-owner Avram Glazer.
Back in November 1992, Manchester United completed the £1m signing of forward Eric Cantona, in a deal that will certainly be one of the best in the club’s history.
The Frenchman managed to score 64 goals in his 143 appearances over a five-year spell, but it was often his antics without the ball that made him as known as he was at Old Trafford.
In the 1994/95 campaign, the attacker infamously kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace supporter after receiving abuse as he exited the pitch after picking up a red card.
Eric Cantona
He was subsequently banned for eight months, before returning for the next campaign and spending two more years with the Red Devils before departing back in 1997.
However, in the present day, boss Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to land another star who’s been labelled a similar player to the iconic star due to his own antics.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this window
Over the last couple of days, United have been linked with a move to sign Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, as Amorim looks to strengthen his front line ahead of 2025/26.
No bid has yet been made for the Senegalese international, who scored 13 goals across all competitions, but he could be allowed to leave after the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
However, other moves have also been made, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez firmly on their radar this window, according to La Nacion via Sport Witness.
They claim that the Argentinian international is already in negotiations over a move to join the Red Devils this summer, even stating his desire to move to Old Trafford during the off-season.
It also states that the 32-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £40m this window, with Unai Emery’s side prepared to allow him to depart if they can land a replacement.
Why United’s £40m target would be more important than Watkins
Ollie Watkins has been another player firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of weeks, with the hierarchy wanting to hand Amorim the quality and depth he desires in the final third.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal withLeonBailey
The 29-year-old has been linked with a £60m switch to join the Red Devils this window, after netting 17 goals for the Villans across all competitions in 2024/25.
However, it would be a huge investment in a player who’s evidently coming towards the back end of his professional career, arguably having no resale value if he stays at the club for many years.
Other options should be considered in such a department, which could make Martinez a more important addition to the club – especially considering the situation in such a department.
Current number one Andre Onana is out with a hamstring injury and could miss the start of the 2025/26 campaign, opening the door to added investment in such a department.
Martinez, who’s been labelled the “Cantona of his generation” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has constantly been a showman during his time in the Premier League, even having an infamous battle with striker Neal Maupay.
When comparing his stats to those of the Cameroonian from last season, the Argentine has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he’d be a crucial addition to Amorim’s side.
The Argentine managed to concede fewer goals per 90, whilst also achieving a higher save percentage, handing the side the needed defensive reinforcements they desperately need next season.
How Martinez compares to Onana in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Martinez
Onana
Games played
37
34
Goals conceded
1.2
1.3
Saves made
4
3.7
Save percentage
70%
68%
Pass accuracy
78%
72%
Long pass accuracy
49%
36%
Penalty save percentage
50%
25%
Crosses claimed
1.6
0.6
Stats via FBref
Martinez has further impressed in recent times, claiming more crosses per 90 than the current United number one last season, offering Amorim a goalkeeper who can offer a commanding presence within his own box.
The 32-year-old is also a two-time FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year award winner, showcasing his ability to perform at the very top level of European football when required.
Such experience could be crucial in the club’s attempts to rise up the league table and challenge for a place in Europe again in the near future.
There’s no denying that Watkins would hand the side an added focal point, but Martinez would offer an immediate upgrade and fix to a problem position at the Theatre of Dreams.
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