Liverpool and Newcastle United have been at loggerheads for months, but a timeline for an agreement between the two clubs over the transfer of the summer may be fast approaching.
Alexander Isak's latest situation amid heavy Liverpool speculation
In a story that has twisted, turned and left everyone on the edge of their seats, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool and subsequent standoff with the Magpies has left Premier League fans desperate for a conclusion.
Earlier on Saturday, Jan Age Fjortoft sent supporters of the Reds into overdrive, offering a revealing statement on X that the Sweden international is now set to sign on at Anfield for a fee in the region of £130 million.
He stated: “Re: Alexander Isak Understand Isak – deal is done! Newcastle away at Leeds tonight, so nothing expected before that I am told. Fee expected to be around £130m Isak to Liverpool likely to happen very soon.”
However, there is always a twist in the tale somewhere, something that Mailsport’s Dominic King provided around half an hour after Fjortoft’s update on Isak’s situation.
The reporter contradicted claims that Isak is set for Liverpool, instead telling his followers that there is a chance Liverpool may not sign anyone else by Monday’s deadline.
Arne Slot’s men have always maintained hope they can land the Magpies striker, and that doesn’t look likely to change soon, even if some reports diverge from others on the current state of play.
With two extremes mentioned earlier, could the truth behind Isak’s proposed move to Merseyside from Newcastle be somewhere in the middle?
Tavolieri: Liverpool in advanced talks to land Alexander Isak
Once again by virtue of social media platform X, reputable journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Isak is now in advanced talks to join Liverpool and a full agreement should be found by Sunday.
Tavolieri stated: “NUFC and LFC now in advanced talks for Alexander Isak! As explained from Friday night to Saturday, the Reds have made an offer likely to convince the Magpies management. Sunday expected to be the day of the announcement of a full agreement. Matter of time.”
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Both Liverpool and Newcastle fans will be well-versed with his capabilities, which saw the Solna-born man register 27 goals and six assists inside 42 appearances last season.
Linking the play between Eddie Howe’s midfield and attack, Isak also managed to fashion 42 chances for his teammates on Premier League duty, albeit it doesn’t look like he will be continuing in the North East for much longer.
After months of speculation surrounding his future, Liverpool could now be about to make one of the biggest signings in recent English football memory should all go to plan.
Chelsea certainly bounced back from their opening day bore draw in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace when making the short trip to West Ham United on Friday night.
Despite initially going 1-0 down to the Hammers, the Blues never looked short on confidence at the London Stadium, with a 5-1 demolition job the final outcome, which left ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter shellshocked in the home side’s dug-out.
Away from the impressive displays of Joao Pedro and many others against the Irons, however, Chelsea do look to still be in the market for an exciting attacking addition or two.
Indeed, they look to be close on landing long-term target Xavi Simons’ signature, but he isn’t the only statement addition up top that the Blues seem to be interested in.
Chelsea tempted to make bid for £80m star
It has been a long, drawn-out saga involving BlueCo and the Dutchman this summer.
This could soon come to an end, though, with the Blues – according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg – planning to offer the captivating 22-year-old a contract until 2031, with personal terms already verbally agreed between RB Leipzig and his potential new employers.
Chelsea will have to wave goodbye to reserve figures such as Christopher Nkunku before a move for Simons can be finalised; however, with Aston Villa now touted a surprise next destination for the out-of-sorts Frenchman, as Unai Emery’s men are reportedly interested in a deal.
The Blues could test relations between the two clubs even more by finally landing the services of Villans superstar Morgan Rogers, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the West London outfit are tempted by a last minute splurge for the Englishman.
Having just been awarded PFA Young Player of the Year, a deal for Rogers to leave Villa Park behind for Stamford Bridge wouldn’t be cheap, with the report stating that a move would only get off the ground if Chelsea were willing to fork out an amount in the excessive £80m ballpark.
How Rogers is a dream Simons alternative
Maresca’s ambitious Blues might well view this as a better deal to chase after than persisting with Simons, with Rogers more than a dream alternative to the Leipzig number ten, when you consider his Premier League capabilities already.
Of course, Simons did have a standout 2024/25 season himself in the Bundesliga.
Across a mere 25 games, the breathtaking 22-year-old would consistently dazzle German top-flight defences, culminating in him picking up a hefty tally of ten goals and seven assists just in league action.
However, Chelsea have been burnt here before – with both Nkunku and Timo Werner going on to be major flops in the Premier League after leaving Leipzig behind – leading to the same anxieties popping up involving Simons.
Therefore, despite the fact Rogers will cost a weighty £80m or more to get through the door, the “sensational” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by journalist Eduardo Hagn – could be the preferred last-minute option, particularly if Villa are willing to part ways, while the Simons transfer saga rumbles on.
Games played
37
26
Goals scored
8
10
Assists
10
7
Big chances created
16
12
Rogers very much came into his own donning Villa claret and blue last season, with the Stamford Bridge-linked midfielder actually picking up one more goal contribution in the demanding Premier League than Simons managed across his 26 Bundesliga outings.
Moreover, the “unstoppable” gem – as he was dubbed by Jamie Carragher – created four more big chances than his Dutch counterpart, with the addition of the stunning 23-year-old perhaps making Maresca’s men even more genuine title-challengers, after their walk-in-the-park victory at West Ham.
Chelsea won’t turn their noses up at Simons joining, with the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder clearly ready for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.
But, landing Rogers would be a dream move if that expected arrival goes awry, with Chelsea poaching a sensational talent from a top-flight rival to try and be on the same pedestal as the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal near the very top of the ladder.
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While Liverpool’s deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is going to dominate much of the transfer deadline day chatter, Tottenham Hotspur are knuckling down and preparing to pull off a few statement deals of their own.
Having won the race for attacking midfielder Xavi Simons earlier this week, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are shaping up nicely, though a home defeat against Bournemouth after back-to-back wins to kick off the Premier League campaign have issued a reminder that there is much work to be done over the months and years ahead.
A lack of bite in that north London clash proved the crux of the club’s issues, and maybe it wouldn’t hurt for Daniel Levy to oversee an Isak-esque deal down N17 today.
Well, Spurs might just have such a move in the pipeline.
Spurs in talks to sign new striker
Let’s be frank, Tottenham’s new manager has his work cut out, though the early readings are promising to say the least.
But Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are the leading options at the front of the ship, and another star could work wonders in completing a frontline bearing such potential.
Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they consider a bid for Randal Kolo Muani, who had looked set to join Juventus after a successful loan stint last year, but for the package to unravel at the negotiating table.
Anticipated to cost in excess of £50m, Kolo Muani has also attracted interest from Manchester United this month, but Spurs need a striker and offer the allure of Champions League football.
Keep a close eye on this one.
What Kolo Muani would bring to Spurs
Kolo Muani left Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany two years ago, signing for PSG in a £76m deal. So ended his prolific time in the Bundesliga, and kicked off a frustrating spell back in his homeland, having bagged only 11 goals across 54 matches.
Still, described as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani has a deadly sense for goals and the athletic and mobile presence in and around the box to make a real difference to Tottenham’s attacking line, perhaps even proving the Londoners’ own version of Isak.
At Juventus, Kolo Muani proved that class is permanent, scoring ten goals and providing three assists across only 22 matches for the Turin-based outfit.
He also averaged 1.1 key passes per game, according to Sofascore, underscoring his dynamism and will to link up with teammates and deepen the lines of communication on the pitch.
This is something that Isak does (or, rather, did) with such aplomb across his years at St. James’ Park, keeping it crisp when on the ball but knowing exactly when to pick out a teammate or shuffle forward himself and strike on goal.
Kolo Muani might not have any Premier League experience under his belt, but he’s a seasoned forward both domestically and on the international stage, and has proven his worth when entrusted with a starring role.
Goals scored
0.48
0.78
Assists
0.11
0.17
Shots taken
2.45
3.21
Touches (att pen)
6.28
6.31
Shot-creating actions
2.34
3.04
Pass completion
70.2%
75.3%
Progressive passes
1.49
2.94
Progressive carries
1.54
2.80
Successful take-ons
1.54
1.42
Ball recoveries
2.24
1.79
Tackles + interceptions
1.28
0.44
Whether Tottenham manage to get this one over the line remains to be seen, but there’s no question that it would be a fantastic move for a side in transition, already showing that they have what it takes to hit some lofty heights with Frank at the helm.
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Glamorgan have appointed Richard Dawson as their interim head coach, following the sudden departure of Grant Bradburn last month over allegations of discriminatory behaviour.Dawson had most recently been part of the England Men’s white-ball coaching team, having previously overseen England Under-19s. He spent six years coaching Gloucestershire, securing promotion from Division One in 2019 and a T20 Finals Day appearance in 2020, before moving on to work with the ECB’s performance pathway in 2021.”I’m delighted to be joining Glamorgan as head coach for the coming season,” Dawson said. “I’ve got a good idea of how the club works having spent time with Welsh Fire over the years. I’m looking forward to getting involved with the players and coaches at the club and building on the success achieved in the 50 over competition last season.”Dawson, who was capped seven times in Tests, spent most of his playing career with Yorkshire, before short stints at Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire.He is currently working with the England Lions on their tour of Australia, and will then be involved at the Women’s Premier League before taking up his role with Glamorgan from March. He will also continue as Welsh Fire assistant coach during the Hundred, with a replacement for the One-Day Cup, which Glamorgan won last year, to be announced in due course.Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket, said: “It’s great news for the club that we have been able to appoint a coach of Richard Dawson’s standing and quality as interim head coach until the end of the season. We were keen to move quickly and get someone in place for the 2025 season and we see Richard as the perfect fit to develop the squad and continue to move us forward this season.”
As Liverpool showcased last season, ‘winning the window’ doesn’t always equate to on-field success, with Arne Slot’s side romping to the Premier League title despite only adding Federico Chiesa to their ranks.
Having lain dormant in the transfer market, however, the Reds appear intent on building on their position of strength this time around, having already spent £256m this summer.
Further additions are almost certain to lie in store too, with recent reports even claiming that wantaway Newcastle United man, Alexander Isak, has agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders.
There is undoubted excitement brewing at the prospect of adding yet another marquee name to their forward ranks, although the Anfield must not forget to ensure that the foundations are steady too, with solid and perhaps more unsung signings also in order. James Milner, anyone?
Indeed, with Jarell Quansah joining Bayer Leverkusen, and Joe Gomez struck down with injury, Slot has been left with just two senior centre-backs, a pairing that includes contract rebel – and Barcelona target – Ibrahima Konate.
Having front-loaded the squad so far then, the Reds can’t risk being exposed at the back. Enter, another quietly crucial acquisition.
Liverpool hold advantage in race for £50k-p/w talent
Liverpool have, of course, already moved to bolster the backline this summer, with the signing of full-back pairing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, while Giorgi Mamardashvili has also finally arrived on Merseyside.
Van-Dijk-Southampton-Liverpool
That said, as already stated, the dearth of options in the centre of defence remains a reason for concern – even after Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension – with that an area that still needs to be addressed.
With that in mind, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has suggested that the champions still have the advantage over top-flight rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the race to sign Marc Guehi.
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According to Brown, despite Spurs showing interest again in the England international, it is Liverpool who are still the “favourites” to sign him, having been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old throughout the summer.
The insider goes on to add that the former Chelsea defender has his “heart set on a move to Liverpool”, with the Reds seemingly ready to make a bid for him “at some stage”.
With just 12 months left on his current deal, the alternative is that the £50k-per-week centre-back remains at Selhurst Park for next season, before making the switch on a free transfer.
Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Milner
As already stated, there has been a sense of glamour to Liverpool’s signings so far this summer, with Slot and co notably gambling on three exciting young talents from the Bundesliga, in the form of Kerkez, Frimpong and £116m man, Florian Wirtz.
That said, there remains the need for ready-made, proven Premier League talents who can slot in somewhat under the radar, with Guehi perhaps the perfect fit in that regard, considering his recent experience at Palace.
Indeed, there could well be shades of the aforementioned Milner about the move, with Guehi’s compatriot having been a muted arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer back in 2015, before going on to assume cult hero status at Anfield.
A jack of all trades, the versatile machine racked up 332 appearances in all competitions for the Reds across the next eight years, having notably been hailed as a “role model” by then-boss Jurgen Klopp in 2022.
The German even went as far as to state that “nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without [him]”, with the underrated midfielder having been a vital, albeit at-times unsung cog in the Anfield machine.
James Milner
In Guehi – who is currently the captain at Selhurst Park – the Reds would be able to acquire another leader-like figure to bolster the ranks, providing stability and consistency amid a summer of perhaps more marquee additions.
Such qualities have been noted by ex-interim England boss Lee Carsley, who said back in November that the defender “is a player who shows leadership qualities in his career so far not only off the pitch but on the pitch”.
Guehi vs Van Dijk – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (per 90)
Guehi
Van Dijk
Non-penalty goals
0.09
0.08
Assists
0.06
0.03
Pass completion
83.5%
91.6%
Progressive passes
3.94
5.35
Progressive carries
0.65
0.59
Successful take-ons
0.35
0.08
Tackles
1.79
1.03
Interceptions
0.82
1.51
Aerial duels won
2.00
3.22
Stats via FBref
Like Milner – who has turned out for an array of top-flight clubs – Guehi is no stranger to Premier League action, having racked up 132 appearances in the competition to date.
A standard-setter and a guiding presence at Palace, even when perhaps outshone by the likes of Eberechi Eze ahead of him, the in-demand talent would be a relatively risk-free and cost-effective signing. Indeed, if he does ultimately end up arriving next summer, he could replicate Milner’s move as a bargain free transfer.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
That’s not to say that Guehi doesn’t also have a high ceiling, however, with Palace reporter Bobby Manzi noting that he is simply a “monster in defence”. In all, the 6 foot sensation helped to keep 11 clean sheets in the league last season, while averaging 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside boasting five goal involvements.
An asset in both boxes, the Eagles skipper would be a more than worthy addition amid a hectic summer of activity for the Reds. Yes, there might be more exciting deals being done, but much like Milner proved to be under Klopp, Guehi could prove to be the glue holding things together.
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Legspinner Abrar Ahmed is being treated in a hospital in Multan after being taken ill. Abrar, who bowled 31 overs on day three against England, complained of a high fever and body aches on the morning of the fourth day, and did not take the field with the rest of his team-mates.A PCB statement said he had undergone a number of tests, and a further update would be issued once results were received.Abrar endured a difficult time with the ball, with England singling him out for attack. For much of the second half of the day, he was reduced to bowling outside leg stump from around the wicket to Joe Root and Harry Brook. It did drag his economy rate down, but he was the only frontline bowler to go wicketless, with his final figures reading 35-0-174-0. It is in stark contrast to his debut on this very ground against the same opposition in 2022, when he took 11 wickets in the game – and five before lunch on day one – to catapult him to the top of Pakistan’s red ball spin pecking order.Related
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But injuries have dogged him consistently throughout his career. He made his professional debut for Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL as an 18-year old but then spent a number of years out of the game with a persistent back injury. He sustained a nerve injury during a tour game ahead of Pakistan’s three Test tour of Australia, ultimately missing all of them, as well as the first Test against Bangladesh in August.Pakistan named Noman Ali and Zahid Mahmood in the squad for the ongoing first Test against England, but released them ahead of the start of the game.
Rangers and Russell Martin have been given a transfer boost with one experienced target open to moving to Ibrox this summer.
Rangers line up more transfer targets after Cameron
The Gers’ transfer business ahead of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season is underway, with midfielder Lyall Cameron becoming the first official signing of the Martin era.
A pre-contract agreement was reached back in February before the 49ers took over and appointed Martin, but Cameron will look to become a key member of the new manager’s starting line-up.
Talking to Rangers’ official media after completing his move, Cameron said: “It is amazing to walk in the door, it is a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time.
“It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.”
Following on from Cameron, Rangers now appear to be turning their attention to defensive additions, with Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons a target at Ibrox.
A player who Martin is well aware of from his time managing in England, Aarons actually spent the second half of the 24/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and looks to be surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium.
Contact has been made by Rangers over a loan move, however, Bournemouth would prefer a permanent exit for the defender they spent £7m on.
Another target at the back is Leicester City central defender Conor Coady. An approach has also been made for the experienced centre-back, with Rangers are “very keen” to sign the Foxes man.
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Leicester, following their relegation from the Premier League, are also open to selling Coady, and another promising development over a move to Scotland has now emerged.
Conor Coady open to signing for Rangers
According to Rangers Review, Coady is a personal target for Martin and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who worked with the 32-year-old at Wolves and Everton.
In the report it says Coady is ‘keen on a move to Ibrox – with initial contact established and a move having been explored last summer’. This comes as a boost for Martin and Rangers chiefs, and with Coady once valued at £38m during his time at Wolves, could be on to a shrewd signing.
Due to still being under contract at the King Power Stadium, a transfer fee will be required for the England international and a deal ‘could still drag on into next month’.
Should Rangers get their man in Coady, they will be getting an experienced centre-back who has been hailed by former Everton teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure.
“He is going to help us a lot this season. All the times I have played against him, he was a good character and very consistent. We are very happy to have him in our team – he is a leader.”
Newcastle United are said to have contacted the agent of a “special” player over a summer move to St James’ Park.
Howe focusing on "big" Champions League prize
The Magpies were beaten 1-0 away to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, meaning they still haven’t officially booked a place in next season’s Champions League.
Newcastle qualifying for Europe’s biggest club competition would be massive, both financially and in terms of the players they could attract this summer, with Eddie Howe speaking about the imporrtance of it after the game.
“We are in a strong position. It is in our hands and that is a positive. The prize is so big and everyone is fighting for it. We have worked hard to get the job done and now it is going to go to the end, and who knows what twists and turns there will be. We just need one more big effort.”
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
Newcastle should still be confident about getting over the line and securing a top-five finish, though, and victory at home to Everton on the final day this Sunday would confirm their place back in the Champions League.
Newcastle make contact with "special" player's agent
According to a new report from Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Newcastle have made contact with Gabri Veiga’s agent over a summer switch to the club.
The 22-year-old is currently playing for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, but a return to Europe could be on the cards, with Celta Vigo also keen on sealing a reunion with him.
The Magpies are in the mix and are “well informed” about what is needed for them to get their man, who is ready to leave the riches of the Middle East despite raking in roughly £10m a year in salary.
Veiga could be exactly what Newcastle are after this summer, in terms of extra creativity in attacking midifeld areas, with the Spaniard lauded by Carlo Ancelotti in the past: “I like him, he is an excellent player who has something special.”
At 22, it could be argued that he is wasting his time in Saudi Arabia, with all due respect, in terms of playing in a league that he is far too good for at this point in his career, and a move to St James’ Park could be perfect for him.
Veiga scored 11 goals in 56 appearances for Celta Vigo, impressing in La Liga at such a young age, and he has also netted twice apiece for Spain’s Under-21s and Under-18s.
His versatility allows him to thrive as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and left winger, so Newcastle signing him could instantly add so much depth to their squad ahead of next season. He has the potential to mature into a top-quality option over time, providing great competition for places in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Can Celtic move three points closer to securing a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title?
If the Hoops beat Kilmarnock on Saturday, and then Rangers are beaten by Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday, the Celts will have rubber-stamped a record-equalling 55th Scottish top division title, as well as their 13th in just 14 seasons.
Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
This is actually despite the fact the Bhoys have lost three of their last six Premiership games, having lost only two of the previous 46, most recently beaten 1-0 at St Johnstone last weekend, their first defeat against the side bottom of the table since November 2005.
So, as Brendan Rodgers’ side seek to get back to winning ways, with one eye on a Scottish Cup semi-final date with the Saints at Hampden on Easter Sunday, the boss should make changes to his starting lineup, unleashing his “on fire” wide-man.
Nicolas Kühn's season of two halves
Nicolas Kühn was absolutely outstanding during the first half of this season, very much on course to be named Celtic’s player of the season, with David Irvine of the National even suggesting he was being considered by Julian Nagelsmann for a call-up to the German national team.
However, he has not been able to sustain this form, as the table below outlines.
Nicolas Kühn 2024/25 season statistics
Statistics
Kühn in 2024
Kühn in 2025
Appearances
25
19
Minutes
1,713
1,242
Goals
14
4
Minutes per goal
122
311
Assists
11
3
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As shown, Kühn’s statistics have fallen off a cliff since New Year’s Day, scoring only twice in 15 outings since bagging a brace against St Mirren on 5 January.
The German has started each of the Hoops’ last eight fixtures, hooked at half-time at McDiarmid Park last Sunday, and we believe he should begin Saturday’s meeting with Killie on the bench, considering this major downturn in form.
The Celtic star who should replace Kuhn
Yang Hyun-jun was introduced as a substitute at the interval in Perth last weekend, replacing Kühn as part of a double alteration, but the South Korean deserves to be in from the start this time.
Yang joined Celtic from hometown club Gangwon FC for a reported fee of £2m two summers ago, but made very little impact in Glasgow until recently, as the table below outlines.
Yang Hyun-jun’s Celtic career in numbers
Statistics
Yang in ’23 & ’24
Yang in 2025
Appearances
45
16
Minutes
1,753
651
Goals
1
5
Minutes per goal
1,753
130
Assists
4
5
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As laid out, since the turn of the year, Yang’s statistics have exponentially improved, scoring five times, most notably bagging a brace at St Mirren Park during a 5-2 victory, with Korean journalist Joel Kim describing his compatriot as “on fire”.
Yang
After this win in Paisley, Rodgers credited Yang’s girlfriend for his recent resurgence, telling the BBC that she has been in the country for “a little while”, adding that he’s had a chat with the translator and will do everything in his power to ensure she can stay for a bit longer.
When compared to Kühn, Yang is certainly the man in form, hence why the South Korean deserves to start against Kilmarnock on Saturday to see what he can do at the top end of the pitch in place of the faltering left-footed forward.
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Bangar: If I was Dhoni I would say ‘enough’
It is a question that has been asked of him repeatedly since he retired from international cricket. With that handsome and enigmatic smile, MS Dhoni has always responded, in his own idiosyncratic way: you will have to wait till next season. So, as Chennai Super Kings wind up a forgettable IPL, where they finished last for the first time, the question will once again gather momentum: is time finally up for Dhoni?What if, though, we tweak that query? If Dhoni decides to continue, will he not be getting in the way of CSK’s future growth?No athlete is bigger than the sport they play, but in the case of Dhoni and CSK, the former has acquired godlike status due to what he has achieved for the franchise from the time he was made captain in 2008. He has been central to all their success – five IPL titles, numerous playoffs, and innumerable games where he rescued them from utterly rubbish positions. The franchise has relied on him on the field and off it. No decision is taken without his counsel and his word is final, and that is how it has been virtually throughout Dhoni’s 18-year relationship with CSK, one that is familial more than anything else.Related
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'Nothing for me to decide as of now' – Dhoni on his IPL future
CSK face a tricky situation with Dhoni the batter
Dhoni has already said that he will review his future based on how his body feels closer to the 2026 season. That has been his parting line after the final match of every season for the last five years. By the time the next IPL rolls around, he will be 44 years old. If fit – as he has largely shown he is again this season – he will conceivably be as sharp as ever behind the wickets. His captaincy skills remain strong. But can Dhoni, the batter, walk into the best CSK XI?Early this season, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he came in at No. 9 in a 50-run defeat. In CSK’s next match, another chase, against Rajasthan Royals, he came in at No. 7, when the match was in the balance, but made a stuttering 11-ball 16 in a six-run defeat. Early in May, in another live chase, against RCB again, Dhoni said he took the blame for CSK’s two-run defeat, admitting he failed to step on the accelerator when he came in, in the 17th over, when 42 runs were needed.MS Dhoni: a past master at leaving things till the end•AFP/Getty ImagesAfter the defeat against Royals, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said Dhoni decided his entry points based on the match situation, but that he could not bat too many overs anymore, following his knee surgery after the 2023 IPL. But with Dhoni’s weakness against spin well known, opposition teams keep at least an over of spin in the bag for when he comes out.In the 2024 IPL, Dhoni consciously came in late to bat, his sole intent being to wallop the ball: among batters who made at least 100 runs in that tournament, Dhoni’s strike rate of 220.54 was the second highest. In 2023, hobbling on a dodgy knee, he lifted first the Player of the final, Ravindra Jadeja, and then his fifth IPL title as CSK captain. In terms of runs scored by Super Kings batters in the last two seasons (2024 and up to May 24 this year), Dhoni is fifth on the list, with 357 runs in 24 innings at an average of over 32, a strike rate of nearly 164, and 25 sixes, which is the second highest for the team. The legend of is built on such stuff.However, to fit Dhoni in the side, Super Kings are forced to play one specialist batter fewer – who could be good against spin, or who could float in the order. So far they have seen that as a fair gamble.There is no doubt Dhoni will have dealt internally, within the CSK management, with the question of when to retire more than once. Perhaps he thinks a major part of his responsibility in this regard is to get the timing right: when he is confident the transition will be smooth. However, transitions rarely are.Despite his cult status, Dhoni has maintained it is not about the individual, it is about what is good for CSK. Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, he said it was important to build a core group that would stay together for the next ten years or so. There has been another mega auction since then, last November, and Dhoni remains part of the core group four seasons on from that 2022 auction.Knee be damned: Dhoni gets a load of his main man, Ravindra Jadeja, after the 2023 final•BCCIDhoni’s Super Kings stuck to their template regardless of how a season ended, and more often than not, it was successful. At the last mega auction, CSK decided again to pick a number of players who were close to the end of their careers, including some who had seemingly plateaued. Most of those players are likely to be released soon. There is increasingly talk about the franchise moving in a new direction, by intending to retain and invest in younger talent. But the longer Dhoni sticks around, the harder it could get for them to do this.Among Dhoni’s strengths as a leader was knowing when to pass the baton. He did that with Virat Kohli in 2014 in Test cricket, then in white-ball cricket in 2017, and he identified Ruturaj Gaikwad for the Super Kings job. One of Dhoni’s other strengths is not extending his stay. If he seems to have stuck around at CSK to the point of overstaying, it is perhaps due to a sense of obligationPerhaps it is not just the sense that he needs to oversee a smooth transition that has stopped him from going. Perhaps it is the emotional bonds he has built with the franchise and CSK fans, which have taken deep root. After a fairy-tale title-winning run in 2021, Super Kings owner N Srinivasan said: “There’s no CSK without Dhoni and no Dhoni without CSK.” Srinivasan is no longer actively involved in the running of the franchise. Does Dhoni think he cannot leave until he thinks Gaikwad is completely secure in his leadership role?There has been no other player who has been indispensable to his franchise the way Dhoni has been. CSK fans probably refuse to think of life after him. But even his most die-hard devotees might probably now admit, in private at least, that the time has come for a new beginning. Or do they still believe in their beloved ?