In the past, the checks were carried out inside the dressing room but on Sunday they were being carried out on the field of play
ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2025
Umpires Vinod Seshan and Chris Gaffaney check the size of a bat during Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians game•BCCI
An unusual series of events took place during the IPL 2025 matches on April 13, in Jaipur and Delhi. The on-field umpires in both games began checking the dimensions of the bats of batters as they came in, a practice not usually seen on the field this season or previous ones.During the afternoon game between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Jaipur, the umpires Nitin Menon and Saidharshan Kumar checked the bats of at least Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana and Phil Salt as they walked into bat, among others.In the evening game between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in Delhi, Chris Gaffaney and Vinod Seshan checked Hardik Pandya’s bat after he came to the middle. All the bats passed the checks.Related
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The umpires checked the bat using a gauge through which the blade of the bat must pass to be deemed acceptable. In the past, the checks were carried out inside the dressing room but on Sunday it was noticeable that the checks were being carried out on the field of play during the game.According to the rules, the width of the bat face should not exceed 10.79 cm, the thickness of the blade shouldn’t be more than 6.7 cms, and the width of the edge of the bat cannot be more than 4cm. The length of the bat should not exceed 96.4 cm.
An “incredible” manager has now emerged as a contender to replace Graham Potter at West Ham United, it has been revealed.
Potter's future in doubt after yet another defeat
Potter would’ve been hoping that the surprise 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest before the international break could be a turning point, but his side once again came up short over the weekend, this time falling to a 3-0 defeat at home against Tottenham.
Speaking after his side’s third loss in four Premier League games, the West Ham boss said: “I understand because the scoreline is the scoreline and I understand why people are upset,”
“We are a new team and we have to stick together and focus on the things we’ve done well and see where we can improve.”
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However, having been in charge since January and been given the opportunity to bring in his own players in the summer, it remains to be seen how much longer the Englishman can last, considering his record up to this point is extremely poor.
The 50-year-old has averaged just 0.96 points per match, and has the second-worst Premier League win percentage of any West Ham manager at just 27.3%.
As such, the Hammers’ hierarchy are now starting to run the rule over potential replacements, according to reporter Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport), who states David Sullivan is an admirer of former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Nuno was a huge success at The City Ground, meaning he has now emerged as a contender to replace Potter at West Ham, but they may have to move quickly, given that the 51-year-old is likely to be attracting interest courtesy of the job he did at Forest.
"Incredible" Nuno could be an ideal Potter replacement
At this stage, the Hammers are looking like serious relegation candidates, having lost three of their opening four games, which leaves them 18th in the Premier League table.
Consequently, it would make sense to bring in a manager with a proven track record of being able to transform struggling sides into European contenders, and that is exactly what the former Forest boss managed to do in his last job.
After taking over a Forest side that only narrowly avoided relegation the season prior, the Portuguese coach led them to the Europa League, and he was praised for the “incredible” job he did by Sky Sports’ Sam Obaseki, while also receiving plaudits from Fabrizio Romano.
Nuno could be an excellent appointment for West Ham, given that he is vastly experienced in the Premier League, having also managed Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Sullivan should move swiftly to ensure he wins the race.
Rio Ngumoha is the talk of the town after scoring a last-gasp winner for Liverpool at St. James’ Park on Monday night, thus preserving Arne Slot’s flawless start to the Premier League campaign.
‘Flawless’ perhaps conveys the wrong mood. Liverpool have been pressed against the ropes in each of their opening league fixtures this season, yet they have snatched victory against Bournemouth at Anfield and Newcastle United on Tyneside.
It wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Slot’s side are tactically imbalanced at the moment, with the thrilling addition of British-record playmaker Florian Wirtz seeming to distort the team’s balance, and the defensive fragility of Ibrahima Konate and much change further providing Slot with food for thought.
And so talks are ongoing for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with hope that he will sign before deadline day. Perhaps the 25-year-old’s arrival would add depth and another dimension at the rear to launch Liverpool back into a smoother rhythm.
However, there’s another top target who could. Indeed, Alexander Isak’s potential move to Merseyside remains one of the biggest stories as the market winds down.
The latest on Isak to Liverpool
Liverpool’s bid for Newcastle United striker Isak is going down to the wire, with the Magpies still yet to sign one centre-forward this summer – let alone two.
The Sweden international has made it perfectly clear he has no intention of staying at St. James’ Park beyond the transfer window (though how much power he has over that is another matter), but Liverpool will not follow up their rejected £110m offer from the start of August without encouragement from the Toon.
A PIF delegation extended an olive branch to the 25-year-old after Liverpool’s dramatic victory on Monday, but Isak has doubled down on his stance.
The ball, frustratingly, is in Newcastle’s court, for they cannot reasonably cash in on their talisman if they do not find and sign a replacement (or two).
With that in mind, FSG have identified the perfect alternative, and he might even prove to be a better signing for Slot’s side.
Liverpool ready D-day bid for Isak alternative
If Liverpool do fail in their protracted bid to sign Isak, sporting director Richard Hughes won’t turn to an alternative centre-forward.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That’s according to GIVEMESPORT. The publication have revealed that Liverpool are ready to make a deadline-day swoop for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in the event that they miss out on Isak.
Rodrygo has been anticipated to leave Real this summer after struggles last season and signs of a diminished role under Xabi Alonso’s wing. Even with the La Liga giants open to the Brazilian’s departure, he has been priced at £76m.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Arsenal and Manchester City have shown interest of their own this summer, but the Gunners have signed Eberechi Eze this week and Pep Guardiola’s outfit look set to bar Savinho’s move to Tottenham Hotspur, thus jeopardising their move for Rodrygo.
What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool
Liverpool sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich this summer, but Cody Gakpo has started the season strongly, scoring against Bournemouth and notching two assists at Newcastle. Ngumoha’s incredible emergence eases the need for a wide forward further.
But Rodrygo is a special player, and there’s no doubt that Liverpool could do with a little bit more to complete their frontline.
Given that the 24-year-old, who can play on both wings and as a frontman, managed to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists across all competitions last year, even though in a rut, Liverpool could strike gold in bringing him over.
And considering that he would cost less than Isak, maybe Rodrygo would even prove the better signing to make.
Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, and last year he scored 27 goals across all competitions as Newcastle qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup, with Isak scoring as Newcastle beat Liverpool at Wembley.
But Madrid’s tenacious wide forward has been remarked to be a “world-class superstar” by his former teammate Luka Modric, and boasts a wide-ranging skill set that appears custom-built for a top role in the Premier League.
Rodrygo’s clinical output over the past year has left plenty to be desired, no doubt about it, but there would be confidence that Slot could give rise to the £207k-per-week talent’s prolific side, while harnessing that ever-present underlying energy and application.
Goals
0.32
0.80
Assists
0.20
0.17
Shots taken
2.54
3.14
Shot-creating actions
4.75
3.07
Pass completion
85.8%
75.8%
Touches (att pen)
5.88
6.15
Progressive passes
4.72
3.00
Progressive carries
5.22
2.73
Successful take-ons
2.19
1.43
Isak and Rodrygo, two forwards of varying position and role, aren’t comparable in the strictest sense, but looking at their data when lined against one another underscores the reasoning behind a Liverpool bid for the latter.
To put it simply, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Hugo Ekitike, whose £79m journey from Eintracht Frankfurt to Anfield has already yielded three goals and an assist from three matches. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher has hailed the Frenchman’s “brilliant start”, and there are those who question the need for a record-breaking move for Isak after such an exciting addition.
Ekitike, 23, looks a real sensation in the making, and though it would be unfair to expect him to maintain his present output across the long and circuitous campaign, who can deny him his potential?
Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool
Might Isak inhibit that growth? Might the addition of the Scandinavian superstar threaten to disrupt the progress of a rising talent who has already found a degree of fluency in England that avoids so many foreign hopefuls as they wade in and look to make their name.
Rodrygo, however, could play across the frontline and thus add depth without disrupting the progress being forged at Anfield right now.
Make no mistake, Isak would be an incredible signing for Liverpool, but Rodrygo, cheaper and more positionally dynamic, is a world-class player himself, and he knows how to shape a team aiming for the top.
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Liverpool are set to continue their heavy summer spending with a deal that could even hamper Florian Wirtz…
In a summer full of impressive arrivals, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are now reportedly at risk of losing a player of their own in reluctant fashion amid growing interest.
Arsenal still chasing Eze arrival
Even after splashing out to welcome Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera this summer, Arsenal still have unfinished business in the transfer window. Unlike in past seasons, Arteta is seemingly ready to enjoy a much-needed window of upgrades as he looks to end an increasingly concerning run without a major trophy at The Emirates.
The most important addition on that list of incomings remains Gyokeres. Arsenal’s biggest problem in recent seasons has been their inability to find the back of the net. They desperately needed a serial goalscorer last summer, but chose to invest elsewhere in a decision that Liverpool quickly made them regret.
It is not a mistake that they’ve made twice, however. Making up for lost time, the Gunners have welcomed one of the most clinical goalscorers that European football has to offer in Gyokeres.
The big task that sporting director Andrea Berta has now is finding as many reliable supply points as possible for Gyokeres to thrive. Tee the Swede up and he will score the goals that Arsenal have so desperately craved. It could really be as simply as that. And whilst the likes of Bukayo Saka will undoubtedly do just that, the addition of Eberechi Eze could take things to another level.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
In a summer-long chase, the Crystal Palace man is still on Arsenal’s radar despite reports that his £68m release clause has now expired. Whether that forces the Gunners to pay an even greater price for his signature is now the big question.
Of course, if that does prove to be the case, then any potential sales of their own could go a long way towards funding any blockbuster move.
Arsenal deliver Kiwior transfer response
One sale that Arteta is not keen to sanction, however, is Jakub Kiwior’s. According to Fabrizio Romano, Kiwior is now considering an exit amid interest in his signature from a number of European clubs.
That said, those in North London have already rejected offers for their centre-back from Portugal last month and Arteta would prefer to keep hold of his defender this month.
Despite being praised for his “impressive” form by analyst Ben Mattinson when asked to step into the side amid defensive woes last season, Arteta’s stance on Kiwior’s exit comes as a slight surprise.
Arsenal have already signed Mosquera and have cover in the form of Riccardo Calafiori and, if needed, Ben White at the heart of their backline. Just where Kiwior fits into the pecking order as a result is difficult to say and the Gunners would be best to cash in whilst they can this summer.
Queensland have been left to rue a number of bizarre final-day dismissals, after falling to a 90-run defeat to Victoria.Resuming on day four at 58 for 3 chasing 329 for victory at the Gabba, Queensland were all out for 238 just before tea at the Gabba.Sam Elliott starred for Victoria, taking 4 for 43, while Todd Murphy also claimed 3 for 48 as he continues to push his case to be Australia’s second spinner in Sri Lanka.But the biggest challenge for Queensland came from within. The hosts looked in a position to hold on for a draw or push for a win midway through the first session, after Jack Clayton and Ben McDermott put on 59 for the fourth wicket.But their 18.3-over stand was ended when McDermott dropped a ball at his feet and took off for a quick single. Clayton gave up on the single and was run out while not pushing hard to make his crease on 43.The run out was superbly executed by bowler Xavier Crone with a back-handed flick, but still the wicket was gifted to the visitors.Crone’s run out was also his second such dismissal of the match after removing Mark Steketee in similar fashion in the first innings.Even after Clayton’s dismissal, McDermott and Jimmy Pierson put on 63 for the fifth wicket only for Pierson to be bowled for 31 trying to scoop Murphy.And from there the innings fell apart. Murphy also had McDermott caught at slip for 68, before Xavier Bartlett and Jack Wildermuth were both caught hooking Elliott at deep fine leg.Mitchell Swepson was then the last to fall, bowled by Murphy to become the offspinner’s third victim.The win leaves Victoria top of the table at the halfway mark, four points clear of Western Australia. Queensland remain last and are the only winless team after five games.
In a Facebook post, Shakib speaks of why he joined politics, and also says he wants to bid farewell to the game with his fans in attendance
Mohammad Isam09-Oct-2024
Shakib Al Hasan is set to play his final Test match in Dhaka later this month•AFP via Getty Images
Shakib Al Hasan has apologised for his silence during the student-led protests in Bangladesh in July, which led to several hundreds of deaths. It is the first time that Shakib acknowledged the movement that led to the fall of the longstanding Awami League-led government – in which he was a member of parliament (MP) – on August 5.”Firstly, I would like to pay my respects to all the students who sacrificed their lives, led the anti-discrimination movement, and were martyred or injured during the people’s uprising,” Shakib wrote on his Facebook page. “I extend my deepest respect and condolences to them and their families. While no sacrifice can compensate for the loss of a loved one, nothing can fill the void of losing a child or a brother, to those of you who were hurt by my silence during this critical period, I respect your feelings and sincerely apologise. If I were in your place, I too might have been upset.”Related
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Shakib was playing in the Global T20 Canada franchise league during the violence in Bangladesh in July. During one of the matches in early August, Shakib argued with a fan who had asked him about his silence on the upheaval back home.Apart from being an MP, Shakib, of course, is arguably Bangladesh’s biggest cricket star ever, a larger-than-life figure in Bangladesh, and so his silence rankled. He was named in a murder case related to the protests, along with 146 other Awami League leaders, while he was playing the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.On September 26, Shakib, who resides in the USA with his family, announced his retirement from Test cricket. He said that if the authorities could guarantee his safe entry and exit from Bangladesh, he wanted to play his last Test in Dhaka, against South Africa from October 21. He had not been in the country since the T20 World Cup in June, having linked up with the Test squad directly in Pakistan and India. BCB president Faruque Ahmed said the board could not guarantee him the security he wanted, but at the government level there were positive signals for Shakib. Sports adviser Asif Mahmud had said the government would provide him with security, but Shakib needed to explain his political stance to his fans.In his long Facebook post on Wednesday, Shakib duly spoke of why he had joined politics last year. He had got an Awami League nomination, and went on to win comfortably from the Magura-1 constituency.”I was briefly the member of parliament from the Magura-1 constituency. My political involvement was primarily driven by my desire to contribute to the development of my hometown Magura. As you know, it is difficult to directly impact the development of one’s area without a specific role in Bangladesh.”My wish to develop this area is what motivated me to become an MP. However, at the end of the day, my primary identity is as a cricketer for Bangladesh. No matter where I have been or in what position, I have always carried cricket in my heart.”Shakib concluded his post by paying tribute to his fans. “You all know that I will soon be playing my last match… I want to say goodbye with all of you around. At the moment of farewell, I want to shake hands with those whose applause compelled me to play better. I want to meet the eyes of those who cheered in joy when I played well and whose eyes welled up with tears when I did not. I believe that at this farewell moment, you will all be with me. Together, we will close the story that, in truth, stars not me, but all of you.”
Florian Wirtz’s medical is scheduled for Friday, and Liverpool supporters are surely now confident that they will get their man.
Despite all the noise regarding obscene transfer fees, Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz will sign for an initial £100m fee, with a further £16m achievable through add-ons.
Florian Wirtz
No doubt, Arne Slot can’t wait to bring the German playmaker into his team, adding some truly world-class quality to ensure the Premier League champions stand a great chance of defending their belt.
Of course, Liverpool need a new centre-forward to dance to the creative tune Wirtz will play from number ten. Darwin Nunez’s time on Merseyside is at an end, reported interest from Serie A rising.
Multiple names have been bandied about, but Hugo Ekitike’s has held the most weight over the past several weeks.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Liverpool need a striker, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike has been billed the perfect fit, not just a budding goalscorer of a high class but also a dynamic and rounded player whose strength lies in his elegance and flair.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The 22-year-old completed his first full season in Germany last year, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.
But with a deft touch, selfless link-up play and intelligent off-the-ball movements all front and centre of Ekitike’s skillset, there’s little question that he has a “very complete offensive range”, as noted by one French reporter.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed Ekitike “one of the best strikers out there”, but he’s not the best. That particular player lingers elusively out of reach for all who might want him this summer, but Liverpool haven’t given up hope.
Liverpool still in for Ekitike alternative
As per the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle, Liverpool are still huge admirers of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and are attentive to his situation.
Even though The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the 25-year-old would not be moving this summer after qualifying for the Champions League, Liverpool chiefs are looking to raise funds through the sales of existing players, and the summer is still young.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
For their part, Newcastle categorically don’t want to sell. Isak is the cream of Eddie Howe’s crop and has been valued at more than £150m.
Why Alexander Isak would be perfect
Isak is one of the best players in the Premier League, with analyst Raj Chohan even declaring him “the best striker in the world” after his extraordinary 2024/25 campaign.
Newcastle signed the marksman from Real Sociedad three years ago in what remains a club-record £63m move, but Isak has shaken away the injury issues of seasons past to have enjoyed his finest year yet, bagging 27 goals and six assists over 42 matches in all competitions.
In the Premier League, his 23-goal return was surpassed only by that man Mohamed Salah, and with Isak missing only 18 big chances and creating 11 golden opportunities for his teammates, as per Sofascore, he’d help Liverpool’s Egyptian star and the rest in creating a layered attacking game next year.
Isak’s goalscoring is second-to-none, sure, but that’s not why Liverpool have a vested interest. Instead, it’s the player’s underlying quality, so rounded and technically impressive.
His physicality and robustness (when swerving the injury front) have established the rangy forward to become one of the best in the world, with his goal against Liverpool at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup in March underscoring his value.
Maybe that was the game that convinced FSG of this star’s prowess, for rumours of his potential cross-country summer switch have persisted ever since.
It’s hardly surprising. Liverpool clearly want a certain type of centre-forward, with FBref’s data-driven model revealing Ekitike to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.
Let’s have a look at how they match up.
Alexander Isak vs Hugo Ekitike (24/25)
Stats (per 90)
Isak
Ekitike
Goals scored
0.75
0.53
Assists
0.20
0.28
Shots taken
3.10
4.00
Shot-creating actions
3.00
3.55
Touches (att pen)
6.17
6.88
Progressive passes
2.87
1.86
Progressive carries
2.71
3.27
Successful take-ons
1.37
1.83
Ball recoveries
1.80
3.06
Tackles + interceptions
0.49
0.81
All data via FBref
What’s interesting is that Ekitike is a bit more active in his ball carrying and in his recoveries, but he also unleashes strikes on goal with greater regularity, with xG (expected goals) tally reaching 0.76 per 90.
Isak’s xG tally, conversely, amounted only to 0.66 per 90, which basically means he scored more frequently than he should have from the chances he found himself at the centre of.
Ultimately, we’re not going to see both players under Slot’s wing, but one of them should suffice. Given Ekitike’s stylistic similarities to Isak, though, you could argue that he’s little more than an imitation of the Swede, pastiching his style of play but not to the same effect.
Ekitike and Isak
The 6 foot 3 star has a wealth of experience as a top striker in the Premier League, so it’s understandable that Liverpool would have to pay a premium.
Would the £150m mark be too much for the Reds? It’s likely, but then such a figure is potentially overinflated. Wirtz, it must be said, was touted at €150m (£127m), right up into Liverpool announced themselves the finances involved in a deal that leaves the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal with bigger outlays on single-player transfers at this stage.
To fork out what would likely reach the £100m ballpark once again in the same transfer window would be a big ask of FSG, but the American owners have established a self-sustainable model that has bred illustrious success, and with the right player sales, this might just be one to keep an eye on.
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Liverpool are planning to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer market.
Wrexham are currently preparing for a season in the Championship after they finished second in League One to earn promotion up to the second tier.
The Red Dragons are yet to make their first signing since the end of last season, but there will be plenty of work going on behind the scenes to identify targets to improve the team.
Phil Parkinson will have to judge which of his players are ready to make the step up to the Championship after a season in League One, which means that some difficult decisions could have to be made.
Why Thomas O'Connor may be replaced
One player who could be replaced as a regular starter is left-sided central defender Thomas O’Connor, who has been at the club since they were in the National League.
The former Southampton academy graduate has never played above League One level in his career to date, and was a regular starter – starting 25 of his 31 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign – for Wrexham this season.
O’Connor was, however, an unused substitute in five of the last seven matches and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to handle the step up to the Championship, a level that he has never played at before.
Transfer Focus
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The BBC reported earlier this month that Wrexham, Norwich, Birmingham, and Sheffield United are among the teams interested in a deal to sign Harry Darling on a free transfer from Swansea City.
His contract with the Welsh side is due to expire at the end of this month, and the Red Dragons are one of the sides looking to snap him up for nothing.
Why Darling would be an upgrade on O'Connor
Parkinson must push to convince Darling to make a move across Wales rather than joining Birmingham, Norwich, or Sheffield United, as he would improve the club’s options at the back.
Despite being right-footed, the 25-year-old Englishman often plays on the left-side of a centre-back pairing and this means that he could take O’Connor’s place as the left-sided centre-back in a back three at Wrexham.
Unlike the current Red Dragons defender, Darling is an experienced Championship defender who has made 108 appearances at that level, which means that he would arrive at the Racecourse as a proven second tier star.
He would be a relatively risk-free signing as someone who has been there and done it and could immediately improve Wrexham’s team, particularly when you take his performances this season into account.
Appearances
31
39
Goals
0
5
Clearances per game
2.9
5.0
Dribbled past per game
0.5x
0.3x
Ground duel success rate
53%
66%
Aerial duel success rate
57%
64%
As you can see in the table above, Darling’s defensive work in the Championship, in terms of his success rate in duels and how often he was beaten by opposition attackers, was more impressive than O’Connor’s was at a lower level.
This suggests that the Swansea star, who was hailed as “outstanding” by former boss Luke Williams, is a big upgrade on the current Wrexham left centre-back, particularly from a defensive perspective.
Darling also, as shown in the table, scored five goals from centre-back, compared to O’Connor’s barren return in League One, and this suggests that he would offer a much greater goal threat in the 2025/26 campaign.
The English titan, who ranked in the top 31% of centre-backs in the league for progressive passes per 90 (3.70), is a ball-playing defender who has shown that he can mix technical quality and class on the ball with strength and reliable out of possession at Championship level.
Big Rathbone upgrade: Wrexham still in race to sign "outstanding" PL star
Wrexham could be about to land a big upgrade on Oliver Rathbone by signing this Championship-experienced ace.
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Therefore, he would be the perfect signing, as a proven second tier star, to come in as a big upgrade on their left-sided centre-back position this summer.
Sunderland might well have closed out their regular campaign in the Championship with a worrying five league defeats on the spin, but heading into the second leg of their playoff affair with Coventry City later on, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats are firmly in the driver’s seat.
Indeed, the promotion hopefuls lead Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues 2-1 on aggregate after a confident display on their travels last time out, with a potentially bouncing Stadium of Light atmosphere tonight seeing them over the line.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris
Le Bris will further hope he’s the boss that can consolidate Sunderland as a Premier League regular again if promotion is reached, with the Wearside outfit enjoying many a top-flight season previously when Jermain Defoe was heroically leading the line.
Jermain Defoe's heroics at Sunderland
It’s been a long time coming for Sunderland to be on the cusp of a Premier League return, with the Black Cats competing outside the luxuries of the top-flight since 2016.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star would attempt to keep his forlorn side up during the 2015/16 season against all the odds, but not even his regular heroics would be enough to keep the Wearside giants from sinking down despondently to the EFL.
The campaign prior, however, Defoe’s 15-goal haul in the tricky division would be enough for Sunderland to just about avoid relegation in 17th spot, but that same goal tally the season after would unfortunately go to waste.
In total, the firm Stadium of Light fan’s favourite would notch up a century of Sunderland appearances across three seasons, with 37 goals tallied up, definitely making him a standout purchase.
Well, it’s safe to say that as the Mackems potentially approach another campaign in the top-flight, they’ve found their best signing since the iconic Defoe.
Sunderland's best purchase since Defoe
Le Bris has managed to tempt some top-quality personnel to Sunderland since taking charge of the EFL giants, with Wilson Isidor up to 15 goals now from 50 games this season after netting in the first leg away at Coventry.
Chalkboard
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While Isidor has certainly shone bright, it’s the remarkable coup of Enzo Le Fee who stands proud as Sunderland’s best signing in recent years.
As it happens, he had a huge role to play in his French compatriot finishing past Ben Wilson with confidence last Friday, with his defence-splitting pass giving Isidor plenty of time to compose himself before firing home.
This sublime moment of quality on such a pressurised stage backs up how much of an outrageous coup it was that Sunderland managed to obtain Le Fee’s services on loan in January, with Defoe also seen as a statement purchase back in 2014, considering his devastating prowess in front of goal in the Premier League was clear for all to see before relocating to the Black Cats.
Le Fee has also displayed his midfield elegance in some grand settings before Sunderland came calling, with the stylish Frenchman once on the desired shopping list of Liverpool off the back of picking up 15 assists on the books of Le Bris’ ex-employers Lorient.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
1
Touches
43
Accurate passes
17/19 (89%)
Key passes
4
Big chances created
1
The classy 25-year-old would never manage to pull on the famed red strip of Arne Slot’s men, but he certainly looks comfortable donning the red and white of Sunderland at the moment, with the midfielder registering four key passes in total during the first leg win.
Therefore, much like Defoe managed in the Premier League when securing safety for Sunderland, the “really talented” midfielder – as he’s been labelled by his manager – could be as key to Le Bris’ men now as they attempt to leap back up to the big time.
After all, his sensational ability to produce a moment of spellbinding quality in an instant is a hugely effective weapon, particularly if a playoff final to come at Wembley is tense and in need of a game-changing spark.
Delegation travels to Sunderland amid imminent talks to sign 19 y/o
This is a worrying time for Black Cats supporters.
Manchester United’s Premier League campaign is all but over as they cannot be relegated, and they cannot push on to finish in any of the European positions.
The Red Devils, who were beaten 4-3 by Brentford on Sunday, are now 15th in the table and only have the Europa League to play for before the end of the season.
It has not been good enough for Ruben Amorim’s side on the domestic front, which could lead to some business in the summer transfer window to improve the squad.
In fact, United have already been linked with potential targets to bolster the team, including one player who currently plays in the Championship.
Man Utd target Championship star for summer move
According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Sunderland central midfielder Jobe Bellingham ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sunderland'sJobeBellingham
The report claims that both the Red Devils and fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are both eager to sign the England U21 talent in the summer window.
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It also reveals that Borussia Dortmund are eyeing up the English midfield star and that Sunderland have set a valuation of £20m for the promising youngster.
Manchester United should now push to win the race for his signature in the summer window because he is an exciting prospect who has shades of Paul Pogba.
Jobe Bellingham has shades of Paul Pogba
The 19-year-old starlet is yet to prove himself in the Premier League, having only played in the Championship for the Black Cats so far, but he has already shown plenty of promising signs.
Analyst Ben Mattinson once stated that Jobe “carries the ball with such elegance” and that the teenage gem is a “top athlete” and “box-crasher”. Remind you of anyone?
Ryan Giggs once said that Paul Pogba was physically “immense” and that the France international had “everything” in his locker to succeed, as the midfield maestro offered a physical presence to go along with his technical qualities.
Jobe, who stands at 6 foot 2, has shades of the former United star about him as he mixes physical and technical attributes to offer an all-round presence in the middle of the park.
Jobe Bellingham
24/25 Championship
Appearances
40
xG
3.14
Goals
4
Big chances created
4
Assists
3
Duels won per game
5.9
Duel success rate
52%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the £20m-rated dynamo has provided a threat at the top end of the pitch whilst also winning almost six duels per game, and winning the majority of his physical battles, despite being just 19.
The Sunderland star, who was described as a “freak of nature” by teammate Dan Neil due to his physicality, has already shown that he can compete physically against senior professionals, which suggests that he could deal with the step up in intensity that comes with a move to the Premier League.
Like Pogba, Jobe could offer physicality, goals, assists, and drive in midfield for Manchester United and Amorim, whilst also having plenty of time left to develop and improve as a player at the age of 19.
He's more prolific than Cunha & Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks for £60m "monster"
Manchester United are in regular contact over a deal to sign a £60m star who has outscored Mbeumo and Cunha.
ByDan Emery May 5, 2025
Whilst he may not be an instant success at Old Trafford, due to his age and room to grow, the English youth prospect could be a future star in Manchester due to the technical and physical qualities that he possesses.