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Glamorgan overpowered despite flying start with the ball

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jul-2025Dan Lawrence’s maiden T20 hundred rescued Surrey as they recovered from a dreadful start to chase down 223 against Glamorgan at the Kia Oval and edge closer to clinching a Vitality Blast knockout place.Lawrence came to the crease with his side in desperate trouble at 16 for three – but the wristy right-hander transformed the contest by hammering 120 not out from 54 balls, sharing an unbroken stand of 146 from 60 with Tom Curran, a county T20 record against Glamorgan, to secure victory with five balls to spare.Glamorgan had looked set to record their first Blast success against Surrey in eight attempts after a century partnership between Colin Ingram, with a season’s best of 69 from 33, and Asa Tribe, who finished unbeaten on a 30-ball knock of 56.Their stand of 105 from 51 for the fifth wicket enabled the visitors to post a challenging 222 for six, but that proved insufficient in the face of Lawrence’s merciless onslaught.Seeking a response to their heavy loss at Hampshire 24 hours earlier, Glamorgan gathered early momentum from the aggressive hitting of Will Smale, who scooped Nathan Smith for six in the opening over.Surrey’s seamers all took some powerplay punishment from Smale (37 from 17), but two smart pieces of fielding by Jason Roy at cover pegged the visitors back – following his sharp throw to run out Smale with a courageous catch that cut off Alex Horton’s bullet drive.Sam Curran (two for 31) bowled tightly, varying his pace to good effect and removed Ben Kellaway, just getting set when he skied to mid-off, but Ingram began to accumulate steadily through the middle overs.The veteran left-hander hit the accelerator to raise his half-century from 25 balls as Smith’s final over disappeared for 21 and Tribe followed suit at identical pace, pulling Tom Curran into the stand for his third six.Although Ingram eventually holed out to provide the younger Curran with a second wicket, the home side had to chase at above 11 an over, a task that became no easier after losing both openers inside the first 10 deliveries of their reply.Roy’s dismissal, courtesy of Dan Douthwaite’s stunning leap to his right at cover, was soon followed by that of Sam Curran, who miscued Ned Leonard behind to leave Surrey three down and floundering.Lawrence and Will Jacks counter-attacked, both depositing spinner Imad Wasim over the fence and sharing a partnership of 62 from 33 which was ended by another instance of superb fielding.Kiran Carlson’s arrow throw from mid-off – with one stump in his line of vision – left Jacks (31 from 21) short of his ground, but Lawrence kept up the charge, heaving Andy Gorvin for a leg-side six to pass 50.With Tom Curran (49 not out from 27) in a supporting role, Lawrence whittled down the required rate, punching the air as he reached three figures from 46 balls and clinching a remarkable win with a straight six off Gorvin.

Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon, with Ruben Amorim looking to extend his current winning run in England’s top-flight.

The 40-year-old will be leading the side into his 52nd outing, but could create history in his tenure if he can secure all three points against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.

He claimed his second successive league victory last time out against rivals Liverpool, with a win against the Seagulls potentially making it three in a row – something he’s yet to do at Old Trafford.

However, the manager will likely have numerous selection headaches ahead of him for the meeting this afternoon, with numerous players in contention for a return to the starting eleven.

One player could be brutally dropped to the substitutes bench once again, that’s despite starting each of the Red Devils’ last two outings in the Premier League.

Why Mason Mount should be dropped against Brighton

Mason Mount has massively struggled for consistent minutes at United after making a £60m switch to join the club from Chelsea back in the summer of 2023.

Injuries have often plagued the Englishman’s progress, subsequently restricting him to a total of 55 appearances across all competitions in the last 27 months.

However, Amorim has constantly stated his admiration for the 26-year-old, but he may decide to drop him from the starting eleven after his showing at Anfield.

He only featured for an hour before being withdrawn, understandably so given his measly tally of seven passes completed and zero chances created.

In Amorim’s pre-match press conference, he also stated that Mount has picked up a knock, but he should still be fit for the clash with the Seagulls this afternoon.

Regardless of his fitness, the manager needs to axe him from his starting eleven, offering one other player the chance to impress in his 3-4-2-1 system.

The United star who needs to start against Brighton

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Amorim has been working tirelessly to prevent a repeat – even receiving a huge boost from the hierarchy in the process.

The 40-year-old was handed over £200m worth of new additions to make the changes he needed, with such funds being used to land the signature of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian has mainly operated in a number ten role since his switch to Old Trafford, but the boss decided to utilise him in a number nine position against the Reds.

Such a decision took away from his best qualities, resulting in the 26-year-old being dispossessed six times and failing to register a shot on target for the first time in 2025/26.

As a result, Amorim must drop him back into a slightly deeper position, which should allow £74m addition Benjamin Sesko to return to his rightful position as a regular starter.

The Slovenian, who earns £160k-per-week, joined the Red Devils from RB Leipzig during the summer window and has already impressed the United faithful with his tally of two Premier League goals.

Before the clash against Arne Slot’s men, the 22-year-old, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, had scored in back-to-back matches in England’s top-flight.

Games played

8

Goals scored

2

Minutes played

414

Aerials won

4.1

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

1.3

Touches in opposition box

4.1

Duels won

5.6

His underlying stats further indicate the immediate impact he’s had in Manchester, with his tally of 4.1 aerial duels won per 90 handing the side the needed outlet they’ve hugely lacked.

He’s also registered 1.3 chances created per 90, whilst notching the same amount of shots on target per 90 – demonstrating why he’s the perfect all-round option in the manager’s system.

Such numbers should make him a mainstay within the current first-team squad, which should see Amorim recall him ahead of the clash with Brighton today.

The boss will undoubtedly want to continue the excellent recent run in the top-flight, with the reintroduction of Sesko undoubtedly handing them a massive boost in their quest.

It's not Mainoo: Man Utd may have found the new Pogba in "phenomenal" star

Manchester United already have another talent who is on a similar trajectory to Paul Pogba.

1 ByEthan Lamb Oct 24, 2025

Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes has sensationally confirmed that he has been in talks with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva “for a long time” about a return to his boyhood club. Speaking during a campaign debate ahead of November’s decisive election, Lopes reiterated his promise to bring the Portuguese international back to Lisbon if elected.

Benfica presidential candidate aims to sign Silva if elected

Benfica’s presidential race has taken another dramatic turn as Noronha Lopes doubled down on his ambitious pledge to re-sign Manchester City superstar Silva. Speaking during a televised debate on Thursday, the 54-year-old businessman confirmed that he has been in direct contact with the Portuguese midfielder “for a long time” regarding a possible homecoming. The revelation comes just days after Rui Costa narrowly edged the first round of voting, with neither candidate securing a majority and a run-off now scheduled for November 8.

Silva, a Benfica academy graduate who made only three senior appearances before leaving for Monaco in 2014, has long been regarded as one of the club’s great lost talents. Despite enjoying a glittering career in England under Pep Guardiola, where he has won multiple Premier League titles and the Champions League, the idea of finishing his career back at the Estadio da Luz has remained close to his heart. Noronha Lopes has made the midfielder’s return a central promise of his campaign, declaring it a “symbolic” move that would represent a new era for the club.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportNoronha Lopes claims he is in contact with Silva

Lopes reiterated his position at Thursday’s debate, insisting that his communication with Silva has been consistent and genuine. “I really want to bring him back,” he said [h/t SAPO Portugal]. “I’ve been talking to him for a long time. I repeat what I said at the beginning of the campaign, and I’ll say it again now: with me, the president will return. I’m not setting deadlines. He’s someone I admire; he’s a great Benfica supporter.”

He continued by stressing his respect for Silva’s current commitments at Manchester City, saying he understands why the player has not spoken publicly on the issue. “Bernardo makes his own decisions,” Lopes added. “I perfectly understand that he doesn’t take a public position regarding the elections.”

The Benfica presidential hopeful’s comments follow previous claims from September, when he revealed that a contract offer for Silva was already “waiting.” While Manchester City have no immediate plans to sell their vice-captain, the Portuguese international’s contract runs until June 2026, making a deal theoretically possible.

These latest remarks echo his earlier interview with A Bola in September, where Lopes claimed that a formal contract was already in place. “Yes, I can confirm that a contract is waiting for Bernardo Silva,” he told the outlet. “And I really want to bring him in in January. He embodies everything I want for Benfica: identity, a winning culture, and he’s a true Benfica fan. And I can assure you that we won’t stop here.”

Bernardo Silva and his boyhood Benfica dream

Silva’s story is deeply entwined with Benfica’s history. Born in Lisbon, he joined the club’s youth academy at just eight years old and spent over a decade rising through the ranks, earning acclaim as one of Portugal’s brightest prospects. However, despite winning the Segunda Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award with Benfica B, his first-team chances were limited to three domestic cup appearances before leaving for AS Monaco in 2014. It was there that his career exploded, with his creativity and intelligence helping Monaco claim the 2016–17 Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League semi-finals.

His brilliance soon attracted Manchester City, who signed him in 2017 for €50 million. Under Guardiola, Silva became one of Europe’s most complete midfielders — a tireless, technically gifted player, capable of dictating games from almost any role. His honours list includes six Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first-ever Champions League crown in 2023.

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AFPSecond round of Benfica presidential election scheduled for November 8

The next step in this saga hinges on Benfica’s presidential election, which will take place on November 8 following a tightly contested first round. Rui Costa, the incumbent president, remains the favourite after leading the initial vote, but Noronha Lopes’ vow to bring Bernardo Silva home could yet swing public opinion. The promise has captured the imagination of supporters craving both ambition and nostalgia — qualities Lopes believes Silva perfectly embodies.

Should Lopes triumph, immediate discussions with Manchester City are expected, though the financial challenge would be significant. Silva remains under contract until next summer and continues to play a vital role in Guardiola’s squad, meaning any approach would likely have to wait until the summer.

India coach says ‘my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones’ in Bengaluru

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jun-20251:15

Gambhir: We should never have roadshows

India coach Gautam Gambhir has said there is no need to have celebratory roadshows in the future, after a stampede caused the death of 11 fans and injured many more in Bengaluru during the functions held on Wednesday to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning their maiden IPL title.”I was never a believer that we need to have roadshows. When I was playing, I had the same statement to make, even after winning 2007 [T20 World Cup], that we should not have road shows,” Gambhir said in Mumbai ahead of India’s departure for the Test tour of England. “I think lives of the people are far more important. I will continue to say that, even in future, I think we can be a little bit aware of not holding these kind of roadshows, and can probably have it in a closed door, or something like this, in a stadium.Related

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Deaths and injuries to fans mar RCB's homecoming

“It is very tragic what happened yesterday, and my heart goes to the families, the people who’ve lost their loved ones, and I hope in future, nothing like this can happen, because I think we all are responsible, and we all are responsible citizens, and we should take care of all this.”And if we are not ready to hold a roadshow, we shouldn’t have done that. As simple as it can get. I know fans do get excited, everyone gets excited, the fan bases get excited, but nothing can compare to what has happened yesterday.”Even when I used to play, I didn’t believe in roadshows. I don’t believe in them today and I won’t believe in them in the future as well. Winning is important. Celebration is important. But more important than that is the life of any person. So, if we are not prepared or if we can’t handle the crowd in that way, then we might as well not have these roadshows.”Earlier on Thursday, RCB issued a statement announcing “financial support of INR 10 lakh to each of the eleven families of the deceased” and setting up of an RCB Cares fund in aid of the “fans injured in this tragic incident.” The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also said it would give INR 5 lakh to each of the families of the people who died in the stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Liverpool have ebbed and flowed this season, but the Reds fanbase will expect Arne Slot’s side to bury the three-game losing run that chased them into the October international break and start performing with the coherence and quality of champions.

After all, the Merseysiders breezed their way through the 2024/25 campaign, winning the Premier League title with relative ease after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his post.

But so much upheaval this summer was always going to knock things out of kilter.

Liverpool’s attacking synergy has been anything but smooth this season, even with an excess of world-class quality welcomed down Anfield Road, even with Hugo Ekitike firing on all cylinders since joining and reminding Alexander Isak his berth at number nine is anything but secure.

But with things not quite right on the attacking right flank, rumours have circulated pertaining to interest in Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo, whose form this term suggests he would be a credit to any side across Europe.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has been a gift from the gods.

But nothing lasts forever, and the Egyptian King is into the penultimate year of his £400k-per-week contract. He is 33 years old, and his performances haven’t been good enough this season.

It’s with this in mind that Liverpool have focused their sights on Bournemouth’s Semenyo, who has been among the most prolific wingers in Europe so far this season, six goals and three assists across seven matches in the Premier League.

Valued at £75m, Bournemouth are aware of Liverpool’s interest, with sources reporting this month that the 25-year-old is at the top of Richard Hughes’ wish list.

However, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also hot on the Ghana international’s tail.

Semenyo’s multi-positionality is an attractive feature of his. Dangerous across the left wing and right, he is a menace of a footballer and hailed by one Premier League analyst this season as being “one of the best players in the world” at the moment.

Right winger

23

10 (2)

Left winger

23

7 (6)

Centre-forward

1

1 (0)

Bournemouth’s £75m valuation is a reflection of that market value. Semenyo, to be sure, would cost a pretty penny.

But Liverpool might manage to save millions. Sure, a Salah replacement will be required in the coming transfer windows, but Slot already has a Semenyo-type player at his disposal.

Liverpool's own version of Semenyo

Semenyo is a rare type of forward, two-footed and confident across a range of different attacking roles. It is no coincidence that the rise and rise of Andoni Iraola’s outfit has coincided with his own.

He would strengthen Liverpool’s team, no doubt, but Slot might actually already have his own version of the maverick in the young Rio Ngumoha.

Handed his professional debut during the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley in January 2025, Ngumoha excelled as an up-and-comer at Liverpool last season, poached, aged 15, from Chelsea’s youth academy despite his prodigious potential.

The winger’s long-time youth coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, said “he can reach any level he wants”, having been awed many a time over the years by Ngumoha’s pace and power and confidence on the ball.

He said, “I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars. What makes him stand out is his one-v-one ability on the ball – he can break lines, drive at players, beat players on either side and end product.

“I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

One online youth football promoter has even gone as far as to claim that Ngumoha “will become one of the best wingers in the world”. Early days, early days, but the teenager has the talent, and each passing performance merely adds grist to the hype mill.

The hype is real, and Ngumoha’s match-winning goal at St. James’ Park in August, on his Premier League debut, has only increased the fanfare around the 17-year-old’s potential.

Direct and dynamic with startling close control on the ball, Ngumoha has all the skills required to become a superstar, and his natural potency and the trust Slot has shown in him already this season tell much of his potential.

Ngumoha’s height was recorded at 5 foot 7 at the start of the season, but his physical growth continues, and it’s becoming clear he will not be a diminutive wideman but a force to be reckoned with, Lamine Yamal-esque, even, as his winged feet carry him up and down the flank, leaving defenders for dust.

That crucial goal against Newcastle United at the start of the season also emphasises a positional understanding and coolness in the big moments, and this is something Semenyo has added to his game spectacularly across the past few months.

The Cherries star was already considered one of the best wingers in the business for his efforts last year, with Tottenham lodging an enquiry for the talent this summer, rebuffed upon the south coast side’s £70m demands.

If he keeps on playing as he is, that figure might prove to be a bargain down the line, but with such thick competition for his signature, Liverpool might want to hold fire and instead continue the emphasis on developing Ngumoha, who is the real deal and could play with a frightening quality and control in a couple of years, when he reaches physical and technical maturity.

Better than Semenyo: Liverpool plot bid for "one of the best RWs in the world"

Liverpool need to begin plans to replace Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2025

Benjamin Cremaschi, the 20-year-old American midfielder on loan from Inter Miami, made his long-awaited Serie A debut for Parma on Oct. 29, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. He replaced Adrián Bernabé as part of a triple change by coach Fabio Pecchia with Parma trailing 1-0.

AFPTwo months in the making

Cremaschi’s debut came nearly two months after his loan move from Inter Miami was announced on Sept. 2. The midfielder joined the Italian club on a deal through June 2026, with Parma holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Prior to this appearance, Cremaschi had been named to Parma's matchday squad twice but remained unused as he adapted to Italian football. His introduction against Roma marked a significant milestone in his European career after accumulating 107 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions.

AdvertisementAFPParma's struggles

Cremaschi entered a difficult match situation, with Roma leading 1-0 when he stepped onto the Stadio Olimpico pitch. The hosts would double their advantage through Artem Dovbyk in the 80th minute before Parma pulled one back through Alessandro Circati five minutes later.

Despite the late push, Parma couldn't find an equalizer in the 2-1 defeat. The result continues a challenging start to the season for Parma, who sit in the bottom half of the Serie A table at 15th after a difficult opening to their campaign. 

GettyLoan move follows time at Inter Miami

Cremaschi's loan to Parma came after he publicly expressed frustration about his situation at Inter Miami under coach Javier Mascherano. In August, the midfielder voiced concerns about inconsistent playing time and being deployed in various positions rather than in his preferred role.

"I'm frustrated, I want to play. I think the most important thing for me is to be at a very high level, and to get there, I need minutes and experience," Cremaschi said. "I've played very little in these recent games, and I don't think it's because of my level."

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Serie A opportunity represents new challenge

Cremaschi will now look to build on his debut with more minutes in future Parma matches. The team faces Bologna this weekend on Nov. 2. 

In the last five years, batting averages there have diminished as the game has progressed, with spinners having taken more than 100 wickets each on days three and four

Mohammad Isam16-Jun-2025Bangladesh batters are eager to cash in on the Galle pitch before it starts responding to spinners, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The visitors begin their Sri Lanka tour with the Galle Test starting on Tuesday, with recent performances putting both batting units under pressure.Shanto had scored his maiden Test century in the first game during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2021 – he scored 163 in Pallekele, which remains his highest Test score. This time around, Bangladesh will be playing only their third Test in Galle, the last of which was back in 2017.In the last five years, batting averages in Galle have diminished as the game has progressed – from 45.64 on the first day to 35.61, 28.53, 28.31 and 20.65 in the subsequent days. Spinners have taken more than 100 wickets each on the third and fourth days of Tests in Galle during this period.Related

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Shanto banks on away form, squad flexibility for fresh WTC

“I have some good memories in Kandy, but I want to take the opportunity in Galle,” Shanto said. “Playing spin may be challenging, but there’s also a lot of runs in the first two or three days in Galle. We want to take that opportunity. There will be challenges for the batters as spinners take a lot of wickets in this venue. We have to bat well. We are enjoying each other’s company despite all the challenges.”Shanto said he is pleased with the combination of players he has in the current Test squad, although Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who reportedly has a fever, remains a doubtful starter against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will take a last-minute call on the playing XI after confirming whether Mehidy is available.”Mehidy is still under observation, but his health is improving. A lot depends on his availability,” Shanto said. “If he is in the team, we can go into the Test with a good combination. I don’t want to reveal where I am going to bat in the Test match. I don’t want my opponent to know. We still have a few things up in the air. Miraz is still not fully well.”I am happy with the Test squad. I think it is also quite positive that we all could agree on this combination. It is a balanced side with enough options for batting and bowling. We can pick the XI depending on the opposition and conditions. We also have to execute our plans by playing good cricket.”Earlier this year, Bangladesh levelled the Test series against Zimbabwe after defeat in the first Test•AFP/Getty ImagesBangladesh’s batting struggles are often attributed to the absence of their batting heavyweights, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. While Tamim has retired from all formats, Shakib could be available just for ODIs. In Tamim’s absence, Bangladesh are yet to settle on an opening pair, while Shakib’s role as a batter hasn’t been totally replaced either. Shanto, though, is hopeful that the current Test players can do their jobs in Sri Lanka.”They are not in the team for the last two or three years; Shakib and Tamim served Bangladesh cricket for a long time,” Shanto said. “But we don’t want to think about the past. We have some experienced cricketers in the squad. They will do well here. I hope those in the team will take the team forward.”Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back after having won just two out of ten completed matches across formats so far this year. In February, they exited the Champions Trophy in the group stage, before going down to Zimbabwe in the Sylhet Test in April. Bangladesh then lost back-to-back T20I series against UAE and Pakistan in May-June. Shanto, however, said that the team will take inspiration from their drawn Test series against Zimbabwe, where they bounced back in Chattogram after the defeat in Sylhet.”We don’t want to think too much about the Zimbabwe series. We came back well in that series,” Shanto said. “It will motivate the team. We are playing in conditions that many of us have played in the past. We have to play good cricket, especially the batters.”We have good memories in Sri Lanka, which will be helpful but every series is a new beginning. The top order has to provide the team with a good start. We have a good squad here, so it will be a great opportunity to do something special here.”

Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?

On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.

Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?

Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search

According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.

Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.

It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.

Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.

So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?

Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership

It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.

Here is a selection of the most recent examples.

Luke McCowan

Dundee

£1m

37*

Benjamin Siegrist

Dundee United

Free

2

David Turnbull

Motherwell

£3.25m

134

Greg Taylor

Kilmarnock

£2.2m

213*

Scott Bain

Dundee

Free

78*

Jonny Hayes

Aberdeen

£1m

68

Lewis Morgan

St Mirren

£300k

31

Jack Hendry

Dundee

£1.5m

27

Nadir Çiftçi

Dundee United

£1.5m

26

Scott Allan

Hibernian

£275k

17

Ryan Christie

Inverness CT

£500k

151

Gary Mackay-Steven

Dundee United

£250k

62

Stuart Armstrong

Dundee United

£2.5m

144

*indicates that the player is still at the club

As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.

The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.

To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.

Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.

Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.

In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.

Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer

Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.

ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises have been making early moves for a new Ibrox manager in Europe.

Rangers and 49ers release statement on takeover

The rumours over a takeover at Rangers involving the 49ers have gone into overdrive in recent months, with previous claims suggesting that there was confidence of a deal being completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In recent days, Rangers and the consortium have issued a joint statement, saying to Sky Sports: “Rangers and its existing controlling shareholders are in productive conversations with the two lead members of the Consortium, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, about the potential for the Consortium to acquire control of the club and to inject additional capital. These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the importance of Rangers FC’s long-term direction, ambitions and management.”

Rangers have hit gold on "impressive" gem who is worth more than Mulligan

Rangers signed a player under Clement who is worth more than Josh Mulligan.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

One of their first tasks in Glasgow will be to appoint a new permanent manager, with the Gers currently having Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the campaign after parting ways with Philippe Clement.

Ferguson is keen on the Rangers job on a full-time basis and vowed to make the club “better” if he is given the opportunity.

“In terms of in the future, managing elsewhere, no. I enjoyed my role at Rangers before, and if that’s not going to be managing, then hopefully I’ll just go back to that and enjoy what I was doing. If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don’t get the job I will still support the club.”

Philippe Clement

2023-2025

Michael Beale

2022-2023

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

2021-2022

Steven Gerrard

2018-2021

Pedro Caixinha

2017

However, it looks as if the 49ers have other plans in mind when it comes to a new Rangers boss, going off an update from The Athletic.

Rangers and 49ers hold manager talks in Europe

According to The Athletic, relayed by Give Me Sport, Rangers and the 49ers have been holding talks with managers in Europe ahead of a potential summer move.

No specific names are mentioned, however, 49ers technical director Gretar Steinsson has held Rangers discussions with managerial candidates across Europe.

There have been a few managers in Europe who have been linked with the Ibrox role, including Jose Mourinho who is currently in charge of Fenerbahce. As we know, Ferguson and Rangers got the better of Mourinho and Fenerbahce in the Europa League earlier this year.

Marco Rose, who has links with Red Bull and by extension the 49ers due to the connection at Leeds United, is another who has been mooted as a potential target after he left RB Leipzig in March.

It will be interesting to see what route the 49ers go down in regards to bringing in a new manager, but they aren’t wasting time with Steinsson working behind the scenes.

A Bundesliga side are “ready” to sign a Rangers star valued at more than £20m this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers exit Europa League as worrying 49ers takeover update shared

The Gers’ hopes of winning the Europa League came to an end on Thursday evening after a 2-0 defeat to Athletic Club. Rangers were hoping that they’d be returning to Bilbao at the end of May for the final, however, goals in either half from Oihan Sanchet and Nico Williams ensured it would be Athletic Club taking on Man Utd in the semi finals.

For those at Ibrox, attention will soon turn to the 2025/26 season, especially as they currently trail Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership by 15 points.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 17, 2025

The 49ers Enterprises are currently in the process of completing an Ibrox takeover, however, ex-Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness has heard that the American investors aren’t aware of how passionate Rangers fans are and are viewing the deal as a “business transaction”.

“I’m hearing some very interesting things from my sources at Rangers this week. They’re saying that the 49ers are looking at this like a business transaction, they don’t really get what they’re going into – in terms of the fans, the sectarian situation and the religious connotations.

“The Rangers fanbase have a massive passion. It’s alright to see it occasionally, but you’ve really got to live in it and get to know it if you’re going to invest like this. It’s an unusual beast and it’s very powerful. What I’m hearing is that the 49ers don’t quite understand that side of it.”

One of the first tasks for the 49ers will be to appoint a new permanent manager, however, they could also lose a number of players.

Recently, Hamza Igamane has been linked with a move away from Glasgow, with Marseille making a serious move. Meanwhile, Leon Balogun is unlikely to be offered a new Rangers contract and looks set to leave for free.

Borussia Monchengladbach “ready” to sign Rangers star Raskin

Now, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, relayed by Sport Witness, Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are “ready” to sign Rangers star Nicolas Raskin this summer.

Those in Glasgow have recently valued Raskin at more than £20m, and according to Tavolieri, Monchengladbach are prepared to swoop.

He doesn’t state if Rangers are willing to do business, however, Raskin himself recently admitted his desire to “compete at a big club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Games

90

Goals

3

Assists

10

Yellow cards

15

“I’ve been here for two and a half years. It’s gone very well for me, especially this season. You have to see what the club wants, what comes on the table, and try to do the best for everyone. As a footballer, you always want to look ahead and see what you can do better.

“If you want to give yourself the best chance of playing in an international competition, you have to be able to compete at a big club. But the goal isn’t to go to a club where you’ll play less and lose that advantage of playing every week. It’s a balancing act that needs to be found.”

A move away from Ibrox could therefore be one to keep an eye on for the Belgium international.