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Chelsea are set to have a busy summer on the pitch, even with the Premier League season almost at its conclusion.

Indeed, they are taking part in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the United States of America, with the first game on the 16th of June against Mexican side Club Leon.

Thus, they might be looking to make some early transfers. The 2025 summer window opens for ten days at the start of June, to allow teams competing in the Club World Cup the chance to strengthen their squad beforehand.

It might well be in the Blues’ interest to sign someone in that short window, and they have actually been linked with one attacker who could even move at the start of June.

Chelsea looking to sign a new striker

It may not seem surprising that Chelsea want a new striker this summer, given they are the sixth biggest underachiever for expected goals in the Premier League, as per Understat.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, the man who could help solve those issues is Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.

According to recent reports from Spain this week, Chelsea are one of the sides who ‘have already initiated’ a move for Guirassy this summer. There is thought to be a ‘real possibility of leaving Germany’ for the striker in the coming months.

However, the West Londoners are surely going to face stern competition for Gurassy’s signature. Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus are also interested in signing the striker, who has a £60m release clause in his contract, should anyone want to bring him in.

Why Guirassy would be a good signing

It has been an incredible season for Guirassy in 2024/25, who has excelled leaps and bounds in a Dortmund side that has struggled overall. He has 29 goals and five assists in 41 games played so far this term.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker has done his best work in the Champions League. He’s scored an incredible 13 goals in 14 games, notching up four assists alongside those strikes.

It is perhaps not too difficult to pinpoint the best performance from the Guinean striker in Europe’s premier club competition. He scored a hat-trick in the quarter-final against Barcelona, which proved to be in vain as his side got eliminated 5-3 on aggregate. However, it was still an mightily strong performance to grab a 3-1 home win on the night.

Perhaps Guirassy could provide the goals that Nicolas Jackson has struggled to score at times in 2024/25. The Chelsea striker is talented but perhaps a little inconsistent, with nine goals and five assists in 29 games in all competitions.

When comparing the goal-to-game ratio of Jackson and Guirassy, there is a clear difference. The Dortmund number nine is currently scoring 0.7 goals per game this term, whereas Chelsea’s main man up front averages just 0.3, a stark contrast.

Indeed, one thing the “unstoppable” Dortmund star, as scout Antonio Mango once described him, has on his side is experience.

At 29 years of age, the Dortmund sensation has plenty more years in professional football than the Chelsea number 15, who is just 23 years of age. With that being said, there is still a difference in how clinical they are in front of goal.

Interestingly, a statistical comparison via FBref can be drawn between Guirassy and former Blues striker Kai Havertz, now an Arsenal player.

He scored 32 goals for the club over three years, including a winner in the Champions League final in 2021.

As for the numerical comparison between the two, there are several areas where the pair are similar. For example, Guirassy averages 0.50 goals per shot on target compared to Havertz’s 0.43 goals per shot on target each game and they link up play in a similarly strong way, with only 0.10 difference in the number of key passes they supply per 90 minutes.

It is hard to see a reason why Gurassy wouldn’t succeed at Stamford Bridge. The Dortmund star is deadly in front of goal, as the numbers show, and in that sense would be an upgrade on Jackson.

Chelsea fans will surely hope he can replicate what Havertz did in that famous Blue shirt. They probably wouldn’t say no to a Champions League final winner, a competition in which he has serious pedigree already.

Chelsea preparing £43m offer for "surprising" new striker target

The west Londoners have another name on their agenda.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 23, 2025

With the season gradually coming to a close and Rangers’ managerial decision therefore approaching, Ibrox legend Ally McCoist has had his say on one candidate who he believes would make every game a “fight”.

Rangers' search for a permanent boss continues

This time last season it looked as though Philippe Clement had all the tools to become a successful manager at Rangers. He had pushed Celtic all the way without taking charge of a full campaign so, naturally, similar progress was expected at the start of his first full season in the Ibrox dugout. Fast-forward almost a year, however, and the Belgian is out of a job and Rangers have been out of the Scottish Premiership title race for some time.

Since appointing interim boss Barry Ferguson too, things haven’t got much better for the Scottish giants, who lost three consecutive top flight games at Ibrox before holding on for a draw against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.

Whether they advance past the La Liga side in the second leg or not though, Rangers look unlikely to hand Ferguson the job on a permanent basis.

As bad as Propper: Ferguson must axe Rangers dud who made just 4 passes

Having battled to a goalless draw at Ibrox, Rangers manager Barry Ferguson must axe his “frustrating” star at San Mamés in next Thursday’s second leg.

By
Ben Gray

Apr 11, 2025

Instead, names such as Rafa Benitez and even Jose Mourinho have been mentioned as potential candidates in recent months. The latter, in particular, would certainly provide plenty of box office moments, but it remains to be seen whether the Gers can lure the so-called Special One away from Fenerbahce.

Away from two experienced candidates, meanwhile, Ally McCoist believes that one “interesting” manager who has not received many mentions would get Rangers fighting again.

McCoist: Sean Dyche would make Rangers "fight"

In an exclusive chat with Football FanCast, Rangers legend McCoist had his say on the Gers’ manager race, speaking highly of Sean Dyche in particular.

Out of a job since being shown the door at Everton in January, Dyche could certainly do with another opportunity to step into the dugout and one that is away from the troubles that the Toffees often had during his reign.

The Rangers job would undoubtedly be the biggest job of his career so far too, having previously taken charge of sides who were expected to scrap away in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Whilst Dyche’s Everton spell has mixed reviews, Rangers should look towards his time at Burnley, in which he took the Clarets into the Europa League on a minimal budget, as an example of what he is truly capable of.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways yesterday after a 3-1 victory over Southampton in North London, condemning the Saints to an immediate return back to the Championship.

A double from Brennan Johnson and a late penalty from January addition Mathys Tel secured all three points for Ange Postecoglou’s side, making amends for Thursday’s defeat against Chelsea.

The result moves the Lilywhites ahead of Everton and West Ham United, but still sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table in an all-round season to forget.

The summer remains a huge one for Postecoglou to try and make amends in 2025/26, with funds needed to turn around their dismal run over the last couple of months.

However, numerous players will also need to be moved on, with one player nowhere near the levels he’s previously procured at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Heung-min Son’s stats against Southampton

Over the years, attacker Heung-min Son has often been the go-to man in terms of contributions in the final third, as seen by his tally of 173 goals and 94 assists in his 450 appearances.

However, the South Korean has struggled to replicate such levels in the last few months, only managing to score two league goals in the first four months of 2025.

His showing against the Saints yesterday was yet another disappointing one, featuring for just 57 minutes before being replaced by youngster Wilson Odebert.

The 32-year-old only managed a total of 39 touches, completing just one of his four attempted dribbles, whilst also only managing a single effort on goal.

After such a showing, it’s fair to say he’s no longer one of the first names on the teamsheet, with one other first-team member going from stride to stride with regular minutes over the past few months.

The Spurs star who’s more important than Son

Spurs have invested in young talents over the last couple of years, with their transfer strategy coming into question – especially considering the lowly league standing in 2024/25.

The decision to put funds into youth rather than players into their prime has often been a poor call, but it’s safe to say one player has been an anomaly to that trend.

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall has gone from strength to strength over the last few months, often being a regular in Postecoglou’s side – highlighting his impressive development.

The 19-year-old started the clash with the Saints yesterday, impressing massively during his 80-minute performance before being replaced by Yves Bissouma.

The Swede registered 43 touches during his display, completing 83% of the passes he attempted, being the shining light in the middle of the park despite his tender age.

He also created two chances, completing four passes into the final third, often looking to play forward at any opportunity – impressing at both ends of the pitch.

Bergvall also won one tackle, two interceptions and six recoveries, highlighting his ability as a box-to-box midfielder – undoubtedly having the potential to star at the heart of the side for many years.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football London’s Rob Guest, further demonstrating how impressive he was during the triumph.

Such a showing has undoubtedly cemented his place at the heart of the side, with the position now his to lose despite his tender age – looking to be a phenomenal pickup.

As for Son, he’s entering the back end of his professional career, with age starting to become apparent, with Postecoglou having a huge call to make over his future this summer.

£49.6m wasted: Levy must ruthlessly sell Spurs "horror show" this summer

The disappointing Spurs flop has to go at the end of the season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 5, 2025

Over the summer, Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his duties as manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

He had promised supporters that season three is always the best. Alas, Spurs fans swiftly saw him exit the club, replaced by Thomas Frank.

While Postecoglou had guided the Lilywhites to the Europa League, thus engineering plenty of credit in the bank, they did ultimately finish 17th in the Premier League.

A major trophy was won but their league form was inexcusable. The same could now be said of Spurs under Frank.

Things started off rosy but they have unravelled in recent months. It’s all beginning to become rather Ange, isn’t it? The lack of ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and play attractive football is not rubbing off well on supporters.

Spurs could replace Frank already

As of 30th November 2025, the Dane has only been in charge of Spurs for 171 days. Yet, after a matter of months, Frank is already feeling the heat.

A week ago, the north Londoners put in a drab performance against rivals Arsenal, conceding four in the process. A few days later, while they did look more threatening in attack, they shipped five against European champions PSG.

A defeat against two of the continent’s very best is hardly a surprise, but their 2-1 loss to Fulham only rubbed further salt in the wounds.

This has been a terrible week for Tottenham and it’s hardly a surprise that Fabio Paratici and Co have been told to earmark possible replacements.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

According to reports in Spain, one name to have emerged on the club’s shortlist is former Barcelona player and manager, Xavi.

While the Spaniard is also on the radar of Manchester United, it’s thought that the Spurs board are considering making a change in the dugout if things have not improved by the end of December. In that eventuality, they will look to speak with Xavi about the job.

It’s stated that Spurs and United see Xavi as ‘an ideal coach to lead a new phase’, largely thanks to the fact that he has ‘modern ideas’ and ‘believes in young players’.

Why Xavi would be perfect for Spurs

Spurs have been there and done it before with a big-name manager. Antonio Conte’s spell ended in tears, as did Jose Mourinho’s. He steered them to a League Cup final at Wembley but was remarkably sacked on the eve of that big game.

As a result, caution must be heeded here. Is Xavi really the best port of call? Fears that another Conte or Mourinho situation could play out are understandable.

Yet, the fact of the matter is that Spurs have tried everything now. The relatively untested route of Postecoglou did end with a trophy but his spell was incredibly topsy-turvy. They’ve also been there and done it with a Premier League-proven manager. Nuno Santo ended poorly and the Frank regime is hardly going well, is it?

It’s rather sad. Frank is a nice man. He’s likeable. The first few months saw something of a revival too. Postecoglou’s defence was a total mess but the former Brentford manager had sorted that out.

Across Tottenham’s first seven games under Frank’s stewardship, they kept five clean sheets. There was better organisation and defensively they were far more resolute. Job done, right? The biggest problem under Ange was fixed. Think again.

The honeymoon period is now over. Spurs have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions. Across that time, they have shipped 15 goals. It’s far from ideal.

So, why would Xavi represent an upgrade? Well, in the words of Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, the former midfielder is “the best manager in the world.”

Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, the experience he boasts is extraordinary. As a player, he won the World Cup, two European Championships, eight LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.

As a manager, he navigated Barca through choppy waters. Under financial pressure, the Spanish giants still won LaLiga and while they did spend big on the likes of Raphinha and Ferran Torres, a lot of the work done in the transfer market was bringing in players on a free transfer.

Xavi was also the boss who gave a certain Lamine Yamal his debut aged 15. He also handed a first-team debut to Fermin Lopez, now a regular in the Barca team and to centre-half Pau Cubarsi.

Speaking about the Spanish manager’s philosophy, Arsene Wenger once said: “Personally, I like Xavi, and I give him credit for having the courage to bring these young players on board. That’s the difficult thing. He believed in them and gave them a chance to play. It’s true that he didn’t win the league last season, but he did win it the season before that. So I think he did a good job.”

The fact of the matter is that the Spaniard trusts young players and this couldn’t be more perfect for a Spurs squad boasting some of the finest young talent around. Take the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Luka Vuskovic and Luca Williams-Barnett as prime examples. The 45-year-old could be game-changing for players like that.

Born and bred in La Masia, it’s hardly a surprise that Xavi also favours attractive and possession-based football. Frank, on the other hand, does not.

Sure, Spurs were more organised during the opening months of the Frank regime but as manager of Tottenham, the fans expect to see exciting football too.

While the Londoners have enjoyed 53.8% of the ball this season, the sixth-best tally in the division, they have struggled big time with their creativity. Their 9.5 shots per game is the third-lowest tally in the entire Premier League. Only Wolves and Burnley are below them. Remarkably, they are also registering no through balls per game. No other team is worse in that regard.

As a consequence, they sit 16th in the league for expected goals, with a record of 14.33 xG.

To put some of those numbers into context, when Xavi won the league with Barca in 2022/23, they enjoyed the most possession in the league (64.8%), and had the second highest volume of shots per game (15.1).

While Xavi had a better team in his armoury, he is clearly a better tactical coach and the fact that he’s won some of football’s biggest honours puts him on a pedestal far above Frank.

He’s played under the likes of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, he’s certainly been able to learn a thing or two. Spurs would certainly be better off should they seal the remarkable capture of Xavi heading into 2026.

As bad as Vicario: Frank must finally bin 5/10 Spurs flop after Fulham

Tottenham were condemned to a third defeat in six days as they were overcome by Fulham’s early flurry.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 30, 2025

The current WTC finalists have been part of some fierce battles since 2000. Here’s a list

Omkar Mankame09-Jun-2025

2nd Test, Cape Town, 2002

This was Shane Warne’s 100th Test, and he made sure to make it his own. His 63 in the first innings helped Australia gain a sizeable lead in a thrilling partnership with Adam Gilchrist. He then picked up a six-wicket haul in South Africa’s second innings, but Australia were still left chasing a massive 331 after the hosts racked up 473.Justin Langer (58) and Matthew Hayden (96) laid the platform, but it was Ricky Ponting, who closed out a memorable win with a sublime hundred. With Warne at at the other end, Ponting brought up his century and the win with a six off Paul Adams.Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz saw Australia home in Johannesburg in 2006•Getty Images

3rd Test, Johannesburg, 2006

After dominant wins in Cape Town and Durban, Australia were pushed hard in the third Test. Brett Lee’s counterattacking 64 off 68 balls at No. 9, following Michael Hussey’s 72, lifted the visitors to 270 after South Africa had posted 303 in their first innings.Chasing 292, Hussey’s 89 and Damien Martyn’s 101 set up the chase, but Australia wobbled after Hussey’s dismissal, collapsing from 198 for 2 to 275 for 8. Michael Kasprowicz joined Lee with 17 still needed. The pair exorcised the ghosts of 2005, as Lee stayed unbeaten on 24 and Kasprowicz finished seven not out.AB de Villiers scored an unbeaten 106 to seal South Africa’s chase of 414•PA Photos

1st Test, Perth, 2008

Australia were in transition ahead of the 2008-09 home summer. It took a lower-order rescue act to lift them to 375, before Mitchell Johnson’s career-best 8 for 61 restricted South Africa to 281. With a lead of nearly 100, Australia extended it to 413 – seemingly more than enough.Enter Graeme Smith, who lost opening partner Neil McKenzie early, but then took the total to 172 in collaboration with Hashim Amla before both fell in quick succession. Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers took them to 303 before Kallis fell with the target still over 100 away. But de Villiers, who remained not out on 106, finished the job with JP Duminy.The champagne flows after South Africa’s series win•PA Photos

2nd Test, Melbourne, 2008

Smith hailed this result as a shift in the power balance of world cricket, becoming the first South African captain to win a Test series in Australia. In reply to Australia’s 394 at the MCG, South Africa stumbled to 184 for 7 before Duminy’s career-best 166, aided by a gritty 76 from Dale Steyn, earned them a 65-run lead. Steyn, who had taken 5 for 87 and then contributed with the bat, followed up with 5 for 67 to crush Australia’s hopes of squaring the series. South Africa chased down 183 to end two decades of Australian dominance at home.Michael Clarke raises his bat after reaching his first hundred on his home ground•PA Photos

3rd Test, Sydney, 2009

Australia pulled off a last-gasp win in Sydney, despite a valiant effort from the injured Smith. Batting at No. 11 with a broken left hand and sore right elbow, Smith survived 29 minutes with Makhaya Ntini in a bid to save the match, before Johnson ended the fight with five minutes left. Facing a whitewash, Australia had posted 445, driven by Michael Clarke’s 138, and gained a 118-run lead thanks to Peter Siddle’s 5 for 59. A strong second-innings show allowed Ponting to declare generously, setting South Africa 376 in nearly four sessions.The scoreboard tells the tale of Australia’s misery at Newlands in 2011•Getty Images

1st Test, Cape Town, 2011

Clarke’s unbeaten century took Australia to 214 for 8 by stumps on day one, and the Test was done by day three, with South Africa chasing down 155 to seal a commanding eight-wicket win. But the match was defined by a chaotic second day, where 23 wickets fell across four innings. Clarke guided the tail on the second morning to post 284, before Shane Watson and Ryan Harris ripped through South Africa, who lost nine for 47, to be bowled out for 96. But Philander, Steyn and Morkel hit back, skittling Australia for 47 – their lowest total in over a century. Smith and Amla calmly saw the day out at 81 for 1, setting up the 236-chase.Pat Cummins took 6 for 79 on debut•AFP

2nd Test, Johannesburg, 2011

Australia came into this Test on the back of their lowest total in 109 years. On a seaming Johannesburg pitch, they secured a 30-run lead after South Africa’s 266. Debutant Pat Cummins then gave Australia hope with a six-wicket haul, setting up a target of 310. At 19 for 2, Ponting and Usman Khawaja steadied the chase, but Morne Morkel and Steyn struck back, reducing Australia to six down with 95 still needed. The equation narrowed down to 12 with two wickets in hand. Cummins held his nerve, hitting two boundaries to seal a tense win.Faf du Plessis (left) batted over a day to save the 2012-13 Adelaide Test•Getty Images

2nd Test, Adelaide, 2012

For nearly four days, only one result seemed likely. Australia piled up 550 at a brisk 5.12 runs per over, powered by Clarke’s 230 off 257 balls and Hussey’s 103 off 137. They took a 162-run lead and set South Africa a daunting target of 430. On the final day, South Africa were 77 for 4 with debutant Faf du Plessis sharing the crease with de Villiers. The childhood friends battled through 408 balls in a tense blockathon. After de Villiers fell, Kallis and du Plessis added 99 runs in 235 balls, and South Africa held on for a draw with two wickets to spare.Ryan Harris wheels away in celebration after sealing the series for Australia•Getty Images

3rd Test, Cape Town, 2014

With the series level at 1-1, Australia arrived in Cape Town and posted 494 for 7, powered by Clarke’s unbeaten 161 and David Warner’s 135. Johnson, at his fiery best, took four wickets to restrict South Africa to 287. Warner’s second Test century set a daunting target of 511 – more realistically, survival for nearly five sessions. South Africa battled through 134 overs with two wickets in hand, but Ryan Harris struck in the final hour to remove Steyn and Morkel, preserving Australia’s unbeaten Test series record in South Africa since readmission. It was South Africa’s first defeat since becoming No. 1 in Test cricket.Travis Head’s innings proved to be the difference•Cricket Australia via Getty Images

1st Test, Brisbane, 2022

The Test lasted just two days and six sessions, but was packed with action, wickets, and a few runs. Brisbane served up a pitch so green it almost blended with the outfield. Australia’s bowlers were sharp and accurate, especially late in the first and throughout the second innings. South Africa’s totals of 152 and 99, with Kyle Verreynne’s 64 and Khaya Zondo’s unbeaten 36 as the top scores, fell well short. For Australia, Travis Head’s counter-attacking 92 off 96 balls proved decisive, helping build a 66-run lead. In a match where only two players passed 40 and 34 wickets tumbled in two days, his innings was the difference.

Vitinha produced the performance of his life as Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham 5-3 in a wild Champions League encounter at the Parc des Princes. The midfielder scored his first-ever career hat-trick, inspiring a comeback after PSG trailed twice on the night. With the French champions closing in on a top-eight league-phase finish, the win underlined Vitinha’s growing influence in Luis Enrique’s project.

• Vitinha leads PSG’s comeback with landmark hat-trick

  PSG were forced to dig deep after Tottenham twice took the lead in a chaotic Champions League night in Paris. Richarlison opened the scoring before Vitinha struck an equaliser just before half-time, the moment that set the tone for a career-defining display. Spurs went ahead again early in the second half, but Les Parisiens responded instantly, with the Portuguese midfielder producing a composed finish to drag his team level.

  His joy was evident when speaking to about scoring multiple goals for the first time in his professional career, he said: “It’s the first time. Even two, it’s the first time [laughs]. I had never scored two in the same game.”

  The European champions soon flipped the match on its head, with Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho striking before Vitinha completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to seal the victory and take the match ball home on a night that showcased his growing attacking instincts. The win reinforces PSG’s strong Champions League campaign, marking their fourth victory in five matches and pushing them closer to securing a top-eight finish.

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  Vitinha reveals the mindset shift behind his hat-trick

  After the match, Vitinha opened up about the mental shift that helped unlock the best goalscoring night of his career. He explained the belief behind his sudden scoring touch: "It was incredible, I think it's partly in your head. If you don't think about scoring a lot of goals, you probably won't. You have to believe, you have to… push too. Of course, always for the good of the team and never against the team, but you have to believe, show up, feel that the ball will come to you… And the truth is that I had luck combined with the goals and I'm overjoyed. I never… never thought I'd score three goals in a game. Very happy to have scored, but mainly for the victory. It was important to be behind twice and have the personality to come back. It's extremely important and I'm very happy for myself and for the team." 

  Speaking to PSG media, he acknowledged that Joao Neves’ recent hat-trick against Armenia may have planted the seed: “Actually, I had never thought about scoring a hat trick. Maybe Joao [Neves] inspired me! But it's true that when it happens, you think: 'maybe I can too'. It's a bit psychological. I'm very happy with this hat trick, but above all with the team and its personality, because it managed to overcome difficulties once again, with the help of this environment and these incredible fans. I think we formed a great team here, all together, at the Parc. They never stopped believing in us, even when we were behind twice.”

• Frank hails Vitinha as 'the next Ballon d'Or winner'

  Tottenham manager Thomas Frank was left impressed despite the defeat, calling the midfielder one of the standout players in world football right now. 

  Speaking to reports, Frank said: "Of course, I think it was performance that was up there where we could get something out of the game, a draw or a win. So that's a little frustrating thing that we conceded some goals. Of course, one with a little bit of margin from Vitinha, not top corner but top, top corner. And then, of course, goal three and four. Those are the ones we definitely need to avoid if we want to get something out of here, but something to build on. Strikers scoring two goals. The whole team, I think, all performed well. Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, positive. When we played against a decent team where they have one Ballon d'Or winner and I think the next one is playing in midfield. Vitinha. Wow, what a player."

  He doubled down in his post-match interview with : “Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d'Or winner.”

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  PSG eye top-eight finish as momentum grows

  The victory puts the Ligue 1 giants in a commanding position in the league phase. They now have 12 points, level with Bayern Munich but ahead on goal difference, and stand as one of the most consistent performers against Premier League opposition this year. It also marked PSG’s sixth win in 10 matches against English clubs in 2025, including their Super Cup triumph over Spurs in August.

  Up next, PSG return to Ligue 1 action where they face Monaco this weekend, a match that offers another platform for Vitinha to showcase his soaring form. With confidence high and Champions League progression in sight, PSG appear well-placed to maintain their momentum heading into a decisive stretch of the season.

The Cubs signed veteran first baseman Carlos Santana on Sunday, 's Jon Heyman was the first to report. This comes days after the Guardians released Santana in a "joint decision" between the two sides, the Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Santana wanted the ability to compete for a playoff contender once he was released from Cleveland. And, well, Chicago is definitely that.

With a 78-58 record, the Cubs hold the top wild-card spot in the National League as of Sunday morning. They have the MLB's best Brewers (85-52) leading the NL Central to deal with. But, unless something catastrophically goes wrong in September for Chicago, the Cubs will be in the postseason for the first time since 2020.

The 39-year-old was in his third stint with the Guardians after signing a one-year deal back in December. Through 116 games this season, Santana is averaging .225/.316/.333 with 89 hits, 49 runs, 52 RBIs and 11 home runs. While it's not his best year by any means, he's put up impressive numbers for his age and for this point of his MLB career.

It's unknown what kind of role the Cubs will put Santana in when he arrives in Chicago. The Cubs have Michael Busch competing at first base right now, who's having his career-best season.

A century announced the precocious 14-year-old to the world. Now the challenge is to shield the child within the prodigy and build him a strong support system

Greg Chappell02-May-2025In the world of sport, there are few things more thrilling than the arrival of a prodigy – a fresh face bursting onto the scene with a brilliance that seems to defy age, logic, or the rhythms of experience. That is exactly what 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered in his phenomenal third appearance for Rajasthan Royals recently. A century off just 35 deliveries, replete with audacious sixes and classical drives, set not only a record for youth but a standard of excellence that seasoned professionals might envy.The cricketing world stood stunned. A schoolboy had just torn apart a professional attack, and in doing so, lit up a billion imaginations.And yet, within the rapture, there must be reason. With the rise of a star this young, the question is not just how far he can go but whether he will survive the journey at all.Suryavanshi’s century was a triumph of talent, timing, and temperament. It was no fluke: those who had seen him in age-group cricket, especially the Royals’ high-performance director, Zubin Bharucha, knew the spark was real. But even he could not have scripted such a sensational entry.To see a teenager wield a bat with the authority of a man twice his age, in front of tens of thousands, and millions more watching on television, was to witness the magic of sport. But this magic can come at a cost.Related

• Chopra on Suryavanshi: 'There is some amount of maturity already'

• A star is born (to bat): Echoes of Sachin 1989 in Vaibhav's record-shattering spectacle

• Bishop on Suryavanshi ton: unprecedented, mind-blowing, other-worldly

• Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year old IPL sensation?

• Dravid: Don't want to confuse Suryavanshi with 'too many things', he should 'have some fun'

At 14, Suryavanshi is still a child – physiologically, neurologically, emotionally. His brain is still wiring itself, his values still forming, his identity still fragile. In that context, such acclaim, such expectation, such public adulation, can become a double-edged sword.Child prodigies are a double narrative. On one hand, they dazzle and uplift, giving fans hope and a sense of wonder. On the other, they often carry burdens they are not yet equipped to shoulder. History across sports offers numerous lessons.Take the case of Freddy Adu, the American footballer labelled “the next Pele” at just 14. The pressure of that label consumed him, and a once-promising career dissolved under the strain of expectation and premature exposure. Or Michelle Wie, the golf phenom who entered the professional circuit as a teenager, only to battle injuries and mental fatigue for years.We’ve seen this in cricket too. Sachin Tendulkar succeeded as a teenager not simply due to talent but because of a solid support system – a stoic temperament, a wise coach, a family that protected him from the circus. On the other hand, Vinod Kambli, equally talented and perhaps more flamboyant, struggled to balance fame and discipline. His fall was as dramatic as his rise. Prithvi Shaw is another wunderkind who has fallen but may yet find a way back to the pinnacle.

It is incumbent on the cricketing ecosystem – the BCCI, the franchises, mentors, and the media – to protect Suryavanshi. Talent must be guided, not glorified; nurtured, not just marketed

These stories don’t question the ability of youth, but they challenge the wisdom of how that ability is nurtured – or exploited.I’m reminded of a different kind of prodigy from my own playing days – not a teenager but a man who, in his own way, arrived with similar brilliance and left with barely a trace.Bob Massie’s debut at Lord’s in 1972 remains etched in cricketing lore: 16 wickets, moving the ball like it was obeying his will. That match, against a powerful England side, turned him into an overnight sensation. Bob was 25, not 14, but even so, the storm of expectation that followed was overwhelming.I played alongside Bob and watched the aftermath. On the following tour, to the West Indies, he began to struggle. The conditions were harsh, the ball deteriorated quickly, and the swing – his greatest weapon – disappeared. He tried harder, overcompensated, and in the process lost his action, and more critically, his confidence.It’s one of the saddest truths in sport: when your weapon is gone and you don’t yet know who you are without it, the game can feel cruel and unforgiving. Bob played just six Tests. The man who once danced with destiny at Lord’s faded into obscurity, not because he lacked skill but because no one had prepared him for what came after success.He later admitted the pressure became too much, and he made the wise, if painful, decision to move on from cricket. But what if he had been 14 instead of 25?This is the peril facing Vaibhav Suryavanshi.It is incumbent on the cricketing ecosystem – the BCCI, the franchises, mentors, and the media – to protect him. Talent can’t be bubble-wrapped, but it can be provided a buffer. It must be guided, not glorified; nurtured, not just marketed.There are a few things that the game must do to protect rising talent.Bob Massie’s rise and devastating fall is a lesson in how fleeting a promising career can be without support•Fairfax Media/Getty ImagesLicensed child psychologists should be part of every elite youth programme. The emotional volatility of adolescence demands specialised care. Cricket teaches technique, but life teaches resilience. Young players need mentors to discuss everything, from media scrutiny to self-worth. Every innings need not be broadcast, nor every run celebrated. There is merit in anonymity during growth phases.Commercial interests must come second to mental health. Contracts should mandate educational continuation, limit media exposure, and schedule periodic sabbaticals. Family or trusted adults must remain central to decision-making. They are not just cheerleaders but the final line of protection for the child within the athlete.Let us not misunderstand the significance of Suryavanshi’s century – it was a marvel, one of those once-in-a-generation moments that define eras. But we must understand the story is just beginning.The world will now demand repeat performances. Commentators will analyse his technique frame by frame. Advertisers will come calling. Social media will canonise or crucify him with equal vigour.And yet, all he might want is to go home, play a video game, or have an ice cream with friends.We must allow him that. We must allow him to be a teenager.To be young and gifted is a rare blessing. But to remain grounded when you have that gift is a greater achievement. For every Tendulkar who rises, there are many like Bob Massie who fade, not because they were any less worthy, but because the structures around them weren’t strong enough to hold them when their world shifted.Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the tools. He has the temperament. But most importantly, he needs time. Let us celebrate him, yes, but also protect him. Let us not confuse early genius with invincibility. The boy has already played like a man. Now it is time for the men around him to ensure the boy within remains whole.And if we do that – if we cherish his humanity as much as we do his hundred – then perhaps, just perhaps, this will not be a quasar that burns bright and vanishes but a star that lights up cricket’s skies for decades to come.

Leeds United have only scored 11 goals in their 11 Premier League matches so far this season since they won promotion from the Championship last term.

The newly-promoted side have struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis. That has not been because of a lack of creativity, though, as the Whites have created 14.7 xG in the division, per WhoScored.

As you can see in the table above, too many players have been wasteful with the chances that have been created for them in the Premier League so far this season.

Summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in particular, has not been clinical enough as the starting number nine for the West Yorkshire outfit, underperforming his xG by roughly two goals.

With the team’s struggles in front of goal in mind, supporters may be thinking about what the club could do to solve the issue, whether that is through promoting academy talent, making signings in January, or recalling players from their loans.

One star who is currently shining out on loan away from Elland Road is centre-forward Joe Gelhardt, but he looks set to remain at Hull City until at least the end of the season.

Why Joe Gelhardt will not be returning to Leeds United in January

HullLive recently reported that the English striker is expected to remain with the Championship club until next summer, despite the Whites having the option to recall him in January.

The report claimed that Leeds do not have any plans to recall Gelhardt from his loan because they feel that he is in the best place to develop as a player at Hull, who are interested in a deal to sign him permanently next summer.

This shows that Daniel Farke and his coaching staff do not believe that the 23-year-old marksman is the answer to their current problems in the Premier League, or else they would be planning to bring him back to Thorp Arch to bolster the squad for the second half of the season.

The Leeds loanee has plundered seven goals and two assists in 13 Championship starts for the Tigers so far this season, per FotMob, which is why there may have been some supporters wondering if the club would look to recall him.

As you can see in the table above, Gelhardt has finished his chances at an incredibly efficient rate, outperforming his xG by just over two goals, but Leeds have reportedly decided that he is not the answer for them in the Premier League.

This means that Farke will have to look elsewhere to solve his team’s goalscoring woes, and he should forget about Gelhardt to unleash a young star from the academy.

Leeds' Gelhardt replacement

17-year-old centre-forward Harry Gray made his first-team debut for the Whites against Stoke City in the Championship last season, but he has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League in the current campaign.

Derby County, Swansea City, Charlton Athletic, and Hull City are four Championship sides reportedly chasing a deal to sign the teenage marksman on loan for the second half of the season when the January transfer window opens for business.

Leeds, though, should reject their advances and, instead, look to unleash Gray in the first-team with the hope that he can provide the goalscoring touch that has eluded their current options up front.

The England youth international, who was hailed as a “powerful” player by Como scout Ben Mattinson, has been in fantastic form for the club’s academy in the 2025/26 campaign, with his most notable moment being his hat-trick against Scunthorpe in the National League Cup in September.

On top of that hat-trick, Gray has also scored five goals in six Premier League 2 games and two goals in two EFL Trophy matches, per Transfermarkt, which means that the teenage forward has racked up ten goals in all competitions this season.

The 17-year-old talent had the chance to play against a League Two first-team, Accrington Stanley, in the EFL Trophy before the international break, and showed that he can make an impact against senior opposition.

As you can see in the table above, Gray did struggle with the aerial duels in the game, understandably as a 17-year-old against first-team centre-backs, but he did hold his own in physical contests on the deck and scored two goals in the game.

This suggests that he is ready to compete against experienced defenders, even if battling for aerial balls is not his strength, which is why Farke should look to reward him with a chance to impress in the Premier League this season.

The impressive teenager has done all that he can do to impress the head coach with his performances this season. He has scored goals at an exceptional rate in every competition for the U21s, showing that he can be ruthless in front of goal and find the back of the net on a regular basis.

As aforementioned, Leeds have not taken enough of their chances in the Premier League so far this season, which is why they need a lethal marksman who can make the most of the opportunities that are being created.

Bamford 2.0: Leeds chase ST with 15 goals in 25/26, he'd save Farke's job

Leeds United are interested in signing a striker who could save Daniel Farke’s job at Elland Road.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 15, 2025

With this in mind, Farke must unleash Gray in the first-team to see if he can make the step up, whilst Gelhardt is left to see out the rest of the season with Hull.

San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is on the other side of the country from his old team, the Boston Red Sox—and yet New England's view of Devers continues to follow him around.

On Monday, Red Sox announcer Will Flemming suggested on WEEI-FM in Lawerence, Mass., that Devers had blown off Giants great Will Clark three times when Clark came to work with him on first-base reps. Clark confirmed in an interview with the No Filter Network YouTube channel that Devers had indeed blown him off, but noted that it was likely an issue of timing.

Whatever happened between Devers and Clark, the former was filmed taking reps at first base before San Francisco's game against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday.

This was a noteworthy occurrence for multiple reasons. Devers has yet to play first base in the major leagues, and his reluctance to play the position is thought to have been the main impetus for his Boston exit. It also seems to imply Clark finally was able to impart some of his wisdom.

Devers would do well to listen: Clark, a six-time All-Star, was a Gold Glover at the position in 1991.