Fakhar Zaman will return home after the T20I series and continue his rehab at the PCB’s National Cricket Academy
Danyal Rasool04-Aug-2025
Fakhar Zaman tgot starts in both the first and second T20Is, but failed to kick on•AFP/Getty Images
Pakistan top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the third T20I and the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies after sustaining a left hamstring strain during the second T20I in Lauderhill. Khushdil Shah replaced him in the playing XI for the third T20I.The injury took place in the 19th over of West Indies’ innings when Fakhar was chasing a ball in the outfield. A subsequent medical assessment by the team’s support staff confirmed a mild strain to his left hamstring.The PCB confirmed that immediate treatment and initial management were provided, and Fakhar will now fly back to Pakistan on August 4, the day after the final, deciding T20I. His rehabilitation will continue under the supervision of the PCB medical team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore. The PCB are yet to confirm if a replacement player will join the ODI squad.Fakhar got starts in each of the first two games, but found himself unable to kick on in either, getting scored of 28 and 20.The injury to Fakhar, 35, bears uncanny resemblance to a knock he picked up at the start of the Champions Trophy earlier this year. Off the second ball of the opening game, he hared off in pursuit of a cover drive before pulling up in discomfort; he was ruled out of the tournament the following day. At the time, he was himself a part of the squad to replace Saim Ayub, who, too, was injured chasing after a ball to the boundary six weeks earlier in South Africa, and spent three months on the sidelines.The T20I series in Florida is tied at one apiece. The three ODIs will take place in Trinidad.
In a surprising turn of events, Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are reportedly exploring a way to bring Jadon Sancho back to the club. Currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, the winger has struggled to get up and running again after a miserable couple of years, but Dortmund are reportedly interested in a January transfer.
Sancho back to Borussia Dortmund?
Ever since his fallout at Manchester United, where he clashed with former coach Erik ten Hag and was subsequently loaned to Chelsea last season, Sancho's form has recovered to the level he enjoyed before his move to Old Trafford in 2021. According to a report in , United are not interested in keeping Sancho after the ongoing season. The winger's contract expires next year, and the Old Trafford-based side won't hesitate if an offer or two arrives in January, months before Sancho eventually leaves the club for free.
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No room for Sancho at United amid Villa struggles
Last season, Sancho spent the entirety at Chelsea, winning the Conference League under head coach Enzo Maresca. But his 15 goal contributions in 42 games across all competitions did not excite United supremo Ruben Amorim and he was allowed to leave in the summer. This season, he has yet to fire at Villa, and the Villans are also disappointed with his output. Dortmund are currently monitoring his situation and analysing how this could be a sensible transfer from their perspective.
Sancho still a fan favourite at Dortmund
Sancho stunned during his first spell at Borussia Dortmund, earning a reputation as one of Europe's most promising players before United snapped him up. He failed to get up and running under Ten Hag, though, and was loaned to Dortmund in January 2024. He went on to play 21 times and recorded three goals and assists, taking his entire tally for the club to 53 goals in 158 matches.
Having failed to make an impact so far at Villa, he is aware that this will be his last opportunity to revive his drowning career and is reportedly ready to take a pay cut in order to seal another transfer. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke remain admirers of the 25-year-old, but the main problem lies in his integration into the squad. The last time Sancho appeared in the Black and Yellow, Edin Terzic was the head coach. Now, under Niko Kovac, it is not yet known how Sancho will be deployed since the 54-year-old Berlin-born mentor is not a fan of classic wingers. Moreover, the club are yet to figure out Sancho's physical condition.
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When will Sancho play again?
Sancho has just four appearances in the Premier League, all from the bench. But Unai Emery has entrusted him with marauding the flanks in the Europa League, where he has started in two games. Placed sixth in the Premier League table, Villa's next assignment would be an away game at Elland Road against Leeds on November 23. It is yet to be decided if Sancho plays a part in that fixture, as on three occasions, he wasn't called up for action in the English top flight. Either way, he might find a place in the starting starting XI four days later, when the Villans host Swiss club Young Boys at Villa Park. Successive fixtures after the international break might also help the English winger gain more playing time, though that would depend on the impression he creates with the limited minutes he achieves in the upcoming fixtures. In order to secure a move to Dortmund, he would need to prove his value to Kovac and his men by performing at his best for Villa in the next couple of months.
Celtic have won both of their matches with Martin O’Neill as the interim manager, after Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation at the start of last week.
Following a 4-0 win over Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, the Hoops beat Rangers 3-1 at Hampden Park in the semi-final of the League Cup.
Kieran Tierney, as shown in the clip above, came off the bench to provide an excellent assist for Callum Osmand’s first goal for Celtic, and he is a player who the next manager should look to get more from.
Why Celtic's next manager needs to make Kieran Tierney a priority
The Scotland international, who re-joined the club on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer, should be a priority for the next manager because of his potential to be an elite attacking force down the left.
Tierney has delivered two assists in 12 appearances in the Premiership and European competitions, but he has also delivered two assists in three League Cup outings, per Sofascore.
The left-footed defender provided a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as a creator during his first spell at the club after coming through the youth ranks, as shown in the graphic below.
It was recently reported that Celtic are considering an approach for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who has a £5m release clause, and he could make Tierney completely unplayable at left-back.
Why Kieran McKenna would make Kieran Tierney unplayable
The 4-2-3-1 head coach could make the Hoops star completely unplayable because he has done an amazing job with Leif Davis during his time at Portman Road.
McKenna swooped to sign the English full-back from Leeds in 2021, after he managed one assist in 14 games for Bournemouth on loan, and has turned him into an assist machine.
The Northern Irish head coach, whose work with Ipswich was hailed as “incredible” by Jermaine Jenas, leans heavily on overlapping runs from his left-back to create chances by playing out from an opposition press to create overloads on the flank.
That is not limited to Davis’ individual quality, as shown in the clip above, as Conor Townsend proved to be effective in that tactic against Bournemouth in the Premier League.
McKenna’s way of using his left-back to create chances consistently has proven to be an effective tool, as he won promotion from League One and the Championship in successive seasons.
25/26 (Championship)
13
3
1
24/25 (Premier League)
33
12
2
23/24 (Championship)
44
16
18
22/23 (League One)
45
12
14
As you can see in the table above, Davis has been unplayable for the majority of his Ipswich career under McKenna, with at least 12 ‘big chances’ created in all three of his full seasons at Portman Road, including in the Premier League last term.
These statistics show that the Ipswich manager’s tactics are effective and can allow an attack-minded left-back to truly thrive as a creative force at the top end of the pitch.
Given Tierney’s quality when he gets into advanced positions, as evidenced by his assist haul from his first spell, the Scottish defender could be unlocked under McKenna’s management.
The former Arsenal man, who has registered four assists in all competitions for the club this season, could become completely unplayable, just like Davis, because of his ability to provide overlapping runs and quality crosses.
Tierney, as shown in the clip above, has the quality to take players on to assist his teammates, so imagine how effective he could be in a side that is constantly looking to create space for him down the left.
Their own Klopp: Celtic can replace O'Neill with "kamikaze" 4-3-3 manager
Celtic could find their own version of Jurgen Klopp by hiring this reported managerial target.
ByDan Emery Nov 5, 2025
The Scottish star could become completely unplayable for the Hoops, which is one reason why McKenna could be an exciting appointment for the club.
أعلن النادي الأهلي، عن قيد 3 لاعبين جدد في قائمة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم الإفريقية المشاركة في دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ذلك قبل انطلاق منافسات دور المجموعات.
وكان الأهلي، قد تأهل إلى دور المجموعات ببطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بعد الفوز على إيجل نوار ذهابًا وإيابًا، في منافسات دور الـ 32.
طالع.. وكيل أسامة فيصل يوضح حقيقة مفاوضات الأهلي.. ويؤكد: لهذا السبب رفض ياسين مرعي الانتقال للزمالك
وأنهى الجهاز الإداري بالنادي الأهلي، اجراءات قيد 3 لاعبين في قائمة النادي الإفريقية، وهم محمد زعلوك ومحمد رأفت ومحمد هيثم، قبل انطلاق منافسات دور المجموعات لدوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وطلب الدنماركي ييس توروب، المدير الفني للأهلي، قيد الثلاثي في قائمة الأحمر لتدعيم صفوف الفريق.
ويتواجد النادي الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من دوري أبطال إفريقيا، مع أندية الجيش الملكي المغربي وشبيبة القبائل الجزائري ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني.
ويستهل الأهلي، مشواره في دور المجموعات بمواجهة شبيبة القبائل الجزائري 22 نوفمبر الجاري في القاهرة قبل أن مواجهة الجيش الملكي خارج الديار وبعده يانج أفريكانز.
Newcastle United’s depth in attack is certainly different to what it was at the end of last season. It’s been all change in the last few months, losing Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, and replacing them with Nick Woltemade, who has really hit the ground running, and Yoane Wissa, who has been out injured.
They also added Anthony Elanga to their depth out wide. He’s been providing competition for Jacob Murphy on the right wing, with Anthony Gordon still the first choice on the opposite flank.
The England international has been on fire in the Champions League in particular.
Another man who has shone in that competition is Harvey Barnes.
How Barnes’ Champions League numbers compare to Gordon
It has been a fast start to Barnes’ European campaign in 2025/26. He hasn’t been a regular starter under Eddie Howe this term across all competitions, but has made a great impact off the bench.
In particular, his impact on the European stage has been a real standout. Barnes has three goals in as many games, having played just 106 minutes across that trio of appearances. He’s averaging one goal every 35 minutes this season.
Those numbers stack up well against his Magpies teammate Gordon. Their number 10 does have two more goal involvements in the Champions League this season, with five to his name. However, they have come in 265 minutes, and on average, he contributes to a goal every 53 minutes, which is more than Barnes.
The former Leicester City man had a strong impact on the game against Benfica on Tuesday night. Newcastle’s number 11 struck twice off the bench to secure all three points for his side.
His second goal was teed up by Gordon and included some lovely, sharp passing before an incisive finish from Barnes.
The winger has been excellent off the bench this season, although Newcastle have a player coming through who could soon displace him.
The Newcastle sensation who can displace Barnes
Over the last few seasons, there have certainly been some exciting talents come through the academy at St James’ Park. Elliot Anderson is someone who springs to mind, and Lewis Miley is thriving in their first team today.
However, even more exciting than the homegrown pair could be South Korean under-20 international Seung-soo Park. The 18-year-old attacker has already played first-team football for Suwon Samsung Bluewings, and is now on the fringes of the Magpies’ first team after a summer move.
The youngster drummed up a lot of interest when he first moved to St James’ Park. Newcastle’s Academy Director Steve Harper said he is an “exciting” young forward, and Seoul-based writer Seung-mo Lee once explained he is “similar to [Kylian] Mbappe,” which is high praise indeed.
Well, it has been a productive start to the season for the man compared to France’s captain. He’s actually yet to get a goal or assist in eight games for the academy, but has shown plenty of promise.
The 18-year-old has been pulling off passes like this against Mansfield in the EFL Trophy, which highlights his talent.
Some of the numbers he’s been putting up have been excellent, too.
In the game against Mansfield, he completed three out of three dribbles, and in a 45-minute cameo against Union Saint Gilloise in the UEFA Youth League, he created three chances.
Park vs Mansfield & USG
Stat
Mansfield
USG
Touches
49
33
Pass accuracy
82%
75%
Ground duels won
7/12
5/7
Dribbles completed
3/3
4/6
Chances created
2
3
Stats from Sofascore
Howe seems to rate the 18-year-old, having already put him on the bench in the Premier League.
Park was an unused substitute in the season opener against Aston Villa. He also got minutes in preseason with the first team.
The South Korean talent seems to be someone whom the Magpies can get excited about. He certainly has a lot about him, with the ability to beat defenders one-vs-one and create chances in the final third.
With the likes of Barnes, Newcastle have great depth out wide, but Park will be one to keep an eye on for the future.
Fewer touches than Pope: Howe must bin Newcastle star who won just 3 duels
Newcastle won 3-0 against Benfica, but there were still frustrating signs for Eddie Howe and co
Tottenham co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange appear to already be working on the club’s recruitment drive in unison, with Thomas Frank and the pair reportedly eyeing a new centre-back.
Spurs transfer plans amid Paratici and Lange appointments
Spurs announced on Wednesday that Paratici has returned to N17 as a sporting director, over two years after he was forced to resign amid his worldwide ban from football.
Paratici’s comeback to the club is a major boost for the Lilywhites, with the Italian’s extensive contact list and reputation as a fearsome negotiator already paying dividends at Tottenham in the past.
1. Cristian Romero
£42.5m
2. Dejan Kulusevski
£25.5m
3. Rodrigo Bentancur
£21.5m
4. Pedro Porro
£40m
5. Djed Spence
£20m
The 53-year-old worked as an advisor to Frank, CEO Vinai Venkatesham, Lange and ex-chairman Daniel Levy over the summer window, but Paratici will now take up an official full-time role once again as he spearheads the club’s transfer strategy.
He will work alongside Lange, who’s been promoted to the same role, though the pair have very different responsibilities.
Paratici is seen as the dealmaker, tasked with securing high-profile signings and using his influence to get transfers over the line, while Lange is described as the talent spotter who’ll work mostly on Tottenham’s date-driven recruitment plans, scouting and the academy (Sky Sports).
Amid reports Tottenham want to sign another centre-half in January to back up star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, a report from CaughtOffside suggests that Paratici and Lange have identified an intriguing option.
Tottenham expected to move for Lazio defender Mario Gila
As per their information, that man is Lazio defender Mario Gila.
Mario Gila in action for Lazio.
Tottenham are seriously considering a January move for Gila, with the club emerging as a “serious candidate” to land the defender. His contract at Lazio runs until the summer of 2027, and while the Italians are not in a rush to sell, they value Gila at roughly £39-43 million.
It is claimed that Spurs aren’t afraid to meet this price, showing a willingness to pay, with Paratici and Lange expected to make an approach for Gila once the window reopens.
The 25-year-old, who was once a Real Madrid youth player, has attracted serious interest from other Premier League clubs, like Brighton and Bournemouth, who’ve both held talks with the player’s representatives this year.
However, Tottenham’s openness to meeting Lazio’s valuation could give them an edge.
Gila’s knack for ball progression, which Frank seriously desires from his backline, is apparently a key reason why Spurs are keen on the Spaniard.
It is also worth noting that Gila has already suggested he’s open to offers, expressing his commitment to Lazio last year but also refusing to rule out an exit in the near future.
Worcestershire Rapids secured a home semi-final in the Metro Bank One Day Cup after cantering to a six-wicket win over Surrey at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Making an unexpected appearance, Gus Atkinson top-scored for the visitors with 60, but Worcestershire’s bowlers took wickets with frequency to restrict their opponents to 266 for 6.In reply, 19-year-old Dan Lategan registered a maiden List A fifty at the top of the order for the Rapids, before Kashif Ali (80) propelled the home side into pole position.Skipper Jake Libby’s unbeaten half-century steered Worcestershire to a comfortable win as the Rapids secured top spot in Group A and now wait to learn who they will face in Sunday’s semi-final.Tom Taylor vindicated Libby’s choice to bowl first as he castled Adam Thomas in his third over of the morning, with a full ball that angled back in and rattled into off stump providing the home side with the ideal start.Ben Foakes joined Rory Burns at the crease as the former England duo looked to steer Surrey back into the contest, but Foakes’ cameo was short-lived as he departed for just 6.Ben Gibbon impressed with an economical spell either side of a brief rain delay, that included the scalp of Burns, who looked impressive on his way to 43 before losing his wicket when he dragged a length ball straight to Rob Jones at short midwicket.Despite being reliant on Gloucestershire’s result against Hampshire that was unfolding simultaneously to events at Visit Worcestershire New Road, only a win would suffice if the Rapids were to stand any chance of hosting a semi-final.Ollie Sykes (36) and Josh Blake (43) both looked to be the batters to kick on, but Tom Taylor (2 for 59) first dismissed the Surrey skipper, before Fateh Singh trapped Blake lbw to reduce the visitors to 160 for 5.Making only his third List A appearance for the club, England star Gus Atkinson showed why his batting capabilities have earnt him a Test match century, as he struck nine boundaries in his 48-ball-60 that took his side up towards 250 in the face of some disciplined Worcestershire bowling.Khurram picked up his second wicket as he removed Atkinson to stall the visitors once more, but some lusty blows from Nikhil Gorantla saw the away side finish their 49 overs 266 for 6.Brett D’Oliveira and rising star Lategan catapulted the hosts to a flying start, with D’Oliveira making an enterprising 45 as the pair added 83 for the first wicket.Lategan continued in the wake of his opening partner’s dismissal, recording his maiden List A half-century from 45 balls, but he could only add four more before he was bowled by Sykes.Kashif Ali showed no signs of slowing, making a typically explosive start to his innings by racing to 34, as Worcestershire passed 150 in the 21st over.Libby, averaging 62 in this year’s competition as he made his way to the middle, helped guide the Rapids beyond 200 despite losing Kashif in the process for an exhilarating 80 from 58 balls, caught in the deep looking to clear the boundary.Yousef Majid (2 for 57) returned the best figures for Surrey on a day where only one bowler registered an economy below six-an-over.With the required run rate dropping below two-an-over, Libby guided his side to victory.
Football fans far and wide, heading into the 2025/26 Premier League season, must have been expecting that Liverpool would continue their domestic dominance.
It started well for Arne Slot’s Reds, too, as they went about defending their status as reigning champions, with five straight wins picked up in league action in the early stages of the campaign.
However, since they got the better of Everton in the Merseyside Derby in mid-September, it has all gone rather pear-shaped for the Reds, with an alarming six defeats now collected in all competitions, pushing them down to a dire seventh position in the Premier League standings.
Things have to change, and quickly, with many of the players Slot and Co. purchased in the summer failing to live up to their grand expectations.
Liverpool's most underwhelming signings
Liverpool really didn’t hold back this summer when breaking the bank.
Indeed, a jaw-dropping £415m in total was spent on revamping the Reds, with the triumphant top-flight champions waving goodbye to the likes of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer for mega money.
Unfortunately, despite sitting at the top of this above list with their spending power, a lot of their high-profile signings have flopped so far at Anfield, with Florian Wirtz – who cost a whopping £116m just on his own – still yet to pick up a single goal or assist in league action, culminating in the German being labelled as “pretty average” by ex-Liverpool midfielder, and compatriot, Dietmar Hamann.
Milos Kerkez has also been subject to some scathing criticism, with the £40m recruit looking like a shadow of his expansive AFC Bournemouth best, particularly against Crystal Palace last time out in the EFL Cup, as Ismaila Sarr confidently collected two goals down his left flank.
Another former Liverpool favourite in Jason McAteer, has even suggested that the move to the Reds was “too big for him”, amid concerns he looks “lost” donning the number six jersey.
Thankfully, Hugo Ekitike has shone in spurts as another flashy new signing, but there is one dud that is extremely concerning now, as Slot potentially has to contend with his own Naby Keita-style blunder.
The £280k-per-week star who is Slot's own Keita
Glancing over Liverpool’s most expensive signings of all time is an intriguing read.
Of course, they struck gold when landing Virgil Van Dijk for £75m as he remains the club’s top leader to this day. But, when you
scroll down more, you’re then greeted by Keita’s name, who is still Liverpool’s eighth most expensive recruit at the £48m mark.
Keita did, of course, have a stunning goal up his sleeve at Liverpool – as evidenced in this glittering highlight package – but he didn’t consistently shine bright enough to justify his once club-record fee, with injuries galore often stopping him in his tracks.
Fast forward to the present, and an eerily similar tale could now be unfolding with Alexander Isak, with the ex-Newcastle United striker – who is prone to an injury niggle himself – yet to get up and running at Anfield, after breaking the Reds’ transfer record when joining in the summer for a ludicrous £125m.
Isak’s numbers this season
Stat
Isak
Games played
8
Goals scored
1
Assists
1
Games missed through injury
5
Sourced by Transfermarkt
After all, Liverpool must have thought they’d sealed the signing of the window when landing the £280k-per-week hotshot, considering he was once branded as a “world-class” talent at Newcastle United by ex-boss Eddie Howe when burying a lethal 62 strikes from 109 games.
But, caution should have been exercised here in trying to temper expectations, considering Jurgen Klopp also hailed Keita as the “best player in the league” in the Bundesliga when sealing his services, only for everything to fall apart.
Indeed, as is the case looking at the table above, Isak has only one paltry goal next to his name so far in his uncomfortable new surroundings, with the extortionate number nine already falling foul of sitting out five games for club and country this season through injury issues.
The hope will be that it doesn’t get as bad as Keita’s injury situation got, with his penultimate season in England seeing him miss a staggering 40 games with recurring trips to the treatment room.
He looks set to miss Liverpool’s must-win clash with Aston Villa on the weekend, to add insult to injury.
Isak, additionally, has the pressure of being known as a lethal goalscorer weighing him down, as the burden of being Liverpool’s most expensive signing proves, yet again, to be a debilitating hindrance, rather than a badge of honour.
The Reds waited a year for Keita to arrive, after initially signing him in advance in 2017, only for the move to end in disappointment.
Having waded through a whole summer saga before landing Isak, it looks as if the Swede could be heading for similar frustration at Anfield.
"We never speak about this in here" – Slot stunned at Liverpool press conference
Birmingham Phoenix battle back after posting 111 for 9, but hosts do enough to seal second spot
ECB Media27-Aug-2025Trent Rockets 113 for 7 (Rehan 37) beat Birmingham Phoenix 111 for 9 (Rehan 3-15) by three wicketsTrent Rockets geared up for their Eliminator showdown with Northern Superchargers by sneaking past Birmingham Phoenix with one ball to spare after a memorable debut in The Hundred for Ben Cox and an eye-catching all-round display from Rehan Ahmed.The Rockets confirmed their second-place finish in the group, behind Oval Invincibles on net run rate, and will go into Saturday evening’s contest at the Kia Oval full of confidence after claiming their sixth win in eight.Spin was the key for the Rockets, with their slow bowlers producing combined figures of 6 for 35 from 50 deliveries after Ben Duckett (20 from 15) and Will Smeed (23 from 12) had made a promising start.Rockets skipper David Willey may have been questioning his decision to insert the opposition when the Phoenix raced to 36 for 0 from 21 deliveries, but the innings stalled when Duckett scuffed a short delivery from Lockie Ferguson to Rehan at midwicket.Joe Clarke soon followed, slog-sweeping southpaw spinner George Linde to deep midwicket, and from there the wickets tumbled. The irrepressible Rehan (3 for 15) induced a chop-on from Smeed and snared Jacob Bethell for a duck three deliveries later before Linde (2 for 12) claimed his second when Liam Livingstone’s ugly heave met thin air.Rehan grabbed his third – and 10th in the competition overall – when Benny Howell picked out Max Holden on the boundary and Joe Root, whose 15 deliveries cost just eight runs, got in on the action when Liam Patterson-White’s edge was brilliantly held by Cox, who only received a call-up to join the Rockets yesterday following an injury to Adam Hose.Dan Mousley (26 from 25) gave the score some respectability but 111-9 looked well under par, even on a spin-friendly surface.The chase was far from easy though. After the early loss of Tom Banton for 1, caught at mid-on off Boult, Rehan sparkled once more, racing to 37 in 23 balls before an audacious slog sweep was caught in the deep off Livingstone. Root continued his good recent form in the tournament with a run-a-ball 25 that came to an end when he was bowled by Patterson-White and the left-arm spinner struck again five deliveries later, castling Willey with a devilish delivery that spun back sharply between bat and pad.Linde was run-out after a mix-up and Marcus Stoinis got a leading edge to cover off Bethell as the Rockets slipped to 89-6, and the left-arm spinner struck again when Sam Hain holed out to leave six required from five.Bethell was entrusted with the final set and conceded just three runs from his first three deliveries but Cox kept a cool head and swept the fourth to the boundary to finish unbeaten on 17 from 12 balls.Named Meerkat Match Hero after his three wickets and quickfire knock, Rehan said: “Coxy was always going to do it, I had full trust in him. There was a lot of assistance for spinners on this pitch. We train on similar surfaces so it was about going out there and doing the same thing. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity I’ve been given and hopefully I can do it in the next couple of games.”
Levante striker Etta Eyong has taken La Liga by storm, scoring freely and drawing attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. But even a €30 million bid from CSKA Moscow couldn’t lure him away. With Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid circling, Levante are holding firm and are determined to keep the Cameroonian forward as coach Julian Cavero aims for La Liga survival this season.
Etta Eyong becomes Europe's new obsession
At just 22, Eyong has become one of the most sought-after young forwards in Europe. His explosive pace, power, and finishing have made him a sensation in Spain’s top flight, where he’s already scored six goals and registered three assists in 12 matches, placing him among the division’s top scorers behind Kylian Mbappe, Julian Alvarez and Robert Lewandowski.
His performances have triggered a flurry of interest from elite clubs. CSKA Moscow tested the waters first, reportedly offering €30 million, but both Levante and the player turned it down. According to , the striker had no interest in moving to Russia despite a lucrative salary proposal.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Chelsea have entered the conversation, impressed by his rise in form since joining Levante this year. Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester United are also keeping tabs, making Eyong one of the most monitored forwards in Europe this season.
However, Levante have clarified their stance: Eyong is untouchable this season. Club owner Jose Danvila reaffirmed this stance, saying: “We receive offers for him every day. But the player isn’t going to be sold. Our priority is staying up, not cashing out.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportEtta Eyong's contract puzzle with Villarreal
Behind Eyong’s transfer saga lies a complex web of clauses stemming from his 2024 move to Villarreal. The Cameroonian initially signed a three-year deal with Villarreal, earning around €520,000 per season. But after struggling for game time, he switched to Levante in September 2025 on a four-year contract worth €1 million annually and a €30m release clause.
Villarreal, however, made sure they would benefit from any future sale. Their contract includes a multi-tiered sell-on clause: For transfers under €7.5m- Villarreal receive 80% of the fee, between €7.5m-€15m the profits are split 50/50, and anything above €15m gives Levante 80% of proceeds, with Villarreal taking 20%.
If Levante reject any offer above €15m, they must still compensate Villarreal for the profit they would’ve earned, a clause designed to ensure Villarreal profits even from failed sales. They also retain a right of first refusal, allowing them to match future bids.
This intricate structure means that Villarreal remain financially invested in Eyong’s future, while Levante must weigh sporting priorities against contractual obligations.
From Cadiz to Levante: the making of a La Liga sensation
Eyong has spoken openly about the hardships he has faced on his journey to success. With six goals this season, Eyong said it's all because of his hard work and the mentality to keep striving.
"I came here to play regularly and to help keep Levante in La Liga. The key to my scoring streak this season is simply hard work," Eyong said in a post-match interview.
Eyong’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. He began his professional journey in Spain’s lower divisions with Cadiz B, making sporadic first-team appearances before moving to Villarreal in August 2024.
He debuted in La Liga in April 2025 and scored his first top-flight goal just weeks later, showcasing the instinctive finishing that would soon define his game. When Levante signed him for €3m, few expected such an immediate impact, but Eyong quickly became a starter, netting six goals in matches so far this season. Eyong’s blend of athletic power and technical maturity has drawn comparisons to Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, two strikers he idolised growing up.
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Getty Images SportLevante hold firm amid survival battle
Despite mounting pressure, Levante have no intention of selling Eyong, especially mid-season. The club sit 19th in La Liga with just nine points from 12 games, making survival their top priority. CEO Danvila confirmed that “it doesn’t make sense to sell your best player while fighting to stay in the top flight.”
Head coach Julian Calero shares that conviction. He’s been vocal about Eyong’s importance, calling him “a vital part of our offensive structure and the kind of player who can change the course of a match.” Calero believes that if Eyong maintains his form, Levante can secure a mid-table finish, turning a survival campaign into a success story.
The manager has also praised Eyong’s attitude and adaptability. “He’s still adjusting, but his impact is undeniable. He gives us belief,” Calero noted. Even as Eyong prepares to join Cameroon for World Cup qualifiers, his role at Levante remains central to the team’s ambitions.