Rohit misses MI's away game against LSG with injury

MI brought in pace-bowling allrounder Raj Bawa, who has played two IPL matches before

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2025Mumbai Indians (MI) opening batter Rohit Sharma was injured and ruled out of their away game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on Friday. Captain Hardik Pandya said at the toss that Rohit was hit on the knee before the game, and had to sit out.After MI lost the game by 12 runs in a last-over finish, head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Rohit was hit the day before the game and took a fitness test on Friday.”Ro got a hit on his knee just in the IT (iliotibial) band, he tried to bat yesterday and couldn’t put any weight on it,” Jayawardene said at the press conference. “Again, he came and did a fitness test early today (Friday) to try, and it was discomfort for him to put weight on that so he felt it wasn’t 100% for him to play this game. That’s why we thought we will give him a few more days to try and get through that. Unfortunate what happened in the nets.”Hardik was also asked at the toss when Jasprit Bumrah would be fit again, and he said, “he should be back soon.”In their bowling-first XI, MI brought in pace-bowling allrounder Raj Bawa, who has featured in two IPL games in the past, for Punjab Kings, and plays domestic cricket for Chandigarh. Bawa was India’s second-highest run-getter in the Under-19 World Cup in 2022.Rohit’s form was also under scrutiny so far in IPL 2025, with him having scored only 13, 8 and 0 in the three games. He was present at the ground, though, having a chat near the pitch with Suryakumar Yadav before the toss in his training kit, and also came out of the dugout during a strategic time out when MI were bowling.MI were already without Bumrah for the first few games, and didn’t have Hardik too for their first match. They lost their first two games before opening their account at home against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but now have three away losses to their name.

Lionel Messi joins Carlos Vela in exclusive MLS club after assist hat-trick as Argentine GOAT puts on another Inter Miami masterclass

Lionel Messi joined Carlos Vela in an exclusive MLS club after posting a hat-trick of assists for Inter Miami. The Argentine GOAT was at his brilliant best once again as the Herons eased to a 4-1 victory over the New England Revolution. When it comes to combined goals and assists in 2025, Messi has burst beyond 40 – a mark that only one other player has passed at the highest level of North American soccer.

What is Vela's MLS goal contributions record?

It appears unlikely that Messi will go on to make more history by eclipsing the achievements of former LAFC striker Vela. The ex-Arsenal frontman posted some incredible numbers in 2019, with the Mexico international involved in 49 goals. Inter Miami have just two fixtures left on their regular season schedule this term.

Messi has helped to guide the Herons towards the playoffs once more, with disappointment having been suffered at that stage 12 months ago after claiming the Supporters’ Shield in record-breaking style. That prize has eluded Inter Miami this time around, with the Philadelphia Union being confirmed as the best-performing team in MLS.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementAFPMessi could make history with back-to-back MVP awards

Messi, though, remains in contention to become the first player to claim back-to-back MVP awards. The Revs had no answer to him at Chase Stadium, with the evergreen 38-year-old running rings around Pablo Moreira’s side at times. He racked up three assists on the day, taking him to 17 for the season. Messi has also found the target on 24 occasions himself in MLS – with his goal tally standing at 32 across all competitions.

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano continues to sing Messi’s praises, having played down talk of a rift between the former Argentina international team-mates, and told reporters after witnessing another masterclass: “He gave us the possibility of opening the score and then securing [the result]. Not only with the pass for Jordi [Alba], but when they [New England] made it 2-1, and in the next play with an assist that only he can give. He keeps showing the ability he has and, more than anything, the ambition and desire to go for more.”

Inter Miami surrender Supporters' Shield crown in 2025

Messi helped fellow countryman Tadeo Allende to get on the scoresheet, as he bagged a brace, with the Argentine winger saying of his illustrious compatriot: “This is routine for him. If he does not punish you all the time with goals, then he punishes you with assists.”

Inter Miami are not overly concerned at surrendering their Supporters’ Shield crown, as they remain in the hunt for ultimate MLS Cup honours, with Mascherano adding on the current state of play in South Florida: “If you look at it, Philadelphia is a deserving winner, but it also had an advantage of having played maybe 10 fewer games [across all competitions] than us. We would’ve loved to reach the final match day with chances to win, but this doesn’t change our objective at all. We want to finish as high as possible and go into the playoffs in the best position we can.”

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GettyMessi to play in Miami but for Argentina

Inter Miami are due to be back in action next Saturday when playing host to Atlanta United. Messi is likely to miss that contest after being included in the Argentina squad that is preparing to play Venezuela in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on October 10.

Mascherano said of having to shuffle his pack: “We will see who we have available. The reality is that some players are off to be with their national teams.”

England squad: No recall for fit-again Jude Bellingham as Bukayo Saka returns after injury & Jack Grealish is snubbed for meetings with Wales and Latvia

Jude Bellingham has been left out of the latest England squad despite recovering from injury, with the Real Madrid midfielder failing to make Thomas Tuchel’s plans for a friendly date with Wales and a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is absorbed back into the fold after overcoming fitness issues of his own, while Everton forward Jack Grealish remains in the international wilderness.

  • Saka boost for England but no risks taken on Bellingham

    Bellingham sat out England’s fixtures in September after being forced to undergo surgery on a long-standing shoulder complaint. It was initially suggested that he could be out of action until November, but he has picked up important minutes with Real in La Liga and Champions League competition. The decision has been taken not to risk him in international action.

    Saka is fit and firing, though, after coming through a spell on the sidelines in north London. The Gunners star offers another useful attacking option for Tuchel, with the Three Lions still searching for a spark in the final third of the field despite enjoying a faultless run through five World Cup qualifiers that have delivered 15 points, 13 goals and no efforts conceded.

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    England squad in full for games against Wales & Latvia

    Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

    Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

    Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

    Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

  • Who has been selected by England?

    Marcus Rashford, who has delivered a flurry of assists for Barcelona during a loan spell from Manchester United, gets the nod once more. He is looking to prove a serious point to his parent club, with the Red Devils deeming a home-grown star to be surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

    He is joined in the attacking ranks by Three Lions captain Harry Kane, who continues to enhance his record-setting haul of 74 international goals. The prolific frontman has passed 100 goals for Bayern Munich in a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign at club level.

    Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson gets another opportunity to impress after starring across two fixtures in the last international window – picking up a couple of Man of the Match awards – with AC Milan playmaker Ruben Loftus-Cheek is included from the off this time around after being a late addition in September.

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    Who has been left out of Tuchel’s England squad?

    Grealish, with 39 caps to his name, has been snubbed despite registering four assists for Everton this season. He has not figured for the Three Lions since 2024 and will be wondering what he has to do in order to keep his World Cup dreams alive.

    Another in-form Premier League performer to have been overlooked is Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden. He has two goals and a couple of assists to his name this term, with a lost spark being rediscovered. The 25-year-old, who was dropped by Tuchel in September, has not done enough to come back into favour.

    Noni Madueke misses out due to injury, with the Arsenal winger nursing a knee problem, while Newcastle defender Tino Livramento has picked up a similar ailment at the worst possible time for him. Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer has been ruled out of action with a groin complaint.

Better than Casemiro: Ten Hag sold "incredible" Man Utd star for just £9m

In an attempt to return to their former glory, Manchester United haven’t been afraid to splash the cash over recent years to aid their efforts in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have now gone over a decade without a league triumph, with Ruben Amorim the latest manager to try his luck and end the drought at Old Trafford.

In the last three years alone, the hierarchy have handed various managers over £700m worth of funds to try and improve the playing squad and move closer to title glory.

This summer alone, Amorim spent over £200m on reinforcements to try and right the wrongs of last season, which saw the side finish in a measly 15th position.

However, one player who was brought into the side before his arrival may well be out of favour in the coming months after his dismal stint in England’s top-flight.

Why Casemiro’s United career may be over

Back in the summer of 2022, United forked out a staggering £70m for the signature of midfielder Casemiro from Spanish giants Real Madrid – with such a deal raising eyebrows across England.

After making over 300 appearances in Madrid, there’s no denying he possessed quality, but such a fee was a mammoth one, given he was 30 at the time of his transfer.

Manchester United'sCasemirolooks dejected after the match

However, his time in Manchester has been a disaster, often falling way below the standards many expected – with Jamie Carragher even claiming he needs to move to Saudi Arabia.

Despite his decline, Amorim has still utilised the experienced man in every Premier League game in 2025/26, starting and scoring in the victory over Chelsea on Saturday night.

In true Casemiro style, he ruined his contribution, subsequently picking up his second yellow and being sent off after dragging down Andrey Santos on the counterattack.

Such a dismissal was his fourth sending off since joining the club three years ago, often being an unreliable figure given his lack of discipline, which has cost the side in key moments.

The Brazilian is also on a whopping £350k-per-week – the most of any player in the squad – with the club desperately needing to cut ties when his contract comes to an end in 2026.

It’s clear a new midfielder is needed to help improve the squad, but with the window closed, there’s manager has to work with the options at his disposal – with one former player slipping through their net.

The former United star who’s now ahead of Casemiro

As a result of the club’s heavy spending in recent years, the hierarchy have had to make sacrifices and offload players from the squad to try and balance the books.

From established first-team members, to squad players and academy graduates – countless options have had to be moved on to allow for funds to be generated.

Numerous players have slipped through their net, with regret undoubtedly being felt by many involved with the club after their mistakes in offloading talents too prematurely.

James Garner is one of the players who certainly falls into such a category, with the hierarchy sanctioning his move away from his boyhood club in the same summer as Casemiro’s arrival.

The midfielder joined the Red Devils at the age of just eight, rapidly developing through the youth ranks and going on to make just seven first-team appearances – with his spells away from the club catapulting him to stardom.

Garner would spend 18 months on loan at Nottingham Forest, catching the eye with his box-to-box displays, registering eight goals and 10 assists over his two separate loan spells at the City Ground.

Such performances led to a permanent move to Everton three years ago, leaving the Red Devils for just £9m – a fee that now appears far too cheap given his rise away from Old Trafford.

He’s now become a key member of David Moyes’ Toffees squad, subsequently outperforming Casemiro in various key areas in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

Garner, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted (82%), whilst also making more passes into the final third per 90 (4.6).

Games played

5

5

Goals & assists

1

1

Pass accuracy

82%

81%

Key passes

1.2

0.7

Passes into the final third

4.6

3.7

Tackles won

2.4

1.4

Interceptions made

1.6

0.7

Take-ons completed

25%

1%

Aerials won

67%

45%

Such numbers highlight the quality the youngster possesses in possession, with such quality something which the side have massively lacked in recent months.

However, out of possession is where the side need further improvement, but the 24-year-old possesses ball-winning quality in abundance – as seen by his tallies of 2.4 tackles won and 1.6 interceptions made per 90.

Both figures are higher than those of Casemiro, further demonstrating why the former United academy graduate is now a better talent than the Brazilian.

Given the remarkable rise of Garner, there’s no denying that the Red Devils made a huge mistake in allowing the Englishman to depart the club – with their loss now Everton’s gain.

Next summer will be huge for the club as they look to finally strengthen in midfield, but it’s safe to say they would’ve saved millions had they kept faith in one of their own.

Forget Bruno & Amad: Man Utd's 8/10 star is becoming Amorim's best player

Manchester United finally stopped the rot with a crucial victory over Chelsea last night.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 21, 2025

Outclassed by Rashford: Newcastle must drop 5-pass star & it's not Trippier

Newcastle United were defeated at St. James’ Park as their Champions League campaign started on the wrong footing.

Then again, let’s not be too pessimistic. Eddie Howe’s side met Barcelona, after all, and the La Liga champions were pressed against the ropes at points in the first half, and more clinical finishing might have shaped a different narrative. A talking point, inevitably, will prick at the decision to have left club-record signing Nick Woltemade on the bench.

Anthony Gordon got himself on the scoresheet, but sadly, it was another English winger who stole the plaudits, with Marcus Rashford netting an emphatic second-half brace for the visitors.

And while the Magpies fought the good fight, Kieran Trippier struggled to contain his countryman.

Kieran Trippier loses out to Rashford

Trippier played against Barcelona on the eve of his 35th birthday, but he held his own against a forward who, on his day, can be a stern test for any defender worth their salt.

And Rashford was on his A-game, all right. The 27-year-old scored a precise header after 58 minutes before unleashing a wonderful strike from range. Past Nick Pope the ball went and into the inside netting.

The veteran was withdrawn with an injury toward the closing stages of the game, and Howe will need his tenacity and experience going forward, two facets showcased at St. James’ Park last night.

Trippier might have won all five of his ground duels on the night, but he was spun by Rashford in the second half, the Manchester United player, on loan with the Spaniards, showcasing the gulf in pace to break away down United’s right channel.

While Trippier battled well, he left plenty to be desired, and there will be many who might advocate a return to the starting line-up for the fit-again Lewis Hall, thus shifting Tino Livramento back into his right-back berth.

Minutes played

62′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

49

Accurate passes

21/30 (70%)

Key passes

0

Dribbles

0/0

Tackles

4

Clearances

2

Ground duels

5/5

Aerial duels

0/5

Perhaps Hall’s inclusion would open up a greater sense of attacking fluency down the left. Joelinton flattered to deceive in the centre, but Harvey Barnes in particular had a game to forget, and Howe will no doubt be thinking about dropping the £80k-per-week star.

Why Howe must drop Harvey Barnes

Howe made a contentious call to bench Woltemade and start Gordon in his stead at number nine. Gordon is a winger, not a striker, but he plays the role dutifully when asked to provide, and he toiled away, albeit sliding home a consolation goal in stoppage time.

With an important tie against Bournemouth forthcoming in the Premier League on Sunday, Howe will need to shuffle the pack, but it’s not Gordon who should be dropped, but Barnes.

The 27-year-old is a direct and clinical left winger, but he was nullified by Hansi Flick’s men and failed to provide convincing creative support, completing only five passes and failing with all three of his attempted crosses into the box.

More than that, Barnes failed to win even a single duel. He did not even attempt to complete a dribble before being hooked shortly after the hour mark.

Chronicle Live were scathing in their assessment of Barnes’ performance, writing that he produced a ‘half-attempted’ effort to prevent Jules Kounde’s cross for Rashford’s opener while missing a big chance and indeed proving wasteful with his crossing. A 5/10 match rating was what he got.

There’s no doubt about it: Rashford outclassed his compatriot on his trip back to England, and Gordon must replace him as Newcastle’s left winger at the weekend, with Woltemade returning to the starting line-up.

A frustrating evening for Newcastle and Howe. There are improvements that need to be made, but if this defeat against Barcelona has taught us one thing, it’s that the Toon have the tools to compete in the Champions League this season.

Bigger bargain than Burn: Newcastle star is cementing himself as a "legend"

Newcastle United are readying for another big night in Europe, with Dan Burn – and others – keen to step up again.

1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 17, 2025

Artilheiro do Botafogo, Tiquinho Soares desembarca no Rio de Janeiro caminhando com auxílio de muleta

MatériaMais Notícias

O artilheiro do Campeonato Brasileiro, Tiquinho Soares, desembarcou nesta segunda-feira (7), no Rio de Janeiro, para fazer o tratamento de recuperação de uma entorse sofrida no joelho esquerdo. Ao chegar á cidade, o atacante do Botafogo caminhou com a perna imobilizada e utilizando muleta.

Em um vídeo divulgado pelo canal “Estrela Solitária”, o camisa 9 passa pelo saguão do aeroporto ao lado de um funcionário do Glorioso. O atacante sentiu dores no joelho após uma dividida com Neris, do Cruzeiro.

+ Botafogo em alerta com situação de Tiquinho Soares. Saiba quanto tempo dura a recuperação de entorse no joelho!

Tiquinho Soares será submetido a exames para saber a gravidade da lesão. O atleta não enfrentará o Guaraní, do Paraguai, no jogo de volta das oitavas de final da Copa Sul-Americana. Além disso, está fora do duelo com o Internacional, por ter de cumprir suspensão.

Paul Scholes names "unprofessional" ex-teammate as "worst" Man Utd signing

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has named one of his former teammates as the “worst” signing in the club’s history, branding him “so unprofessional”.

Scholes names former teammate as "worst" Man Utd signing

It would be fair to say that very few of the signings Man United have made since Sir Alex Ferguson retired have worked out, with YouTuber Adam McKola particularly critical of one of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s additions on The Overlap earlier this month.

McKola said: “I think Jadon Sancho is the worst signing Manchester United have ever made. There’s big competition for it. We spent £80m on Antony who is useless.

“For me Jadon Sancho is the biggest waste of space I’ve ever seen in a United shirt. I think he’s a disgrace and I can’t wait to see the back of him.”

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INEOS could be about to land a new manager to replace Ruben Amorim in the coming weeks.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 16, 2025

Sancho has been widely reported to rake in £300k-a-week, yet he has never managed to deliver in a United shirt, being shipped out on loan to Chelsea last season, with the west Londoners agreeing to pay a £5m penalty fee to avoid having to sign the winger permanently.

You may expect Scholes to name one of the Red Devils’ current players as their worst signing ever, off the back of finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, but the club legend believes one of his former teammates is at the top of the list. The legendary midfielder said:

Bosnich undoubtedly one of Man Utd's worst signings

Bosnich was signed as a successor to the legendary Peter Schmeichel, but the goalkeeper was unable to make the step-up, making 23 Premier League appearances in the 1999-00 season before being snubbed by Ferguson.

Fabian Barthez was ultimately brought in to replace the Australian, who ended up moving to Chelsea, and the Frenchman fared a lot better, spending three full seasons at Old Trafford and winning two Premier League titles.

While Bosnich was undoubtedly a terrible signing for Man United, it may be a little harsh to suggest he is the worst-ever, considering the goalkeeper arrived on a free transfer from Aston Villa.

Sancho, on the other hand, is widely reported to have cost £73m, which is the fourth-highest fee Man United have ever shelled out on a player, making it even more criminal the 25-year-old mustered up just 12 goals and six assists in 83 matches.

Mario Balotelli getting 'to know' himself better as ex-Man City & Liverpool striker serves community service order following car crash while he searches for new club

Mario Balotelli has been his using his time away from the pitch to give back to the community, as the former Manchester City and Liverpool forward recently completed a six-month community service program in Brescia, Italy. Balotelli revealed that the experience of volunteering for children allowed him "to get to know myself better and improve as a person."

  • Car accident leads to community service

    Balotelli has completed a six-month community service program after a car accident that occurred in November 2023. The former Inter and AC Milan striker lost control of his vehicle on November 23, 2023 and subsequently refused to undergo a breathalyser test. As a result, his driver’s license was revoked.

    In lieu of formal sentencing, Balotelli's legal team negotiated a restorative justice agreement. Under the terms, the Italian footballer fulfilled a 40-hour probationary period by volunteering with Bimbo Chiama Bimbo, a child welfare association based in Brescia. During his time with the organisation, Balotelli engaged with young children through games and recreational activities.

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    Balotelli 'improving as a person'

    Speaking to , Balotettli said: "It was a very positive experience which allowed me to get to know myself better and improve as a person. I was very welcomed by the educators and everyone who works at the association."

  • Where has Balotelli been lately?

    Once heralded as the next big thing in football following spells at Inter, Man City, AC Milan, and Liverpool, Balotelli failed to fulfill his potential due to his questionable attitude and long spells of inconsistency. After scoring more goals in Ligue 1 and Turkey's Super Lig, he returned to Serie A in October 2024, joining Genoa as a free agent and reuniting with Patrick Vieira. However, the former Crystal Palace boss banished him from his squad, reigniting their feud from their time together at Nice, with the 35-year-old managing only 56 minutes in six games throughout the season.

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    Balotelli's search for new club continues

    Over the summer, there were reports which stated that he was offered a unique contract by Spanish third-tier side Real Murcia. The Palermo-born player has also confirmed that he aims to play for a club that will trust him for "the next two to three years" before he can join his brother Enoch Barwuah in the lower leagues to Italy and retire together.

فيديو | الجزيري يسجل هدف الزمالك الأول أمام ديكاداها

تمكن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام ديكاداها، في اللقاء الجاري الآن بينهما في كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع الفريق الصومالي، ضمن منافسات إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية على ملعب استاد السلام.

طالع.. تشكيل الزمالك لمواجهة ديكاداها الصومالي في الكونفدرالية.. الجزيري يقود الهجوم

وسجل سيف الدين الجزيري، مهاجم الزمالك الهدف الأول في الدقيقة 39 من عمر اللقاء عن طريق ركلة جزاء.

وكان الزمالك قد حقق الفوز في لقاء الذهاب على ديكاداها الصومالي، بسداسية نظيفة، في اللقاء الذي جمع بينهما السبت الماضي على ملعب القاهرة الدولي. هدف الزمالك الأول أمام ديكاداها

Tottenham agreed "un-Spurs like" Kolo Muani deal condition to hint "desperation"

Tottenham’s transfer business for 2025 has officially concluded following one of the most dramatic and memorable summer windows on-lookers have ever seen, with Spurs enjoying a solid one themselves.

Despite their failure to bring in a natural left-winger and centre-back for manager Thomas Frank, which were two key items on their to-do list (Sky Sports), a recruitment team stocked with Daniel Levy, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici did work some magic.

Tottenham’s summer signings

Price tag

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Randal Kolo Muani

Loan

Following their infamously botched deals for Morgan Gibbs-White -who reportedly phoned Frank to apologise for his U-turn over joining Spurs – and Eberechi Eze, Spurs finally managed to get a replacement for the injured James Maddison by signing Xavi Simons in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig.

It was all happening in N17 during the final days, with an ankle injury to striker Dominic Solanke also partly forcing Frank’s side into a late temporary deal for long-time target Randal Kolo Muani.

Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani celebrates.

Tottenham were actively pursuing the PSG-owned forward in January, only to back out and see Juventus win the race for his signature instead.

The France international really impressed for Juve, bagging 10 goals and three assists in all competitions, and while Igor Tudor wanted him back in Serie A, they couldn’t agree to re-sign him despite lengthy summer talks.

Instead, Spurs tempted Kolo Muani with a move to the Premier League, and Frank is set to benefit from the introduction of a centre-forward who can play in multiple areas with a proven scoring record. Interestingly, the 26-year-old was also a player who ex-manager Ange Postecoglou pushed for in the winter (Paul O’Keefe), and it’s not hard to see why.

His best-ever season to date in 2022/2023 saw the attacker rack up a brilliant 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Eintracht Frankfurt, with Kolo Muani also making his mark for France on the international stage.

Semi-final goals against Morocco at the 2022 World Cup and Spain in Euro 2024 showcase partly why Didier Deschamps has kept faith in Kolo Muani, even amidst a lack of game time at PSG, and Tottenham are in dire need of him now that reports suggest Solanke could be out for even longer than anticipated.

Kolo Muani’s arrival could end up being crucial with the influx of matches awaiting Spurs after this international break, leaving little wonder Levy and co were clamoring to get him through the door.

Tottenham agreed "un-Spurs like" Randal Kolo Muani deal condition

Giving his take on the deal, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold says that Tottenham agreed an ‘un-Spurs like’ condition to sign Kolo Muani from PSG.

Namely, Gold states that the lack of any buy option in this move is something quite out of the ordinary for them, and some might suggest that it highlights their “desperation” to bring in another new attacker (football.london).

Without the inclusion of an obligation or option to buy, if Kolo Muani’s move proves a success, then Levy will need to return to the negotiating table with PSG – by which point they’d be able to command a loftier price tag.

They’ll also face competition from other elite sides on the look-out for a proven striker, so Tottenham face the prospect of this being Kolo Muani’s only season in north London, regardless of how well he performs.

It’s certainly out of Tottenham’s character not to take the future into account, but Frank’s need for attacking reinforcements was pressing, and it perhaps indicates Levy’s increasing willingness to compete after the Lilywhites tasted Europa League glory in May.

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