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O’Rourke replaces him at LSG while Jamieson replaces the injured Ferguson at PBKS

ESPNcricinfo staff15-May-2025Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Mayank Yadav has sustained another back injury and is out of the last leg of IPL 2025. LSG have roped in New Zealand quick Will O’Rourke at INR 3 crore in his place.Mayank was one of the three players LSG retained ahead of the mega auction. Returning to competitive cricket for the first time since October 2024, Mayank played only two matches in IPL 2025 – against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) – before the tournament was suspended following cross-border tension between India and Pakistan. His high pace – a quality that impressed the national selectors – and accuracy earned him a special fast bowler’s contract with the BCCI last year.Soon he picked up a back injury that made him miss the 2024-25 domestic season after his international debut. He was recovering at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru. But his return was pushed back after he stubbed his toe against his bed leading to an infection. Upon his return, he was a much slower bowler, clocking speeds in the high-130 kph and only occasionally breaching the 140kph mark.Related

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After Mayank’s first match upon his return, LSG mentor Zaheer Khan had said they were in “constant dialogue with the NCA” and were following the regimen that was given to him.The IPL stint with LSG will be O’Rourke’s first experience in the T20 franchise circuit. He has five wickets in five T20Is for New Zealand after his debut against Pakistan last year. Overall, he is capped ten times in Tests and 17 times in ODIs apart from his five T20I appearances.Jamieson replaces Ferguson at PBKSNew Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson replaced countryman Lockie Ferguson at PBKS for the rest of IPL 2025. Ferguson played four matches for PBKS this season and picked up five wickets. He hobbled off after bowling two balls in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in April following which, PBKS fast-bowling coach James Hopes said Ferguson was “out indefinitely”.PBKS will be Jamieson’s second IPL team after he played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2021. He was part of Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2025 but played in just two of their nine games. Jamieson joined PBKS for INR 2 crore.As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Kusal Mendis as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will leave for England duties at the end of the league stage. Mendis has joined GT for INR 75 lakh and will be eligible to play the playoffs.

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Apesar do reconhecidamente apertado calendário do futebol brasileiro, o técnico António Oliveira, do Cuiabá, encontrou tempo nesta semana para fazer uma bonita ação de cunho social ao visitar a ‘Companhia do Sorriso MT’.

A organização em questão, há 13 anos, promove humanização, esperança e acolhimento para crianças em tratamento com câncer no estado do Mato Grosso.

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– É indescritível a sensação de poder ajudar e levar um abraço, beijo e carinho especial para essas crianças tão amadas. Saí de lá uma pessoa melhor e aprendi muito com eles – afirma António além de assumir que se emocionou com o que encontrou na iniciativa.

Além do suporte financeiro com a doação de R$ 10 mil feita pelo comandante do Dourado, o treinador ainda revela a importância de promover mais ações em prol de quem realmente necessita.

>Olho no Brasileirão! Assine o Prime Video e acompanhe todos os jogos do seu time do coração!

– É muito importante que todas as pessoas possam realizar visitas, ajudar como podem, àqueles que precisam, que passam necessidades ou que têm doenças complicadas. Nós, que temos exposição por estarmos na mídia, podemos divulgar ainda mais esse tipo de ação e, assim, gerarmos mais recursos e visibilidade para essas entidades – conclui.

Voltando ao aspecto profissional, António Oliveira

The Russell Martin reign at Rangers has certainly not got off to the brightest start, although if there is to be a crumb of comfort at Ibrox, it’s that Rome wasn’t built in a day.

Indeed, for all the calamity of the past month or so, it’s worth remembering that Ange Postecoglou also endured his own limp start elsewhere in Glasgow, failing to win any of his first three competitive games in charge at Celtic.

An attack-minded coach – in a similar mould to Martin – the Aussie went on to turn the tide and steer the Hoops to five domestic honours across his two seasons in charge, having successfully shaken off that iffy beginning.

For the Gers, the ex-Southampton boss does face an uphill task, although there is an exciting array of talents at his disposal, with summer signing Thelo Aasgaard notably netting four times off the bench for Norway earlier this week.

Djeidi Gassama, meanwhile, has already hit the ground running with four goals and one assist from just ten appearances for the Light Blues, with intrigue mounting over just how £8m man Youssef Chermiti will settle in to life in Scottish football.

While the transfer fee would suggest otherwise, the Portuguese youngster is a raw, inexperienced talent who is yet to realise his potential – perhaps he can look to Hamza Igamane’s Rangers spell as reason for encouragement.

Hamza Igamane's start to life after Rangers

There is no justifying the actions of Igamane as his relatively brief Rangers stint came to a close, with the 22-year-old said to have refused to come off the bench during the draw with St Mirren, in fear of a potential injury hampering his impending move to Lille.

That £10.4m sale was subsequently agreed, with those at Ibrox no doubt glad to see the back of a player who showcased such blatant self-interest and disregard for his manager.

That being said, of course, it’s hard to deny the forward’s obvious talent, having already settled into life in France with a delightful double on debut in the 7-1 thrashing of Lorient prior to the international break.

The first of those two efforts saw the Moroccan wizard fire home on the rebound following a trademark jinking run in the build-up, with those back in Glasgow having witnessed such quality first hand last season.

In all, the £1.7m addition – who was a relative unknown at the time – contributed 16 goals in 49 games in total prior to his toxic departure, as per Transfermarkt, having since followed up his debut heroics at Lille with a further two goals for his country over the past week.

With five goals and assists to his name across his last 155 minutes of action for club and country, the youngster is undoubtedly thriving after sealing his desired Ibrox exit.

For those at Rangers, however, he now belongs to the past, with Martin now able to wield a potentially even bigger talent this season.

Rangers could have an even bigger talent than Igamane

As already stated, the early success story from an extensive summer of recruitment so far has been Gassama, with the ex-Sheffield Wednesday winger netting all four of his goals thus far in just six Champions League qualification games.

The 22-year-old – signed for just £2.2m – could be a star of the present and future at Ibrox, although for 2025/26, keep an eye on young Mikey Moore to be the man to ultimately steal the limelight.

Still only 18, the Tottenham Hotspur loanee could eclipse Igamane and co as arguably the biggest prospect to have turned out for the Light Blues in recent times, having been hailed as “one of England’s best players of his age group” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Also described as a “superstar” by Mattinson, the promising Englishman has already made his presence felt back in north London, registering one goal and two assists from just 21 senior games for Spurs to date.

Igamane caught the eye in the Europa League last term, with four goals and one assist from just ten appearances, although at the age of just 17, Moore was making his own impression for the Premier League outfit in Europe.

Moore – 24/25 Europa League

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games

5

Goals

1

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Key passes*

0.8

Successful dribbles*

0.8

Pass accuracy*

83%

Possession lost*

0.4

Stats via Sofascore

On just his second start of 2024/25 against AZ Alkmaar back in October, the teenage sensation was notably compared to Brazil great Neymar by teammate James Maddison, having been lauded for his “fearless” display down the left flank.

That performance led to notable plaudits from the aforementioned Postecoglou, with the Aussie stating that he had been “willing” his side to keep giving the ball to the academy graduate – high praise indeed:

For such a talent to now be on the books at Rangers, albeit temporarily, is undoubtedly an exciting prospect, with Moore already chalking up one assist from his first four games under Martin’s watch.

Igamane, for all his flaws, looks destined to be a star in the years to come. At four years his junior and already earning rave reviews, however, it is Moore who may well have the bigger ceiling.

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Boland picked up two wickets late after South Australia’s quicks had removed the home side for 285 on a lively surface

Alex Malcolm06-Mar-2025A fighting 79 from Campbell Kellaway in the face of two excellent four-wicket hauls by Jordan Buckingham and Henry Thornton kept Victoria’s Sheffield Shield final hopes alive against ladder leaders South Australia on a difficult day for batting at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.Kellaway’s innings was crucial as Victoria were bowled out for 285 on a green surface having been sent into bat. Scott Boland then removed both South Australia openers in an examining evening spell to leave the visitors under pressure on 40 for 2 at stumps on the opening day.Kellaway, who scored a maiden first-class century before the BBL, got excellent support from Blake Macdonald who was playing his first Shield match for Victoria having moved from New South Wales without a contract last winter. Macdonald had earned his place through twin Second XI centuries against Western Australia and continued that form with a steady 45.Their 122-run stand could prove vital in the context of the game and the season. Following a short rain delay to start the day, Victoria were hit by the early loss of Marcus Harris who edged a delivery from Buckingham that pitched well outside leg stump to third slip in the second over.Scott Boland was soon in the wickets•Getty ImagesKellaway and Macdonald then settled in under overcast skies and calmly guided Victoria to lunch. They went about it in different ways. Kellaway struck nine boundaries in his 79 while Macdonald cleared the rope twice off Thornton and Ben Manenti but only struck two other boundaries in his 45.Thornton got his revenge slightly fortuitously to break the partnership with the score at 126 for 1 when Macdonald gloved a hip-high short ball down the leg side trying to pull behind square.Buckingham made a decisive blow shortly after, castling Kellaway with a cracking yorker that sneaked under the bat and hit the base of off stump. That sparked a collapse as Victoria lost 3 for 0 in the space of nine balls. Harry Dixon was adjudged lbw to Buckingham for a second-ball duck, although replays suggested it may have both pitched and struck the pad outside the line of leg stump.Thornton picked up Peter Handscomb in the following over pushing away from his body to guide a catch to Nathan McSweeney in the gully.However, Victoria’s lower order salvaged the innings. Sam Harper blasted seven boundaries in a 33-ball 44 before he fell edging Buckingham to first slip in the first over after tea. Xavier Crone made 34 not out while Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill provided valuable contributions of 23 and 22 respectively before Thornton returned to clean up the tail.Boland then went to work in the final hour, nipping the ball both ways to cause South Australia’s top order no end of trouble. He breached the defence on Conor McInerney in the opening over, nipping one through the gate from around the wicket. He then found the outside edge of Henry Hunt who was neatly caught at second slip by Handscomb to leave the visitors 8 for 2.Boland also had close lbw shouts against both McSweeney and Jason Sangha turned down. But the pair fought through the new ball to remain unbeaten at stumps. Sangha was positive, striking three boundaries in his unbeaten 19, while McSweeney ground out 9 off 53 balls but will reset on the second morning.

Blackburn Rovers have now registered their interest in signing a “pacey” £15,000-a-week ace who would replace Callum Brittain, according to a new report.

Derby agree deal to sign Callum Brittain from Blackburn

Rovers have already seen some big-name players leave Ewood Park in this transfer window, as Joe Rankin-Costello, Tyrhys Dolan, Andreas Weimann, Dilan Markanday, and Danny Batth have all left on free transfers, and now, while it may not be a free, another key individual looks set for a move away.

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EFL Analysis’ Graeme Bailey revealed earlier this week that Derby had agreed a deal with Blackburn to sign Brittain. Rovers placed a £3 million asking price on the defender’s head, and the Rams have agreed to pay that, including add-ons.

However, they are not the only side chasing the fullback, as Middlesbrough have already seen a bid rejected and are now expected to match Derby’s offer, meaning it will be down to the player where his future lies.

Brittain has been at the Lancashire side since 2022 and has been a key performer for the club in his three years there. However, with his time now coming to an end, Rovers are having to look at possible replacements for the defender.

Blackburn register interest in signing a £15k-p/w ace

According to EFL Analysis, Graeme Bailey, Blackburn are now keen on signing Bali Mumba from League One side Plymouth Argyle.

Bailey has revealed that Rovers have let their interest be known with an initial enquiry, but they could face competition from Boro, who looked at signing Mumba back in January.

Bailey said: “Plymouth want to keep hold of him, though. So again, unless someone comes up with the money there, it won’t necessarily be easy to get him out.

“But I’ve heard he’s wanted by Blackburn as well, maybe to replace Brittain. There are a few options for Mumba.”

It is unclear how much the Pilgrims would be looking to get for Mumba, but the versatile defender is under contract until 2027, so they are not under pressure to sell in this transfer window. The 23-year-old, who has been dubbed “pacey” by former manager Daniel Farke, has made a good impression in the last two Championship seasons despite Plymouth’s struggles, as he scored three goals and recorded five assists in 86 games combined.

Mumba

Brittain

Apps

43

33

Starts

37

30

Goals

0

2

Progressive carries

66

63

Progressive passes

121

90

Progressive runs

102

141

Shots per 90

0.58

0.61

Passes attempted

1465

1562

Passes completed

1156

1209

Tackles (won)

84 (55)

56 (34)

Blocks

31

36

Clearances

90

129

Since joining Plymouth, Mumba, who earns a weekly wage of £15,000, has been very impressive in the EFL, as in their 2022/23 League One campaign, where they earned promotion, Mumba scored six goals and registered seven assists. The fact he can operate anywhere across the back four as well as in midfield adds more appeal, as Blackburn look to strengthen in a few areas of the pitch.

Senny Mayulu has attracted interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester City joining the race after Tottenham were snubbed.

Mayulu on Premier League's radarChelsea & Man City keen on signing talented midfielderPSG have already rejected an offer from TottenhamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid Mayulu has caught the eye of some of Premier League's biggest clubs, as English outlet reports that Chelsea and City have joined the race to sign the teenage midfielder. They also revealed that Tottenham made a push to sign Mayulu late in the recently-closed transfer window, but PSG rejected their offer.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Les Parisiens are convinced of the growing role their young midfielder could play. Their refusal to negotiate with Spurs illustrates the club's desire to hold on to its young talents, such as Warren Zaire-Emery and Desire Doue.

Mayulu's rise to prominence has been rapid. After making his first-team debut in January 2024 as a 17-year-old, Luis Enrique entrusted him with an important role in the squad, albeit as a rotational piece. Regardless, Mayulu managed to make 34 appearances last season, scoring six goals. 

His goal in the Champions League final against Inter made him the third-youngest goal scorer in a Champions League final, behind Patrick Kluivert and Brian Kidd. This achievement changed his status, transforming him from a promising youngster to a player wanted by Europe's elite.

TELL ME MORE

A versatile midfielder, Mayulu can play in almost any position, which is a major asset for Luis Enrique. After proving his mettle last season, his playing time is expected to increase this term, particularly during the injury-enforced absences of Ousmane Dembele and Doue. Valued at €15 million (£13m/$18m), he remains a real bargain for English clubs.

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AFPWHAT'S NEXT?

Although Tottenham failed to convince him, history has a twist in store: PSG and Spurs will meet again in November in the Champions League. This will be an opportunity for Mayulu to cross paths with the club that wanted to snatch him away from Paris. Although they were unable to sign him this summer, Spurs intend to try again during the next winter transfer window.

The franchise is almost certainly set to retain Dhoni, who could qualify as an uncapped player for IPL 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-20241:53

Moody: ‘The longer iconic players like Dhoni can play, it’s good for the IPL’

MS Dhoni has not yet confirmed his availability for IPL 2025, according to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan, who is hopeful that Dhoni will be part of the upcoming season.”We have still no confirmation from him, though we will like him to continue playing for us,” Viswanathan told ESPNcricinfo. “Hope he will confirm before 31st [October].”October 31 is the deadline by which the ten franchises have to submit their list of retained players to the IPL ahead of the mega auction, and this year Dhoni is eligible to be retained by CSK as an uncapped player. That was made possible after the IPL brought back a rule that had been scrapped in 2021, according to which a player can be considered as uncapped if they have been retired from international cricket for five years.Related

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Dhoni last played for India at the 2019 ODI World Cup, and announced his retirement in August 2020; he does not play any cricket apart from the IPL, and scored 161 runs at a strike rate of 220 as a finisher in the 2024 season after handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad.While it is extremely likely that Dhoni will be retained by CSK, if they retain him as an uncapped player, they will lose only INR 4 crore from their auction purse of INR 120 crore.The IPL franchises have been allowed to retain up to six players ahead of the mega auction before the 2025 season, of which a maximum of five can be capped internationals. While the IPL has set minimum deductions from the auction purse for each player retained – INR 18 crore for the first player, INR 14 crore for the second, INR 11 crore for the third, INR 18 crore for the fourth, and INR 14 crore for the fifth – the franchises are free to pay more than those amounts to their retained players. For example, Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to retain Heinrich Klaasen for INR 23 crore, Pat Cummins for INR 18 crore, and Abhishek Sharma for INR 14 crore.

Manchester United haven’t been a club shy to spend money in the transfer window over recent years, with the hierarchy handing various managers the funds to transform the side.

The Red Devils have spent around £800m on new additions since 2020, many of which have struggled to make an impact, leading to yet more funds being dropped in this window.

Matheus Cunha is the first player to move to Old Trafford this summer, with Ruben Amorim needing key additions if he is to lead the club to glory in the years ahead.

The Brazilian cost a staggering £62.5m, but he will no doubt be the first of multiple signings made in an attempt to avoid a 15th-placed Premier League finish once again in 2025/26.

All areas of the pitch will need to be subject to investment given the lack of depth and quality currently at the manager’s disposal, which could see another huge amount of money spent between now and September 1st.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo has been a name on all supporters’ lips over the last couple of weeks, but it appears as though he will finally be a United player after the Red Devils and Brentford moved closer to an agreement.

He’s not the only player who could complete a move to the Theatre of Dreams, after talks were held with Juventus over a potential swap deal that would see Dušan Vlahović move to Manchester, with Jadon Sancho moving in the opposite direction.

However, a new name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with PSG’s talented teenage midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery now a target for Amorim’s side, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils have made an enquiry to sign the 19-year-old Champions League winner, who’s already racked up 125 appearances for the Parisians despite his tender age.

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It also states that Luis Enrique’s side have slapped a £85m price tag on his shoulders to prevent any interest and won’t be entertaining any offers for the French star unless a bid of that amount is submitted.

Why United’s £85m target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents in recent seasons, subsequently taking his career to the next level after joining Real Madrid back in 2023.

The 21-year-old has already racked up 96 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 38 times from his midfield role, carrying a huge threat at both ends of the pitch.

However, his career could’ve played out very differently, with United interested in signing the Englishman twice already in his career, once at Birmingham City and the other at Borussia Dortmund.

They were never able to convince the star to move on either occasion, leaving the side without that young, exciting prospect they’ve been craving in the middle of the park.

That could all be about to change in the coming months, with a move for Zaire-Emery this window, with the PSG star labelled as a similar player to Bellingham by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Frenchman has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Amorim his own version of the Madrid star should he move this window.

Zaire-Emery, who’s been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Jorge Mendes, has registered a higher pass completion rate this season, along with more passes into the final third per 90 – highlighting the creative ability he possesses at his tender age.

Games played

29

28

Goals & assists

4

25

Pass accuracy

93%

88%

Passes into final third

5.4

5.3

% of tackles won

51%

33%

Interceptions made

1.1

0.8

Take-ons completed

54%

51%

Recoveries made

5.9

4.5

He’s also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered in 2024/25, whilst completing a higher tally of interceptions per 90 – handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option he’s been hunting for.

Whilst he’s still a teenager making his name in the game, the youngster has still managed to complete more take-ons this campaign, having the composure and skill to effortlessly glide past opponents should he move to Old Trafford.

£85m would be a mammoth sum to drop on such a young talent, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of developing into an elite talent should he continue on his current trajectory.

If he could get to Bellingham’s levels in the years to come, it would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could catapult United one step closer to their former glory.

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Russell Martin’s first game as Rangers manager is just a month away, with a Champions League qualifier scheduled against Panathinaikos.

The Gers will take on the Greek side in a two-legged tie towards the end of July, so new owners the 49ers Enterprises don’t have long to act in the transfer market.

Many will be intrigued to see how Martin sets his Rangers side up as they look to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 12 years in 2025/26.

£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer

It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025

Grok, X’s AI tool, has already predicted some Rangers signings this summer, and they have now forecasted the starting line-up at Ibrox for 25/26, with a few surprises in store.

AI predicts Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up GK: Liam Kelly

Described as a ‘dependable option’, Liam Kelly has been backed to start in goal for Rangers, with Jack Butland’s future seemingly up in the air.

They say ‘Kelly’s experience makes him a solid choice’, despite the 29-year-old only making 13 appearances in all competitions last season.

RB: James Tavernier

Club captain James Tavernier is regularly linked with a Rangers exit but Grok believes he is ‘likely to stay for another season unless a significant offer arrives’.

Games

513

Goals

130

Assists

142

Minutes played

45,296

Trophies won

5

AI adds that Tavernier ‘remains a key figure despite speculation about his exit’ and believes he could add to his 513 Gers appearances.

CB: Aaron Donnelly

Interestingly, Dundee centre-back Aaron Donnelly has been predicted to make the move to Ibrox, despite being a diehard Celtic supporter.

The 22-year-old made the move to Scotland from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of 2025 and actually scored against the Hoops in a 3-3 draw. There haven’t been concrete rumours over a transfer for Donnelly, so this would be a surprise.

CB: Robin Propper

Robin Propper has been heavily linked with a return to the Netherlands with FC Twente, however, a transfer has seemingly stalled, and he has been predicted to start under Martin.

The central defender made 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox and was even named as captain on one occasion.

LB: Ridvan Yilmaz

There has been a lot of talk about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz and a potential Rangers exit, however, the Turkey international is still on the books at Ibrox and has two years remaining on his contract.

Grok says that should he depart, Jefte would come in, but have backed Yilmaz to start for now.

CM: Connor Barron

After making 46 appearances in his first season as a Rangers player, Connor Barron has been backed to keep his place in the side under Martin, despite the arrival of Lyall Cameron.

A defensive midfielder, Barron is described as a ‘long-term asset and a guaranteed starter in the double pivot, aligning with the club’s youth focus’.

CM: Nicolas Raskin

Next to Barron is Nicolas Raskin, who has been linked with a big £25m exit from Rangers this summer.

Clubs linked with signing Nicolas Raskin

Aston Villa

Leeds United

Marseille

It would be a big boost if the Belgium international remained in Glasgow, and his ‘tenacity and work rate make him a mainstay in midfield’ according to Grok.

RM: Nedim Bajrami

Nedim Bajrami was used mainly as an attacking midfielder or on the left during his first season at Rangers, however, he has been predicted to move over to the right in 25/26.

The Albania international is ‘expected to develop further’ and Grok adds Bajrami’s ‘versatility and creativity on the right wing add flair’.

AM: Mohamed Diomande

Another versatile midfielder, Mohamed Diomande played as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder last season.

He has been described as a ‘cornerstone of the midfield’ and is predicted to turn out in a more advanced role under Martin.

LM: Kwame Poku

The second new signing predicted to make the starting XI under Martin is Kwame Poku. Set to leave Peterborough United on a free transfer this summer, Rangers have been backed to win the race for the Ghana international.

A left-footed winger, Grok is predicting Poku to bring ‘pace and directness to the left flank’ at Ibrox.

ST: Hamza Igamane

Finishing off the side is Hamza Igamane, who like Raskin, is also becoming a man in demand. Should he stay, though, could be a guaranteed starter in the final third.

Last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, could leave Rangers this summer, meaning ‘Igamane is poised to lead the line at 22’.

Whilst Daniel Farke will want to keep the main ingredients of his Leeds United camp together, which just sealed a fantastic Championship title success, he will be very aware that some stars from that promotion journey might not be able to cut it in the intense environment of the Premier League.

After all, despite Ipswich Town cruising to automatic promotion alongside Leicester City during the 2023/24 campaign, both of those previously high-flying outfits have now been hit over the head with the reality of relegation, alongside an equally dire Southampton side.

Therefore, if there is an upgrade available to Farke, he should bring them into the building with open arms.

Leeds could consider loan swoop for Aaronson upgrade

As per a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds have been ‘looking at’ signing long-term target £15m-rated Emiliano Buendia, with Aston Villa preparing to loan him out again this summer.

The report states that Unai Emery’s Villans are seeking out a fresh loan destination for Farke’s former Norwich City wizard, and this availability will surely pique the interest of the German situated in the Whites dug-out after promotion.

Nixon further elaborates that the Whites will wait it out, however, considering they are only allowed two Premier League loan arrivals. But, the silky South American has starred under Farke before, so the temptation will surely be palpable for a reunion.

Adding Buendia will also gift the former Canaries boss more freedom in the number ten spot in his starting lineups to come, with a worry that Brenden Aaronson just isn’t well-equipped to be a dangerous attacking midfield force up a level, having struggled in the elite league before.

How Buendia could be a huge upgrade on Aaronson

When Buendia has been injury-free at Villa Park, he has more than shown off his suitable nature for the testing division.

Indeed, minus picking up eight goal contributions for Norwich during his debut season at that level under Farke, a further 17 of the Argentine attacker’s goal and assist tally in the Premier League have come about when donning Villa claret and blue.

Unfortunately for Aaronson, away from just helping Leeds seal the title with a respectable nine goals and two assists, he can only boast one goal and three assists next to his name in the deep-end of the Premier League, with his spell so dismal that he was chucked out on loan to Union Berlin.

Therefore, if there is an opportunity to bring in one of Farke’s former Carrow Road favourites, Leeds should persist, with Buendia not just comfortable playing in a number ten spot to potentially usurp Aaronson, meaning he could also offer the Whites plenty of versatility ahead of the gruelling 38-game marathon to come.

RW

129

25

43

AM

88

13

10

LW

44

9

7

RM

8

0

1

SS

4

0

0

CF

3

0

0

RB

3

0

0

LM

2

1

0

CM

1

0

0

Judging by the numbers, Buendia is actually more adept playing as a right winger than an out-and-out number ten.

As a result, the “outstanding” South American – as Farke once waxed called him – could give the likes of Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto a run for their money, away from stealing the American’s starting space.

Having also played in the Champions League last season with Bayer Leverkusen, this could be just one temporary signing, alongside other new recruits entering Elland Road, that allows Leeds to compete in the big time, knowing he has what it takes to dazzle some tough defenders.

Whilst Aaronson didn’t miss a single game in the Championship last season, the Premier League is a different kettle of fish altogether, as plans begin to be put in place to ensure Leeds upgrade all over the park.

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