Tag Futebol

Have we seen the last of Katey Martin? Or Suzie Bates? Does she have the desire to add to her 5045 ODI runs? And does Amy Satterthwaite have the drive to keep chasing her?Just some questions swirling around a disappointed host nation, whose World Cup campaign ended with a victory over Pakistan, but it was too little to see them progress to the knockouts.But it might not just be the end of the World Cup for them. The match against Pakistan had all the elements of a farewell, too, from Martin’s tears as the national anthem was sung to the standing ovation Bates got from the Hagley Oval crowd after she was dismissed for 126. Like some of us, they might have been wondering, was this the end of an era?Related

• More Australian dominance, and veterans leave the building

• Mithali Raj rues missed opportunities after India miss semi-final bus on final ball

• Satterthwaite: 'Batting let New Zealand down the most'

• Oram returns home; Tahuhu, Devine injuries to be assessed

• Bates ton, Rowe five-for help NZ seal win over Pakistan

“I don’t think anyone’s going to be making any decisions now,” Sophie Devine said afterwards.She described the day as “emotional” for everyone involved because “playing in a home World Cup is probably not going to happen again”. But she could not reveal whether some of those who wore their hearts on their sleeves had already made decisions about their futures in the game. “I’m sure everyone will take some time away. It’s obviously been a pretty full-on last sort six to 12 months leading into this World Cup.”Martin, who is 36 and has been playing internationally since 2003, was the most demonstrative, breaking away from the team huddle to wave at the crowd after the match. It looked like a goodbye, but Devine wasn’t sure. “Marty can’t keep her emotions in check, which is her to a tee, and that’s why we absolutely love her.”And the adoration flowed. Devine heaped praise on young quick Hannah Rowe, who came back from an opening spell that cost 27 runs in three overs to take a career-best 5 for 55, and on Bates, who brought up 5000 runs in this match and scored her 12th ODI century.”Suzie Bates is going to be one of our greatest-ever players produced from New Zealand, and I’ve just had a front-row seat for most of my career,” Devine said. “I think the greatest thing about Suzie is [she’s] absolutely a world-class player but she’s just a bloody good human and the way that she inspired other people and even now, she’s like a young kid out there. I think you probably saw her running around and joking with everyone – her energy is infectious and I think that’s probably something that I’m most proud of, not just the runs that she scored.”Ultimately, although this New Zealand side wanted to win, they also wanted to leave a legacy and when Devine looked around the full grass embankments, she could see that they indeed had done so.”It’s certainly something that we’ve spoken about as a group before this tournament, that we want to inspire that next generation. It was really nice to see a packed embankment over there. It’s a beautiful cricket ground and to see it filled up with plenty of fans there, it certainly makes me extremely proud.”That crowd was treated to a New Zealand celebration anyway, as the champion team from 2000 was honoured by the ICC. Though Devine would have loved to replicate what that team had achieved, she was satisfied that her team had given their all. “We’ve obviously been on the wrong side of a couple of results, but we’ve fought throughout this tournament. We want results to go the other way but the heart and character, I hope everyone sees it. We’ve played with absolutely everything we’ve got.”It wasn’t enough, which is a bitter pill for Devine to swallow, but it’s left New Zealand with some time away with the possibility of returning to a new-look set-up. Coach Bob Carter’s contract ends with the World Cup and though Devine said he had been “fantastic for this group”, she could not say whether he would continue.”‘I’m sure everyone will take some time away. It’s obviously been a pretty full-on last sort six to 12 months leading into this World Cup”•AFP/Getty Images

“I know that there’ll be a process that will be followed by New Zealand Cricket and whether he’s the right man, I guess that’ll be decided,” she said. “But what he’s offered this group has been outstanding. We’re seeing players coming through and starting to have a lot more consistency with their performances.”Devine also indicated she may want to continue as captain. “It’s probably too early to say at this stage. I certainly need to take some time away and just reflect,” she said. “I’m certainly really passionate about this team and I feel like we’re in a really good space. Obviously, results haven’t gone our way but I’ve just got so much love and I feel like I’ve still got more to give to this group. So I don’t want to make any decisions at the moment, but I still feel like I’ve got a bit left in the tank.”As for the other five members of the current squad who are over 30 – including Lea Tahuhu, who missed the final match with an injury, and Frances Mackay, who finished as their joint-leading wicket-taker with Tahuhu – time will tell. For now, Devine will enjoy the rest of the tournament with her feet up, believing “Australia are certainly beatable and South Africa are a real threat”, but that the overall calibre of cricket has been high as the women’s game continues to grow.”I’ve been so impressed with the standard of competition, and I think the quality of the wickets have played a massive part in that,” she said. “I think the run scoring has been a real feature of this World Cup and I’m excited to see what the next couple of games holds.”I really urge any Kiwis or anyone out there to get along to the remaining games because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a 50-over World Cup here in New Zealand and I’m just so proud of the way that we’ve been able to show that to the world.”

Sunderland’s sporting director has delivered an exciting update on the Black Cats’ January transfer plans.

Sunderland struggling

After a storming start to the season that saw them win nine of their first 12 games in the Championship, Regis Le Bris’ side are now without a win in six. After drawing five in a row, they were most recently beaten 1-0 by league leaders Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Speaking after the defeat to the Blades, Le Bris said: “How can we dominate a strong team like that and still lose in the end? It’s incredibly frustrating.”

The Frenchman also highlighted the area that he feels his side needs to improve on the most.

“We were confident and dominant, but the missing piece was finishing. Scoring a goal is my main concern right now,” he explained, adding: “It’s not just a matter of luck; we need to focus on the small details, work hard, and find solutions.”

Speakman: "We have to be optimistic"

The solution to Sunderland’s recent problems could come in the form of some new arrivals in the January transfer window. The Black Cats have recently been linked with a number of players, including Celtic wonderkid Daniel Cummings, Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle and Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku, and fortunately for Le Bris, it appears he will indeed be given money to spend after the New Year.

Speaking with Sunderland’s media team earlier this week, the club’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman provided a candid update on how the club intend to do business next month.

“First of all, it’s about assessing the squad. I think we’re coming from a position of strength. I think the group’s in a really good place. We’ve got loads of preparation going on.

“We’ve just got to be really diligent in the moment, able to react and action things really quickly within the month of January,” he said, before closing with 8 words which should be music to fans’ ears ahead of the winter window.

Jobe Bellingham update

While Sunderland could soon be about to recruit some new players, they could also be about to lose one very important one. According to Sky Sports in Germany, Borussia Dortmund have recently been “in contact” with midfielder Jobe Bellingham about a potential move to the Westfalenstadion, where his older brother, Jude, spent three seasons before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

Sky said that Dortmund, and especially chief scout Sebastian Krug, still maintain a close relationship with Bellingham’s family, and that his “development is being closely monitored”.

Bellingham has been one of Sunderland’s standout players since moving to the Stadium of Light last year, catching the eye with his commanding performances in the middle of the park.

Chase, Hosein kept WI in the hunt before the visitors prevailed to take the series 2-1

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2022

File photo: Andy McBrine followed 4 for 28 with the ball by 59 with the bat•CWI Media

Ireland won its first bilateral ODI series against a Test-playing nation other than Zimbabwe and Afghanistan by beating West Indies in a thriller in Kingston to clinch the series 2-1. The star of the show was allrounder Andy McBrine whose 4 for 28 first restricted West Indies to 212. Then with the bat, he made a sturdy 59 to guide Ireland’s tense chase.There were contributions from Harry Tector, who hit 52, and stand-in captain Paul Stirling, who smashed a 38-ball 44 up top to set the tone for the chase.Ireland were cruising at 152 for 2 at one stage, but then slumped to 208 for 8, with medium pacer Odean Smith triggering the collapse, with spin twins Roston Chase and Akeal Hosein also chipping in with big strikes.Smith had McBrine caught behind to start the slump. Then Chase dismissed Neil Rock, Curtis Campher and Tector in three of his next four overs as the visitors suddenly encountered turbulence.Ireland were 190 for 5 at the stage, but would slip further when Hosein dismissed Gareth Delany for 10 off 5 deliveries when the batter danced down but ended up ballooning the ball to point. Then George Dockrell nicked to Jason Holder at slip.Although as many as seven overs remained to get the required five runs, Ireland had just two wickets in hand. But the pair of Mark Adair and Craig Young safely negotiated Chase’s final over before Young hit the winning boundary off Romario Shepherd.Earlier, Shai Hope dominated a 72-run opening stand for West Indies, cracking 53 from only 39 balls in an unusual display of hitting which was far removed from the sedate starts he is known to provide. But once Young had Hope hooking to fine leg, the hosts started losing their way with the bat: 72 without loss in the 11th over soon became 119 for 7 by the time of the 28th.McBrine got three of the seven wickets to fall after Young also sent back Hope’s opening partner Justin Greaves. He first had Nicholas Pooran leg before after it first seemed like Pooran got an inside edge on to his pads before being caught by slip, and followed that up by trapping Shamarh Brooks in front of the stumps. But the key wicket came in the 20th over, when Kieron Pollard inside-edge to leg slip.The seven quick wickets had left it to Holder and Hosein to rebuild, which they did by adding 63 for the eighth wicket before Delany ran Holder out. Smith then smacked a four and two sixes in an unbeaten 20 off 10 deliveries, but McBrine and Young – who finished with 3 for 43 – wrapped the West Indies tail up to limit them to 212.McBrine showed the way in the run chase, eventually being chosen the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the Series, having scored 128 runs and bagged ten wickets across the three matches. The win pushed Ireland up to No. 3 on the points table of the World Cup Super League, which is the pathway for direct qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Says disruptions during England’s preparation before the series was a big reason for the poor performance, insists Test cricket remains the priority for the team

Matt Roller18-Jan-2022Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, has said that it is “laughable to point the finger at the Hundred” for England’s 4-0 Ashes drubbing in Australia, and insisted that Test match cricket has always been the priority for the team.”People that use that as an excuse don’t want cricket,” Morgan told talkSPORT’s Following On podcast. “Test match cricket has always been the priority: it’s the format for our elite players. Obviously times at the moment have been tough down in Australia during the Ashes [but] they always are: we’ve lost the last two series 5-0 [sic] and it’s no surprise that Australia are very, very good at home.”Given the prep the guys have had where since they’ve arrived in Australia, until the first Test match, it has hammered it down with rain… it’s laughable to point the finger at the Hundred. The Hundred is an unbelievable success. Our formats in county cricket and the Hundred, in the way they’re structured, it’s exactly the same as Australia’s.Related

Graham Thorpe under scrutiny amid reports that cigar smoking caused police intervention

England's latest wreck proof of how deep the problems run

ECB to investigate late-night drinking incident in Hobart

“People need something to blame so they’ll point at probably the furthest point to reality, because nobody wants to say: ‘you know what, we haven’t had the prep we would have liked, we probably haven’t played as we’d have liked, and we’ve lost’. That happens in all formats, but I stress: Test match cricket has always been the priority.”England’s convincing series defeat in Australia has prompted both Joe Root, the Test captain, and Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, to call for a “red-ball reset” and a shift in priorities within English cricket, with the implication that the balance has tilted too far in favour of the white-ball game since 2015. Some pundits have suggested that the Hundred – and its four-week window at the height of summer – has contributed to the malaise, pushing the County Championship to the start and end of the English season.Morgan arrived in Barbados on Saturday along with England’s T20I squad, which features only one player – Sam Billings, who is yet to arrive after a gruelling journey from Hobart – who was involved in the Ashes. They are scheduled to play five matches against West Indies, starting Saturday.

“[I have] a drive to want to leave the team in a far better place with the ambition of them continuing to get better down the line. I’ve really enjoyed playing with this group. I’ve loved captaining and, at this particular time in my career, I couldn’t be having a better time”Eoin Morgan

In the aftermath of the Ashes defeat, it has been claimed that Morgan has been given full-strength squads throughout the last two years in preparation for T20 World Cups, but Morgan reiterated that players missing white-ball series has been “a constant theme for a number of years”.England have only played two bilateral T20I series since the start of the pandemic in which all of their available first-choice players were selected – against South Africa and India during the 2020-21 winter – while first-choice players were rested during the Test series against Sri Lanka, India and New Zealand in the first six months of 2021.”As a white-ball group, we’ve gone on tours and played in series at home where we haven’t had our full-strength side available – that’s been a constant theme for a number of years now,” Morgan said. “Obviously Test matches take priority and always do. Going through the exercise of giving younger guys opportunities is a really exciting time for us.”[Players] coming through county cricket, into the Hundred, playing in franchise tournaments around the world, are now going into our team ready to play international cricket. I’m excited about seeing some of the new players coming into the squad potentially get opportunities over the course of the five games, and hopefully winning a series.England’s Ashes defeat has prompted Joe Root to call for a shift in priorities within English cricket•CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images”For the majority of my career, white-ball cricket was an afterthought – 95% of the time was spent around planning and prep for Test match cricket and then when we got to a World Cup, it was like, ‘well, if we do well, great, but if we don’t, it’s fine’.”With the skill level that guys are producing now on a consistent basis, proven over a long period of time, we’re considered one of the best in the world. Trust me, I’d much rather be considered that than an afterthought.”Morgan himself struggled with the bat in 2021, averaging 17.71 with a strike rate of 118.61 across 39 innings in all T20 cricket, but has insisted he still had the desire to captain England’s limited-overs sides moving forward, and reiterated that stance.”I’ve had three weeks off now,” he said. “After this trip, there’ll be a couple of months which I’ll be taking off as well to recharge even more to get the run-in to what’s going to be an unbelievably busy six months ahead, with the World Cup right at the back-end. We have a hectic summer and at the back-end of that we go to Pakistan for T20s as well, and then on to Australia, so there’s a lot of cricket.”[I have] a drive to want to leave the team in a far better place with the ambition of them continuing to get better down the line. I’ve really enjoyed playing with this group. I’ve loved captaining and, at this particular time in my career, I couldn’t be having a better time.”Turning up to a World Cup as either favourites or joint-favourites or real strong contenders is something that excites me. It’s something that I always think about because it makes me think about what we can change to get better, or how we can become more consistent as a side. Until that stops, I think things are good.”

Chelsea chiefs seriously rate a player in Enzo Maresca’s squad and hold him in very high esteem, but that apparently won’t stop a potential exit from happening in January.

Chelsea players who could be sold or loaned out in January

Maresca has been ruthless in telling his players whether or no they have a future under the Italian, as highlighted by his treatment of England international duo Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell over the summer.

"Matter of time" before Maresca hands unseen Chelsea teenager senior debut

He’s “ready” for the first team.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 9, 2024

Sterling eventually sealed a season-long loan move to Arsenal, but Chilwell failed to find a new home despite links with Premier League rivals Man United. As he candidly explained to the press around that time, Maresca didn’t fancy either player, and he was up front with them about that despite their big-name status.

“I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger,” said Maresca on Chelsea players who are not in his plans, speaking in late August.

Liverpool (away)

October 20

Newcastle (home)

October 27

Man United (away)

November 3

Arsenal (home)

November 10

Leicester City (home)

November 23

“We have a big squad and it is impossible to give all of them minutes, so probably it is better to leave. Brutal? I just try to be honest. I spoke with Raheem before the City game and said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us.

“Chilwell is a lovely guy, but because of his position he is going to struggle with us.”

More men are set to follow Sterling out of the door. Regardless of Maresca re-introducing Chilwell to the senior squad – handing him 45 minutes in a recent 5-0 EFL Cup win over Barrow – the consensus is that the 27-year-old is still a firm candidate for the exit door.

Chelsea ready to offload Chilwell and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in the winter window, as the latter attracts interest from both AC Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, defensive duo Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi will be sold by Chelsea if the right buyer comes in with an offer.

Then, there is of course the future of winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukraine international, who has been relegated to a cup player by Maresca so far this season, appears to be battling for his immediate future in west London.

Chelsea really rate Mudryk but he could still leave in January

According to GiveMeSport, Chelsea chiefs actually still believe Mudryk is a “top-level talent”. Those within the club highly rate the 23-year-old, but his lack of form and opportunities means Chelsea may still choose to secure him a move away in January – potentially on loan to hand him more regular minutes.

The report even hints that Chelsea are optimistic he could challenge for a regular first team place next season, if he impresses on a temporary spell away, so it is clear that Todd Boehly and BlueCo envisage a future for the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk sensation under Maresca.

Signed for an initial £62 million, which could go up to as high as £89 million if add-ons are met, supporters will be praying that Mudryk can rediscover his very best and eventually contribute in this new era for the club.

There are reports that Chelsea could also decide to cut ties with Mudryk completely, so these next few months could be make or break for the forward.

The players were part of the Mushtaq Ali squad that was to travel to Guwahati for the tournament starting Nov 4

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2021

Sarfaraz Khan pushes the ball through the off side•Getty Images

Four players of Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad have tested positive for Covid-19 and their replacements have been picked.Press Trust of India (PTI) said the four players were middle-order mainstay Sarfaraz Khan, left-arm spin-bowling allrounder Shams Mulani, legspinner Prashant Solanki and allrounder Sairaj Patil.PTI reported that the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has finalised on replacements for the four players, and their names will be announced soon.”We are conducting Rapid RT-PCR (of the players named as replacements) and their reports will come soon and accordingly they will join the team. We are also conducting the RT-PCR test of the other squad members,” PTI quoted a source as saying.Of the four, Solanki, 21, is yet to make his T20 debut. Sarfaraz, 24, has played 68 T20 games, and was part of the Punjab Kings squad in the recently concluded IPL. Mulani, also aged 24, has played 25 T20 games and was part of the Delhi Capitals squad as a short-term replacement for Axar Patel during the first leg of IPL 2021. Patil, who turns 25 on October 31, has played three T20s, having debuted in the format as far back as 2017.Mumbai are in Elite Group B of the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which also comprises of Karnataka, Bengal, Baroda, Chattisgarh and Services. The Elite Group B matches will be held in Guwahati, for the competition that starts on November 4. The knockouts will be from November 16, with the final on November 22.Teams are divided into six groups for the league stage, Elite Groups A, B, C, D and E, and the Plate Group. Mumbai will begin their campaign against Karnataka on November 4.Mumbai didn’t fare well in last year’s Mushtaq Ali Trophy, winning only one of five league games to finish bottom of Elite Group E. They turned that around in the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy that followed, winning the tournament.Only Solanki didn’t take part in last year’s Mushtaq Ali tournament. Sarfaraz played all five matches, Mulani three, while Patil played one game.

Surrey batter commits to Ashes availability as Surrey rack up 722 for 4 against Glamorgan

Matt Roller24-Sep-2021

Ollie Pope celebrates his second double-hundred of the season•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

Ollie Pope piled on the highest score of his professional career and took his first-class average at The Kia Oval to a Bradmanesque 99.94 on the final day of Surrey’s painstaking draw with Glamorgan, in which only 10 wickets fell across a dozen sessions. Surrey’s total of 722 for 4 declared was their third-highest in first-class cricket, and their highest since 1909.Pope, captaining Surrey for the first time with Rory Burns rested by the ECB, resumed unbeaten on 95 with no prospect of a result on the final day, and feasted on a diet of part-time spin, scoring freely throughout on his way to 274 before he was castled on the stroke of tea to give Hamish Rutherford – bowling left-arm orthodox spin – a maiden first-class wicket in his 115th game.With no sign of deterioration in the flattest of pitches and Glamorgan resting their weary seamers as the season approached its (anti)climax, batting was hardly taxing. Hashim Amla made 163, adding 362 for the third wicket with Pope before chipping Kiran Carlson’s offbreak to mid-on, while there was an unbeaten 53 for Ben Foakes in his first innings since he tore a hamstring in May.Rikki Clarke made 12 not out on his final day as a professional cricketer and was given a guard of honour by Glamorgan’s fielders as he walked out after tea, following his sign-off at Surrey’s end-of-season dinner on Thursday night. All 11 Glamorgan players bowled at some stage during their 196 overs in the field, with wicketkeeper Chris Cooke sharing the new ball with Carlson, trundling in to bowl medium pace with Michael Hogan, the veteran seamer, taking the gloves; the joke went round that the best hope for some excitement would be climate activists mistaking the pitch for the M25.Related

Rikki Clarke begins the long goodbye as David Lloyd makes Surrey toil

Chris Cooke's maiden double-hundred leads Glamorgan to mammoth total

Kent seal Division Three title after morning of high drama at Canterbury

Ben Slater seals five-wicket win over Yorkshire but Notts fall short of Bob Willis final

This was the second time this season that Surrey have played a Championship game on an Oval pitch offering no assistance for bowlers following their run-fest against Leicestershire in the second round of games, and while the surface made this final day of the summer a dreary spectacle despite the bright sunshine, Pope insisted that there was merit in playing on this sort of pitch.”Part of playing on these kinds of wickets is challenging yourself and being as mentally switched on as you can for as long as you can be,” Pope said afterwards. “It’s one of those wickets that allows you to try a few things and practise a few things with your movements, and see what works well for you as well. You can gain a lot from it as a batter.”I thought if I was going to get 300, I might as well try and do it in style, and I ended up with my poles knocked out, but that’s just the way it is. Because of the nature of the wicket it wasn’t necessarily the most challenging of circumstances to be in but I had good fun batting with Hash out there – he watches closely. If he sees anything in your game he’ll tell you, even the smallest fine details, and we had a lot of fun out there.”Pope will take two weeks off after this game in a bid to switch off from cricket ahead of a likely Ashes tour this winter, and the innings ended what has been a strange summer for him. He has been typically dominant in the Championship, finishing the season with 861 runs at 78.27, but played only three Tests through a combination of injury and selection.”I feel like from a personal point of view like I’ve been in good form all season,” he said. “I’ve felt constantly like I should be scoring big runs throughout and I’ve managed to put a few big scores together. It’s frustrating when you get an injury like that which puts you out of selection for one game and then you feel like you’re chasing your tail a little bit, but it’s always an honour to pull on an England or Surrey shirt whenever selected.”Coming from the England stuff into the Surrey stuff can be a challenge at the end of the season – just mentally switching yourself onto the different challenges that county cricket produces. It’s been a stop-start time which is frustrating because, as a player, you just want to play the whole time really.”Pope also confirmed that he would be available to tour Australia, with England’s players due to receive more information on the likely restrictions they will face in the coming days.”It’s been a long season – that India tour rolled into a long county season and international summer – so it’s going to be nice just to have two weeks away from cricket, not really picking up a bat, and then start training hard again for potentially an Ashes series,” he said. “Whenever you get a little break and a chance to mentally refresh and reset, you’ve got to take it, and use it to your advantage so you come back hungry and ready to go.”Talking as a guy who plays one format at the moment for England – and I don’t have a girlfriend or wife, kids or anything – I’m one of those guys that it doesn’t really matter for me, that time away from home. I would be available for the [Ashes] tour, but I’m one of the only ones in that circumstance without a family for myself and just playing the one form.”

The Norwegian's historic deal is a statement of confidence from the Cityzens in the face of their Premier League hearing and a message to their rivals

Yes, you read that right: 10 years. Erling Haaland's colossal new contract with Manchester City is so long that even people at Chelsea, the pioneers of the long-term deal, must have found it hard to take in. City's announcement of the longest contract in football history shows that they value the Norwegian striker so much that they want him to spend the rest of his career at the Etihad Stadium and that they trust him to lead the team long into the future, even when Pep Guardiola has gone.

Haaland, who has scored 111 goals for City in 126 games in all competitions, said: "I am super proud and happy and I am looking forward to staying here for a long time. In the end, speaking with the people I spoke with, the hunger and the support that I have been getting for the last couple of years from the board, from the bosses and from Pep, it was an easy decision. I am delighted."

The news also deals a fatal blow to any other side with ambitions to see the striking sensation wear their colours, namely Real Madrid. And the fact that Haaland has made such a huge commitment to City and is effectively turning down the chance to do any more globetrotting demonstrates his confidence that, despite their woeful defence of the title this season, the club are going to stay among the top forces in football for many, many years to come.

"The fact he has signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club," said City's sporting director Txiki Begiristain. "He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves. He is one of the finest strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will only continue to improve working under Pep and his coaching team. If he works hard, which I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club."

Here's what Haaland's mega contract means for the striker, for City, and for the rest of football…

GettyConfidence over 115 charges

Upon seeing the news of the new contract, rival fans immediately began to joke that Haaland was now destined to spend some years in football's lower leagues as City await the outcome of their hearing with the Premier League over their 115 charges for allegedly breaking financial rules. But in reality this contract demonstrates the complete opposite.

The fact that City and Haaland have committed to such a long deal shows complete confidence that the club are not going to be seriously harmed by the outcome of the hearing. Even though Haaland might have genuine love for City, there is no way he would contemplate spending even one year outside the top flight. He and his representatives would have asked for assurances from chief executive Ferran Soriano and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak before signing the deal and must have been satisfied with the response.

Guardiola will have sought the same assurances when he signed his two-year contract extension in November. City, therefore, will be certain that they are either going to win their battle with the Premier League or that the worst punishment they will receive is a heavy fine.

AdvertisementGettyLife after Pep

Haaland's excellent relationship with Guardiola is one of the reasons why he has extended his stay with the club. Indeed, when he first signed for City in 2022 there was a reported clause in his contract which said he could seek an exit in the event the coach left. After agreeing his new deal, the striker highlighted the Catalan's influence on his development.

"It is so nice to work with him. Not only because he is the best, but he is also the most hard-working person I have ever seen," Haaland said. "People think it is only because this or that, but the amount of hours he puts down is also motivating and inspiring to see. It is funny to work with him, it is hard and it is tough because he demands a lot, but that is what I want. I want people to demand a lot from me and to put pressure on me. So far, so good."

Guardiola, however, cannot be expected to stay at City for quite as long as Haaland. He has already been at the club for nine years and when 2034 comes around he will be 63. But Haaland's mega-deal shows that even when Guardiola leaves City, the striker will remain pivotal to the club's plans.

GettyShearer's record in serious danger

City announced Haaland's new deal with a video showing the Norwegian writing a letter to Premier League defenders, telling them: "Sorry, I'm here to stay". He may as well have issued another apology to Alan Shearer, whose status as the league's all-time top scorer is now in grave danger.

Shearer used to see Harry Kane as the main contender to break his record and when news broke two years ago that the England captain was close to signing for Bayern Munich, the Newcastle legend offered to fly him to Germany. But the legendary striker turned Match of the Day pundit had not contemplated the fact that Haaland was an even bigger threat to his cherished status as the league's top marksman.

Haaland broke Shearer and Andy Cole's long-running record for the most goals in a single season when he struck 36 times in his very first campaign in the Premier League and he has barely let up since, netting 27 times last season to retain the Golden Boot despite missing two months with a foot injury. He has struck 16 times this season, taking his Premier League tally to 79 goals in less than three seasons.

Shearer signed off with 260 goals in 14 seasons, averaging 18 goals per campaign. Haaland is currently averaging more than 30 goals per season, putting him on course to become the all-time top scorer in 2031. Even if he slows down, the contract until 2034 allows him plenty of time to eventually take Shearer's crown.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyReal Madrid robbed of another Galactico

Los Blancos were City's main rivals to sign Haaland in 2022, with the Norwegian, his father Alfie and his representatives visiting the Santiago Bernabeu and meeting with top officials to discuss a move. Haaland, however, expressed reservations due to the insatiable form of Karim Benzema and the imminent arrival of Kylian Mbappe, preferring to head to a club where he knew he would be the No. 1 striker.

Real remained an attractive future destination though and Haaland did not exactly dampen the speculation when he said "you never know" in response to a question about whether he would consider leaving City. But Madrid's hopes of ever signing him are surely gone now he has committed to City for the next decade.

Madrid have moved away from paying exorbitant transfer fees ever since their doomed signing of Eden Hazard in 2019 and although they paid top dollar for Jude Bellingham, their modus-operandi has been to convince the players they want to sign to run down their contracts and get them for free. It's how they landed Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Mbappe, and how they plan to lure Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alphonso Davies to the Bernabeu. So if they do want to sign Haaland, they will have to wait until 2034. In other words, the Norwegian is one 'Galactico' that Florentino Perez will have to do without.

Sheffield United have been told they have an “unreal” talent who “looks a real player” among their ranks this season after they put in another top display in the Championship.

Sheffield United beat Hull City

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United continued their unbeaten start to the Championship season as they brushed aside Hull City 2-0 at the MKM stadium on Friday night.

Gustavo Hamer set the Blades on their way with an excellent finish after Callum O Hare robbed the ball back on the halfway line for United before teeing up his teammate to lash home from 12 yards. They added their second goal on the hour mark when Sam McCallum finished off a fine counter-attack that Kieffer Moore had led, doubling his side’s advantage and ensuring that they left Hull with all three points.

84-cap winger: 3 realistic free agent signings Sheffield United must look at

They could be vital additions to help secure instant promotion.

1 ByBen Browning Sep 4, 2024

Despite a quiet transfer window, the result moved them onto nine points after five games, with three wins having been accompanied by two draws. It is a strong start as Wilder’s side look to secure an instant return back to the Premier League after their relegation last season. However, the Sheffield United boss felt his side should have done even better.

“I don’t think it was the most free-flowing performance for us, I think we’ve played a lot better in the last four games but it’s a great experience, it’s a young team, we’re still learning. That will be a great experience for them.

“We need to be better with the ball. They give you a chance, I was just a bit disappointed that when they gave us the chance to nick it off them, which we did, we weren’t better and more clinical”, he explained.

Despite his concerns, one player stood out as a potential future star in English football.

20-year-old Blades starlet earns rave reviews

That comes as 20-year-old loanee Alfire Gilchrist once again stood out to onlookers as he put in another top performance for the Blades. The Chelsea man, who is spending the season at Bramall Lane, has started every single game so far this season and has been impressive, but his performance against Hull may have been his best yet.

He won all three of his tackles, as well as making 10 clearances and winning five duels in his 83 minutes on the pitch.

Alfie Gilchrist vs Hull City

Minutes played

83

Tackles (won)

3 (3)

Pass Accuracy

83%

Duels contested (won)

9 (5)

Clearances

10

Fouls committed

1

Sheffield United fan account AllThingsBlades took to X to dub him “unreal” against the Tigers, while local media also raved about his performance. Meanwhile, the Sheffield Star handed him an 8/10.

“Since he arrived at Sheffield United I can’t remember anyone getting the better of Gilchrist in a one-on-one situation and the Chelsea loanee just absolutely lives for defending. He celebrated one block like he’d just scored the winner and picked up a booking for scything down Omur with typical gusto. Looks a real player”

Though only on loan at Bramall Lane, it seems as though Sheffield United fans might have a rising star on their hands for at least this season.

MatériaMais Notícias

Minutos separam a torcida do Flamengo da Glória Eterna ou da tristeza profunda. Mas a confiança no acesso ao Estádio Centenário, neste sábado, para a decisão da Libertadores, não foi afetada pela naturalmente tensão que antecede os instantes derradeiros antes de a bola rolar. Músicas da torcida entoaram até em momentos de mais impaciência, com numa retenção de portão na Categoria 4 (destinada ao setor rubro-negro).

RelacionadasLibertadoresFlamengo está escalado para a final da Libertadores; veja o time titular e onde assistirLibertadores27/11/2021LibertadoresLANCE! no Uruguai: Flamengo chega ao Centenário para a final da Libertadores; assistaLibertadores27/11/2021LibertadoresPalmeiras x Flamengo: veja a festa das torcidas no pré-jogo no UruguaiLibertadores27/11/2021

Bastante retenção no portão de entrada para o setor do Fla. A torcida aproveita para ir aquecendo a voz #lanceCENTENARIO pic.twitter.com/l3w0iVClay

— Lazlo Dalfovo (@lazlodalfovo) November 27, 2021

Antes de entrar no Centenário, a reportagem do LANCE! não encontrou contratempos envolvendo a torcida do Fla no arredores do palco da decisão. Um ambiente festivo foi o tom do pré-jogo, que, aliás, deixou os torcedores oriundos do Rio familiarizados por conta do calor.

A lamentação de alguns foi a despedida da cerveja para entrar no estádio, já que a Conmebol não autoriza. Mas o otimismo (exagerado ou não) acompanha o Flamengo por natureza em quaisquer circunstâncias, algo marcante durante esta semana em Montevidéu e conseguimos provar:

Mas o importante é que a festa não pode parar #lanceCENTENARIO pic.twitter.com/NwJaOCp2PL

— Lazlo Dalfovo (@lazlodalfovo) November 27, 2021

Já a delegação do Flamengo, por conta da organização da Conmebol, receosa com o contato direto com torcedores, chegou ao Centenário num local próximo à área VIP, onde há menor concentração de pessoas. Mas um grupo rubro-negro estava passando pelo local, sem saber por onde o ônibus do Fla chegaria, e um torcedor emocionado foi premiado com a proximidade dos ídolos – e até com um aceno do Bruno Henrique.

E o Flamengo chegou! Teve um torcedor privilegiado que ganhou até um 🤙🏻 do Bruno Henrique #lanceCENTENARIO pic.twitter.com/7y28Wl3XAX

— Lazlo Dalfovo (@lazlodalfovo) November 27, 2021

A bola rola às 17h para Palmeiras e Flamengo. O L! acompanha em Tempo Real.