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Euro 2024 in Germany is right around the corner. The very pinnacle of international European football, some of the biggest names in football will be vying for the trophy.

Such an important occasion needs some important venues. Fortunately, Germany has great stadiums in abundance.

Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne and Kylian Mbappe are just a few names that will be looking to make history when it all kicks off on 14th June in Munich.

Here is everything you’ll need to know about where the football will be played, courtesy of us here at Football FanCast.

Olympiastadion, Berlin

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16, quarter-final, final

Olympiastadion Berlin

Berlin

74,475

Hertha BSC

1936

Berlin’s Olympiastadion is one of the most iconic sports venues in Germany and will play a significant role in EURO 2024. It is located in the capital city, Berlin, and has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1936. With a capacity of 74,475, the stadium is the home of Hertha BSC, one of the city’s top clubs.

The stadium has hosted numerous significant events in the past, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. During EURO 2024, Olympiastadion Berlin will host three group stage matches, a round of 16 game, a quarter-final, and, most notably, the final of the tournament.

Olympiastadion Berlin is situated in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district of Berlin. The city’s rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal host for the UEFA European Championship. Fans visiting the stadium can explore the city’s many attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and the beautiful Tiergarten Park.

Confirmed matches: Spain v Croatia, Play-off winner A v Austria, Netherlands v Austria

Allianz Arena, Munich

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, semi-final

Football Arena Munich (Allianz Arena)

Munich

70,000

Bayern Munich

2005

The Football Arena Munich, also known as Allianz Arena, is located in the city of Munich. It serves as the home ground for the nation’s biggest club, Bayern Munich, and boasts a capacity of over 75,000. Opened in 2005, this modern stadium is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with innovative technology and an iconic illuminated exterior.

Despite being so new, this stadium has a rich international football history of hosting matches at significant football events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup. During EURO 2024, it will host four group stage matches, a last-16 game and a semi-final. The Football Arena Munich promises to provide an electrifying atmosphere for fans of whichever nations play there.

Munich is not just a football-loving city, but also a cultural and economic hub. It offers a blend of historical landmarks, including Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, and the vibrant Viktualienmarkt. Visitors to Munich can also savour the city’s world-famous beer gardens and cuisine.

Confirmed matches: Germany v Scotland, Romania v Play-off winner B, Slovenia v Serbia, Denmark v Serbia

RB Arena, Leipzig

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16

RB Arena

Leipzig

41,122

RB Leipzig

2010

RB Arena, located in the heart of Leipzig, is the home stadium of RB Leipzig. Although they’re a young club, their stadium is fantastic. With a capacity of over 41,122, this modern stadium opened its doors in 2010. RB Arena is a striking venue known for its passionate and vocal fanbase.

For EURO 2024, RB Arena will host three group matches and a round-of-16 game. The city of Leipzig, with its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, will provide a delightful backdrop for the tournament.

Leipzig might not be as well-known as Berlin or Munich, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. The city offers historic charm with landmarks like the Old Town Hall and St. Thomas Church. Enjoy coffee culture, savour Saxon cuisine, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, making it a diverse and lively destination.

Confirmed matches: Portugal v Czechia, Netherlands v France, Croatia v Italy

Hamburg Arena, Hamburg

Games hosting: Group stages x4, quarter-final

Hamburg Arena (Volksparkstadion)

Hamburg

57,000

Hamburger SV

1953

Hamburg Arena, also known as Volksparkstadion, is home to Hamburger SV, and a stadium with a capacity of 57,000. It has been open since 1953, but was heavily renovated in 1998, and has since witnessed thrilling football encounters. EURO 2024 will see the stadium host four group matches and a quarter-final.

In recent years, Hamburg have fallen off a little bit. They’re currently in the German second division, following heartbreak on the last day of the 2022/23 season that saw them fail to get promoted. Despite that, they’re still one of the best-supported clubs in the country, and their stadium shows that.

Hamburg, known for its bustling port and maritime history, offers visitors a unique experience. Attractions like the Elbphilharmonie, Miniatur Wunderland and the historic Warehouse District (Speicherstadt) make it a diverse and exciting destination.

Confirmed matches: Play-off winner A v Netherlands, Croatia v Albania, Play-off winner C v Czechia, Czechia v Turkey

Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen

Games hosting: Group stages x3, round of 16

Arena AufSchalke

Gelsenkirchen

50,000

Schalke 04

2001

Arena AufSchalke, situated in Gelsenkirchen, is home to the Bundesliga club FC Schalke 04. With a capacity of over 50,000, it’s been a landmark in German football since its opening in 2001. Schalke may be struggling, but this stadium has a big history in tournaments like the Champions League, with 2004’s final taking place here.

Gelsenkirchen, a city in the Ruhr area, is known for its industrial history and has transformed into a dynamic and modern urban centre. The Arena AufSchalke will offer an electric atmosphere for EURO 2024, hosting three group stage matches and a round-of-16 game.

Confirmed matches: Serbia v England, Spain v Italy, Play-off winner C v Portugal

Stadion Cologne, Cologne

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16

Stadion Cologne (RheinEnergieStadion)

Cologne

50,000

FC Koln

1923

Stadion Cologne is the home of 1. FC Köln. With a capacity of 50,000, this historic stadium in a historic city opened in 1923 and was renovated in 2004. It is without a doubt a prominent football venue in Germany.

The city of Cologne, known for its stunning cathedral, Köln Dom, and vibrant cultural scene, offers a unique experience for visitors.

For EURO 2024, Cologne Stadium will host four group stage matches and a round-of-16 game. Football fans can expect a fantastic atmosphere in this historic city.

Confirmed matches: Hungary v Switzerland, Scotland v Switzerland, Belgium v Romania, England v Slovenia

Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart

Games hosting: Group stages x4, quarter-final

Stuttgart Arena (MHP Arena)

Stuttgart

54,000

VfB Stuttgart

1933

The home stadium of VfB Stuttgart has a capacity of around 54,000. This historic venue has been a prominent part of the city’s sports landscape since its opening in 1933. The stadium has hosted various significant football matches and events over the years.

Stuttgart, known for its lush parks and vineyards, offers visitors a unique blend of nature and culture. EURO 2024 matches hosted at the Stuttgart Arena will include four group matches and a quarter-final, promising an exciting football atmosphere in this picturesque city.

Confirmed matches: Slovenia v Denmark, Germany v Hungary, Scotland v Hungary, Play-off winner B v Belgium

Westfalenstadion, Dortmund

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, semi-final

BVB Stadion (Westfalenstadion)

Dortmund

66,000

Borussia Dortmund

1974

Home to Borussia Dortmund and the world-famous Yellow Wall, the Westfalenstadion boasts a capacity of 66,000 and has been welcoming passionate football fans since 1974. It’s a stadium steeped in history, having previously hosted matches at two World Cups.

Dortmund, with its bustling atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene, is a football-loving city that will provide an exceptional backdrop for EURO 2024. The BVB Stadion Dortmund will be a hub of excitement, hosting three group stage matches, a round-of-16 game, and a semi-final.

Confirmed matches: Italy v Albania, Turkey v Play-off winner C, Turkey v Portugal, France v Play-off winner A

Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16

Frankfurt Arena (Waldstadion)

Frankfurt

46,000

Eintracht Frankfurt

1925

Eintracht Frankfurt are lucky enough to play their football at the beautiful Waldstadion. It’s a historic stadium with a capacity of 46,000. Opened in 1925, it holds a special place in the hearts of local fans. Frankfurt, known for its financial district and cultural attractions, is a vibrant city that perfectly complements the tournament’s spirit.

For EURO 2024, Frankfurt Arena will host three group matches and a round-of-16 game. It will host England’s crunch clash with Denmark on 21st June.

Confirmed matches: Belgium v Slovakia, Denmark v England, Switzerland v Germany, Slovakia v Romania

Düsseldorf Arena, Düsseldorf

Games hosting: Group stages x4, round of 16, quarter-final

Düsseldorf Arena

Düsseldorf

47,000

Fortuna Düsseldorf

2004

Düsseldorf Arena, home to Fortuna Düsseldorf, is a modern stadium with a capacity of 47,000. Opened in 2004, it offers state-of-the-art facilities for players and fans.

A city known for its fashion and art scenes, Dusseldorf provides an elegant and cultural backdrop for EURO 2024. The Düsseldorf Arena will be the stage for three group stage matches, a last-16 game and a semi-final, promising a thrilling experience for football enthusiasts.

Confirmed matches: Austria v France, Slovakia v Play-off winner B, Albania v Spain

There you have it, all you need to know about every stadium that will play a part in the Euro 2024. Germany haven’t hosted an international tournament (at least by themselves) since the World Cup in 2006 – a competition that turned out to be a lot of fun.

Euro 2024 promises to be a great tournament.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de duas rodadas onde o Santa Cruz mais se afastou do que se aproximou de seguir lutando pelo acesso na Série C do Brasileirão, a equipe ganhou um importante “respiro” com o triunfo por 2 a 1 diante do Ituano no último sábado (26).

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+CONFIRA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO DA SÉRIE C

Na análise feita pelo atacante Victor Rangel, o que deve ser preservado pelo grupo após a importante vitória é a mentalidade vencedora para buscar os resultados que faltam.

Além disso, o jogador de 30 anos de idade reforçou como tem encarado a questão que, segundo ele, está bem distante de estar presente apenas nos momentos em que ele adentra o gramado:

– Tenho certeza que o nosso desafio é não deixar cair esse espírito e essa mentalidade. Confesso que vou dormir e acordo pensando no acesso. Quero muito. Sempre disse que eu queria marcar meu nome na história do clube, que o torcedor lembrasse do meu nome com carinho, e eu sei que isso só é possível com conquistas.

ScorecardWorcestershire’s first appearance at Finals Day is not to be a brief encounter. Despite posting what seemed to be no more than a par total of 169 in their semi-final against Lancashire Lightning, Moeen Ali’s bowlers sucked the life of their opponents’ reply and ended the first semi-final deserved victors by 20 runs. Pat Brown, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker in his first full season, finished with a late flurry of wickets to return 4 for 21 in an extraordinary summer.Lancashire meanwhile are clearly not morning people. In seven appearances at Finals Day they have now lost the first semi-final on four occasions. Once again, the big occasion is the big disappointment. But perhaps it was to be expected. Most people fancied Lancashire, which is normally enough to condemn them to an early afternoon trip back up the M6. And so it is again.Worcestershire’s innings was an odd affair, a fact reflected in its two Manhattan two skyscrapers. Moeen Ali levied 23 runs off Liam Livingstone’s only over, the third of the innings and one in which Lancashire’s captain lost his line. But having reached 37 without loss halfway through the Powerplay, Worcestershire managed only 96 more runs off the next 15 overs and lost six wickets in the process. Their travails were most grisly when they lost three wickets off successive balls in what was something of a mongrel hat-trick Ali was caught by James Faulkner at long off for 41, Brett D’Oliveira was run out by Toby Lester without facing, and Tom Fell was stumped by Jos Buttler for 23 to leave Worcestershire on 70 for four after 8.1 overs

Livingstone defends Faulkner’s absence

Liam Livingstone, Lancashire’s captain, defended James Faulkner after a minor calf strain left him unable to bowl at the death and Worcestershire escaped to what proved to be a matchwinning total.
Livingstone said of Faulkner’s spell, limited to two overs: “He has been one of the best death bowlers in the world for the last few years, so it was disappointing not to have him, but he pulled his calf so you can’t expect him to bowl when he’s walking on one leg.
“We backed our bowlers to do the job, we just didn’t bowl well enough at the right times.
“The way Mo played early on – things got away from us a little bit and we were always looking to drag it back, and the way Pat Brown bowled, trying to read his variations is pretty tough. He’s got a good method that’s worked for him, and there’s a reason that he’s right up there in the wicket-taking.”

The batsmen’s struggle was caused by Lancashire’s leg-spinners, Matt Parkinson and Zahir Khan, who conceded 47 runs off their eight overs and took three wickets. Zahir claimed the vital wicket when the Worcestershire skipper miscued a big hit. But Parkinson was a comparable irritant to the batsmen, removing both Tom Fell and Ross Whiteley while conceding as many runs in four overs as Livingstone had leaked in just the one.The innings continued in a similar vein until the penultimate over when Ben Cox hit three sixes into the Hollies Stand off Toby Lester, who having conceded 26 runs off his first three overs now went for 27 in his fourth. Cox ended the innings with 55 not out, secure in the knowledge that he had given his side a total at which they could bowl. His unbroken stand of 72 with Barnard, who was unbeaten on 28, was to prove vital to Worcestershire’s fortunes.Lancashire’s innings did not enjoy the spectacular overs enjoyed by the Rapids and that was probably integral to its failure. None of Livingstone’s batsmen could match the decisive innings played by Ali and Cox and all of them found it difficult to cope with the off-spin of Ali, who bowled Jos Buttler off the bottom edge for 12 and finished with 2 for 16 from four overs which reeked of international class. Neither could Livingstone do more than make 30 off 18 balls before he thick-edged Ed Barnard to D’Oliveira at short third-man.Keaton Jennings tried to anchor the last half of the innings but found no one who could help him score at a rate which climbed steadily. Needing 44 off the final four overs, Lightning lost three wickets in the 19th bowled by Brown, who ended the innings with figures of 4 for 21. But Ali’s accuracy, Barnard’s two run-outs and the coolness of Worcestershire’s fielders were just as vital to this fine result for a county which once again exceeded some expectations. Their players now have a final to which they can look forward.As for Lancashire, here they are again. Losing the first semi-final of the Blast is like leaving a party before it’s got going: the music’s tedious, the decent booze hasn’t arrived and nobody’s made an exhibition of themselves. Yet here you are, out on the street and God has banished all taxis from the face of the earth.Their supporters, meanwhile, are all revved up with no place to go. Except back to Lancashire. With what will they console themselves? Maybe there’s live football on the telly. There usually is. Or come to think of it, they could watch the final of the Blast. Actually, on second thoughts, maybe not.

Wrexham are battling with a number of Championship clubs for the signing of a versatile young player shining for his current side, according to a fresh transfer update.

Wrexham transfer news

The Robins enjoyed a legendary 2022/23 season, finally earning promotion back to the Football League fter being crowned National League champions. It was a stunning effort, as Wrexham went toe-to-toe with Notts County in a thrilling title race, and it was a major step in the right direction under the world-renowned ownership of Hollywood acting duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

This season, the Welsh outfit have enjoyed a solid start to life in League Two, currently sitting fourth in the table and looking right in the mix to be in the automatic promotion race again. Some important summer transfer business happened at the club in the summer, with Phil Parkinson bolstering his options by bringing in the likes of James McClean and George Evans, with the former seen as a high-profile signing because of his Premier League past.

Wrexham's spending may need to continue in order for them to keep enjoying their current rise up the divisions, and they reportedly look to be eyeing an intriguing move for one player.

Wrexham transfer latest: Olukayode Osu

A new Wrexham transfer update from TEAMtalk talks up the idea of Olukayode Osu potentially moving to The Racecourse Ground soon, with the Robins one of the clubs keen on snapping up the 21-year-old Bracknell Town defender:

"A host of teams are showing an interest in non-league ace Olukayode Osu, with Sheffield United, West Brom, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Wrexham all tracking the Bracknell Town man.

"The 21-year-old defender, who can also play in midfield, has been one of the star’s of Bracknell Town’s run to the FA Cup first round, where they will face Cambridge United next month.

The report adds:

"There is interest too from further down the EFL ladder with League One Barnsley and Wrexham, of League Two, also expressing their interest in the player, who began his career in AFC Wimbledon’s youth ranks.

Osu is something of an unknown, especially compared to someone like McClean, who arrived having achieved so much for club and country in his career, but he could still be a really shrewd signing by the club. The Bracknell defender appears to be a key man for his current club, who ply their trade in the Southern League Premier Division South, shining at the heart of the defence. He is a versatile figure who can also play in midfield, which is something that could appeal to Parkinson moving forward, and at just 21 years of age, he should only mature as a player in the coming years, possibly looking like a steal over time.

The fact that Wrexham are even in the conversation to sign Osu alongside Championship teams speaks volumes about the giant strides made at the club under Reynolds and McElhenney, with the idea of that being the case in the past simply unthinkable. The Robins now have a real pull for transfer targets, considering the fame of their owners, their chances of success and even the fact that a Disney documentary has been made about them, so Osu could see them as his next club of choice.

أعلن رونالد كومان، المدير الفني لمنتخب هولندا، تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة إنجلترا في بطولة كأس أمم أوروبا.

ويلتقي منتخب هولندا مع نظيره الإنجليزي في تمام العاشرة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، في نصف نهائي كأس أمم أوروبا.

وحسمت هولندا التأهل لنصف نهائي يورو 2024 على حساب تركيا، فيما تأهلت إنجلترا بالفوز على سويسرا بركلات الترجيح.

اقرأ أيضًا | تشكيل إنجلترا أمام هولندا في نصف نهائي يورو 2024 تشكيل هولندا أمام إنجلترا

حراسة المرمى: فيربروخن.

خط الدفاع: دومفريس، دي فراي، فان دايك، ناثان آكي.

وسط الملعب: شوتين، رينديرز، تشافي سيمونز.

الهجوم: كودي جاكبو، ممفييس ديباي، مالين.

البدلاء: جيرترويدا، دي ليخت، فينالدوم، فيجورست، بيلو، ميكي فان دي فان، فيرمان، بليند، ستيفن بيرجوين، بروبي، ماتسين، زيركزي، فليكين، بيرجوين، جرافنبرج.

ScorecardAllrounder Gareth Berg produced a match-winning performance as Hampshire began their Royal London One-Day Cup campaign with a thrilling two-wicket win over Sussex with four balls to spare at Hove.Sussex looked favourites when Hashim Amla was sixth out for 63 to leave Hampshire needing 118 from 15.5 overs to overhaul Sussex’s 250. But Lewis McManus and Berg thrashed 59 from 37 balls for the seventh wicket and although McManus was caught behind in the 41st over with 57 still needed Berg unleashed some powerful shots and farmed the strike effectively, although he should have been run out on 47 when he slipped backing up too far only for David Wiese to miss with his throw at the stumps.There was another twist when Berg, who had earlier taken 3 for 51, was caught at deep midwicket in the 47th over off Ollie Robinson for 65, made from 37 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes, to leave his side needing 15 off 20 balls.But Mason Crane and Reece Topley kept their nerve and when Mason drilled Robinson back down the ground for a precious boundary, it meant three were needed off the final over. Topley scrambled a leg bye off the first ball from Ishant Sharma then Crane crashed the next to the cover rope to seal victory.Amla had set things up with 63 from 83 balls and Sussex were to rue that they dropped him on 35, when Sharma spilled an easy chance at mid-off, and again on 54 when the same player dropped a more difficult opportunity off his own bowling. Amla could only hit three boundaries but he held the innings together and allowed McManus and Berg to take the initiative.Earlier, Sussex batsman Harry Finch had made his maiden one-day hundred a fortnight after scoring his first Championship century on the same ground.Wicketkeeper McManus dropped him on 12 off Topley and then on 98 Crane put down a sharp return catch. Finch celebrated by hitting his seventh boundary off the next ball to move to his hundred. He was eventually bowled by Berg for 108 off 142 balls with eight fours and two sixes, both off Berg.Topley, playing his first one-day game for more than a year after a succession of injuries, picked up Wells in his first over but Finch and Luke Wright, who was playing his 200th List A game, added 105 in 22 overs before Wright top-edged a sweep at Crane. Wiese, with 29 off 20 balls, hit out towards the end of the innings to take Sussex to a total that always looked competitive on a pitch on which it became increasingly difficult to time the ball.Robinson picked Rilee Rossouw and James Vince in an excellent new-ball spell and Sussex seemed to be in control before McManus and Berg turned the tables.

Tottenham Hotspur and new manager Ange Postecoglou have gone into the international break in excellent form, even despite losing talisman Harry Kane, having won three of their first four games in the Premier League.

They currently sit in second place on 10 points.

Their sensational early-season form has been largely thanks to new signing James Maddison, who joined in the summer from Leicester for £40m.

The English international has already scored two goals and provided two assists this season, and has been nominated for Premier League Player of the Month.

In total, Spurs signed seven new players in the transfer window including Brennan Johnson and Micky van de Ven, as well as making Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski’s loan moves permanent, meaning in total the Lilywhites spent £213m.

Although chairman Daniel Levy has spent heavily this summer it may already be difficult to argue that it wasn’t money well invested.

However, the same can’t be said for last summer's window after they signed Brazilian striker Richarlison from Everton on a five-year contract.

How much did Tottenham pay for Richarlison?

After having a reasonably successful 2021/22 campaign that saw Tottenham finish fourth in the league, under then-manager Antonio Conte, it was confirmed that there had been £100m invested into the club to be spent on transfers.

And after young winger Bryan Gil was sent out on loan Conte and Levy needed attacking reinforcements.

This led to the £60m signing of Richarlison from Everton, who had just come off the back of a successful year with Everton where he almost single-handedly kept the Toffees up.

Why was Richarlison worth this much?

Before signing for Spurs in 2022 the 26-year-old had played for two different Premier League clubs, where he enjoyed successful spells for both.

The Brazilian first came to the Premier League in August 2017, when he signed for Watford from Fluminense, at just 20 years old.

During his time with Watford, the striker played 41 times, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

After only one season with the Hornets, Richarlison joined Everton for £40m, where he would spend the next four years, making 152 appearances, scoring 53 goals and recording 14 assists.

Year	Goals	Assists
2017/18	5	5
2018/19	14	2
2019/20	15	4
2020/21	13	3
2021/22	11	5
2022/23	3	4

Stats via Transfermarkt

In his final season with Everton Richarlison was his side’s highest-ranking player on Sofascore, with an average rating of 7.02.

He also completed 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes the second most in the squad, and he created seven big chances across the season, the highest in the squad, proving how pivotal he was to Everton’s survival, as they only escaped relegation by four points.

What is Richarlison worth now?

Since moving to White Hart Lane, a year ago Richarlison has failed to impress anyone, last season he was only able to muster one Premier League goal and four assists, and in all competitions, he managed three goals. Despite playing 35 times.

His most memorable moment from last season came in his side's 4-3 loss away to Liverpool in April.

Coming into the game Richarlison hadn’t registered a Premier League goal, although he had put the ball in the back of the net three times, taking his shirt off to celebrate each time, only for all of them to be hilariously disallowed.

However, after coming on in the 84th minute with his side 3-2 down the striker bagged a 93rd-minute equalizer, inevitably he tore his shirt off in celebration thinking he had rescued a point for his side. Only for Lucas Moura to miss place a pass one minute later, playing Diogo Jota through one one-on-one and allowing him to finish calmly into the goal.

Speaking a couple of weeks after the game, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino highlighted just how disappointed he was with Richarlison since his transfer.

He said:

"If you said to me, the worst player this season, the worst player for what he's got, Richarlison.

“He's been a joke this year. I don't care if he's been injured or gone away to the World Cup, yesterday he hardly tried a leg, he really looked disinterested.

"I know that obviously Antonio Conte pulled him out about his performances or a bit about he's not played well.

"I can't believe… Richarlison was the player last year that I felt was responsible as anybody for keeping Everton up, his performances at the end of last season.

“He hasn't shown any of that at Spurs.

“He's been hugely disappointing Richarlison."

This judgment on Richarlision’s season is backed up by his Sofascore rating, as the Brazilian only managed an average rating of 6.73 – the 16th highest in the squad – and to make things worse, already this season he is Tottenham’s lowest-ranked player, with an average rating of only 6.45.

This has led to his value dropping by a staggering £27m, with him now being valued at just €38.5m (£33m), this means he has had a 45% decrease in his transfer value since his £60m move.

Also speaking on talkSPORT, pundit and Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor labelled him as one of the worst signings of the season.

He said:

"You look at Richarlison, how many chances is he going to have? For me he's the flop of the season.

"He's going to cost Spurs £60million, three goals in 33 games in all competitions. A goal every ten games, one goal in 25 Premier League games, one goal since September.

"Substituted again today 59 minutes, you were a better team when he came off, flop of the season."

He also followed up by mocking his infamous celebration, he said: "No pigeon dancing is there this week? All this nonsense."

How much does Richarlison earn?

When Richarlison first moved to Watford he earned £32k-per-week but after his move to Tottenham, he is no on an astonishing £90k-per-week, meaning that last season for every goal the Brazilian scored he was paid £1.6m.

What is next for Richarlison?

So far this season Richarlison has played in all five of Spurs’ fixtures and started in four of them, he even scored his first goal of the season in his side's League Cup defeat against Fulham. This means he is already off to a better start than last season.

The striker must try and push past his terrible performances last season and hopefully, for him, under a new manager and style of play, he can re-find the form he had at Everton.

But so far, the Conte signing has been nothing short of a shocking signing for the club.

The Premier League has overcome the circus of the summer transfer window, with clubs spending a record £2.36bn on signings in the highly-inflated market. Wolverhampton Wanderers took part in the spending, despite being anonymous for the most part due to restrictions on funds as a result of Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches from windows prior.

The Old Gold welcomed eight new arrivals this summer, including the permanent moves of Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore, as well as the deadline day swoops for loanee Tommy Doyle and £12.8m Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.

Selling Matheus Nunes on the final day hugely bolstered Gary O’Neil’s chances of strengthening his squad for the season ahead, adding much-needed funds to the bank to enable such moves.

Despite bringing in reinforcements, the club missed out on a number of targets that could have been fundamental assets to O’Neil’s plans to better the squad's form of last season.

Who was linked to Wolves this summer?

The one that got away this summer was most prominently former Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott, whom Wolves made two bids for below the asking price of £25m.

The highly-rated Englishman made the move to the Premier League with Bournemouth, in a deal that highlighted how much of an issue the Midlands club’s financial struggles were at the time.

In July, it was reported that the Old Gold had got talks underway over the potential move for Real Betis’ Guido Rodriguez but nothing came of the rumours. However, it did signify the area that the club were hoping to improve.

A deadline day saga over the reported interest in Southampton’s Che Adams also equated to nothing as the Saints blocked the striker’s move, leaving Wolves short on forwards.

While missing out on such deals is disappointing, one that truly could’ve made the difference at Molineux was Fluminense midfielder Andre, who was linked with the club by reports in Brazil.

The £35m-valued man was also eyed by Liverpool, who had a bid of £26m rejected by the Brazilian outfit, telling of his talents to be wanted in the Premier League and valued so highly at Fluminense.

A combative and lively central midfielder, Andre could have replenished the wilted middle of the park at Molineux, which was left relatively bare following the departures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

Who is Andre?

A product of Fluminense’s academy, the 22-year-old has cemented his worth in his homeland, becoming a vital part of the club’s side as highlighted by his 43 appearances over the 2022/23 campaign.

Lauded as “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his playing style and described as a “roaming play-maker”, the 2001-born gem has a host of attributes that could have been useful at Molineux.

To reward the impressive performances of Andre, the Fluminense ace was handed his first cap for Brazil in an international friendly against Senegal in June, the game ended in defeat but marked the start of something potentially special for the rising star.

Competent in both defensive and offensive roles relative to a player of his position, it’s unsurprising that he has gained attention from the Premier League, as both Liverpool and Wolves endeavoured on quests for a player fitting of his style.

South American football expert Nathan Joyes was full of praise for the 22-year-old following his links to English clubs, tipping him to become Brazil’s “next best defensive midfielder."

What could Andre have offered to Wolves?

Hiring from Brazil has already worked well for Wolves this year, with Julen Lopetegui sealing a deal for former Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes in January.

Since his arrival, the 22-year-old has become a key member of the side at Molineux, with his playing style and tackling ability making him a reliable figure to balance play in the engine room.

As per FBref, the former Flamengo whiz averaged 4.00 tackles per 90 during his first taste of the Premier League, a figure that places him in the top 1% of midfielders in the English top tier.

As such, the more progressive Andre could have been the perfect partner in the middle of the park.

Andre averages per 90 in 2023 Serie A.

Pass Completion %

93.8%

Progressive Passes

5.76

Passes Attempted

80.32

Final Third Passes

7.07

Interceptions

1.43

Tackles

2.44

Figures provided by FBref.

It didn’t take long for the new arrival to settle into his new surroundings, which poses the thought of what could have been for Andre at Wolves, should the Old Gold have had the finances to sanction a swoop for his services.

Joyes also described the bright midfielder as an “unbelievable talent”, whom he believes has the ability to “flourish in the Premier League”, praise indeed for a player coming from afar to feature in one the best leagues in the world.

So many players have arrived in England with huge potential and little to show for it at the time of their eventual departure, with the demands of the English game deemed to be incomprehensible to the playing style of some.

Being identifiable as an individual who could take to the Premier League made Andre even more of an attractive coup for Wolves, pondering the question of just how well he would have fitted into the squad.

This summer induced change at Molineux, with long-serving midfielders Neves and Moutinho calling it quits on their career with the Old Gold, leaving behind a sense of instability in the middle of the park in their absence.

With reference to his statistics in Brazil, Andre is the definition of stability, averaging a passing accuracy rate of 93.3% per 90, as well as making an average of 2.32 tackles per 90 over the past year for Fluminense, via FBref.

Amid all the chaos over the summer, Wolves could have captured the signature of a talent that could have replaced the calibre of the departed midfield duo, as well as introducing a state of control at a time of need.

Hailed as a “midfield orchestrator” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Old Gold missed a huge chance to seal the signing of a player highly lauded and backed to become one of the best as his career progresses.

Finances and changes within the club acted as a smokescreen to the potential that could have been captured in the window, however with the 22-year-old still playing his football at his boyhood team, maybe a move could still be on the cards in the near future.

Jason Holder is the captain and Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels are the senior members of the 15-man squad for the World Cup Qualifiers

Nagraj Gollapudi26-Jan-20185:20

‘Playing in Bangladesh, PSL feels just like home’ – Sammy

Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo have opted to skip the World Cup Qualifiers in March to play in the Pakistan Super League. The development was revealed by Cricket West Indies, which released the 15-man squad for the qualifiers scheduled to be played in Zimbabwe from March 4 to 25.Ten teams will contest the qualifiers with two going through to join the top eight-ranked nations for the 2019 World Cup, to be played in England from May 30 to July 14.West Indies squad

Jason Holder (capt), Jason Mohammed (vice-capt), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams
IN: Carlos Brathwaite, Kemar Roach, Devendra Bishoo
OUT: Ronsford Beaton, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Hope, Chadwick Walton, Sunil Ambris

Jason Holder will lead the West Indies squad which, chairman of selectors Courtney Browne said had the right mix of “experience and youth.” Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels are two senior-most members of the 15-man squad, which also sees the return of allrounder Carlos Brathwaite, fast bowler Kemar Roach and legspinner Devendra Bishoo from the group that played in the ODI series in New Zealand, which West Indies lost 3-0.Holder had said recently that West Indies would treat every match as a “must-win” game, keeping in mind the “magnitude” of what was at stake for them. Critics then are bound to question if this is the best ODI squad to represent West Indies solely because some of the best limited-overs players – Narine, Pollard and Russell – are not part of the squad.Browne stated all four players said their “priority” was to play in the PSL, which runs parallel to and beyond the qualifiers. The PSL, in its third year, will be played from February 22 to March 25. “We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and commitment to the cause,” Browne said in a media release. “Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell, however, indicated that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Super League.”The West Indies squad will depart for Zimbabwe on February 16, about 10 days before playing two warm-up matches before the league phase of the qualifiers commences. According to Johnny Grave, the CWI chief executive officer, between Browne, Jimmy Adams, West Indies’ director of cricket, and himself, the three had discussions with the four players in the recent weeks.”Their positions were clear that they were unable to help us qualify and they are all committed to participate in the PSL,” Grave told ESPNcricinfo. “We understand and respect the players’ decisions. We are hugely disappointed that they have not made themselves available to help the West Indies qualify for the World Cup.”All four players are part of the set of high-profile players who were not offered contracts by CWI. The set includes Gayle, Narine, Russell, Pollard, Bravo, Samuels, Samuel Badree and Darren Sammy. Grave had recently pointed out that these players were not being offered the white-ball contracts which were meant for players featuring in both ODI and T20 teams. He also said that the players would need to play some 50-over games in the domestic Super50 Cup, which begins soon, in order to warrant selection to the ODI side.Andre Fletcher and Andre Russell celebrate West Indies’ win•AFP

Whether the implication of not having a contract was a reason behind the four players opting out could not be ascertained. It is, however, understood that during the conversations with CWI, Russell and Narine stated that they just wanted some time to work on their individual games before returning to play for West Indies. Both players are understood to have committed to play in the limited-overs formats soon.Grave confirmed that Russell, whose one-year doping ban ends on January 31, will feature in the league phase of Super50 after he was picked in the Jamaica squad this week. Also playing the group stages of the Super50 would be Gayle, Samuels and Narine.Russell has not played an ODI since November 2015. His last international match was a T20 against India in August 2016. In his time away from West Indies and, before the ban, Russell was busy playing various T20 leagues overseas, where he is one of the most sought-after players. In his discussions with the CWI officials, Russell expressed his desire to return to play ODIs, but wanted to regain his confidence playing in the 50-over format. The selectors and CWI accepted his reasoning and supported his move to play the Super50.Recently, Russell and Narine were two players retained by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL auction. Russell is expected to be part of the West Indies A tour to England, which follows the IPL, where he is expected to test himself as well as allow the selectors to assess his performances before the series against Bangladesh in the summer.Narine, who has not played ODIs since October 2016, informed CWI that he is not yet confident about his bowling action completely. Narine has been working with a specialist coach, Carl Crowe, on his bowling action over the past few years and has asked for a bit more time, which Grave said he could understand.The case of Pollard and Bravo is not so straightforward, though. Pollard, who is currently playing the Big Bash League and became the first to play 400 T20s, has also not played ODIs since October 2016. In December, Pollard pulled out on the eve of the T20 series in New Zealand, citing “personal reasons”. When the selectors checked with him about his availability for the World Cup Qualifiers, he said he was not available.The Bravo case is intriguing along similar lines. Despite agreeing to a truce with CWI last year, Bravo has not played for West Indies recently. He opted out of the England tour last year, saying he wanted to play in the CPL. He then declined to be part of the New Zealand tour wanting to play in the Bangladesh Premier League. And now, he has picked the PSL over the qualifiers. “It is his decision. It is his career, but I am disappointed,” Grave said.

Indore’s Holkar Stadium will host the Ranji Trophy final for the second year in a row. Last season, it was the venue of Gujarat’s title-winning bout against Mumbai. This season’s final will be played December 29 onwards.

Ranji Trophy knockouts

• 1st semi-final: Bengal v Delhi in Pune

• 2nd semi-final: Karnataka v Vidarbha in Kolkata

• Final: December 29 onwards in Indore

The two semi-finals will be played from December 17 to 21 with Pune playing host to Bengal and Delhi in a televised game, while Karnataka and Vidarbha will face off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the match being available via a live stream.Defending champions Gujarat were knocked out in the quarter-finals this time by Bengal, who took a first-innings lead in the draw in Jaipur. The other three semi-finalists proceeded with the help of wins in the quarter-finals. Delhi beat Madhya Pradesh by seven wickets in Vijayawada, Vidarbha romped past Kerala by a massive 412 runs and Karnataka handed 41-time champions Mumbai an innings defeat in Nagpur.