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Stuart Broad has lit the fuse for a fiery summer, declaring Australia’s team is the worst they have rolled out for an Ashes series in 15 years.Almost six weeks out from the first Test in Perth, Broad joined the chorus of English voices talking up the tourists’ chances. In the past fortnight, Zak Crawley has claimed the term Bazball “winds” Australia up, while Joe Root has suggested this is his best chance to win Down Under.Former England captain Michael Atherton has suggested Australia are panicking with Pat Cummins’ injury, and Scott Boland no longer creates fear for the tourists.Related

• Boland: 'I've got my own internal motivations'

• Ashes Slashes: Broad gives 'muddled' Australia top three the thumbs down

• Boland's MCG heroics more relevant than 2023 Ashes blip

• Warner backs Konstas for Ashes, prefers Labuschagne at No. 3

But amidst all the bravado coming out of England, Broad’s comments will grab the most attention, given he spent 15 years as Australia’s arch-nemesis before retiring after the 2023 Ashes.In the last 20 years, in home series Australia have swept England 5-0 in 2006-07 and 2013-14, as well as claiming 4-0 victories in 2017-18 and 2021-22.The 2010-11 summer is the only blemish on that home record over the past two decades, beaten 3-1 at a time when the Australian team was in a state of transition.Broad claimed the current Australian squad appeared to be in a similar state, having played in the 2010-11 series as well as England’s three series defeats in Australia since then.”It’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010,” Broad, who is now working as a pundit, said on his BBC Podcast hosted with Jos Buttler.”It’s actually not an opinion, it’s fact. So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series.”Broad’s comments came in response to David Warner claiming Australia would win 4-0, because they were playing for the Ashes while England are “playing for a moral victory”.Broad pointed to questions over the make up of Australia’s batting line-up. He also pointed to perceived lack of bowling depth, with Cummins having conceded he is unlikely to play in the first Test.Stuart Broad had a legendary Ashes career•Getty Images

“When have we ever, since 2010, been discussing who is going to bat No.1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and who is going to be the spare bowler for Australia,” Broad said. “You’re always go in there going: ‘well,the Aussies, they’re really strong. They’ve just got the same bowlers, the same team’.”But in 2010, when they were trying to replace [Glenn] McGrath, [Shane] Warne, [Matthew] Hayden, [Justin] Langer, they didn’t have a spinner. They changed the seamers all the time, and they had a bit of a mixed match of batters.”So I don’t think anyone could argue that it’s their weakest team since 2010.”Australian players have said England’s team is the best they have sent out in some time, with the high-octane pace duo of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer both fit.Questions do remain over how England will manage that pair, who have spent long stints on the sideline with injuries.Root also arrives as the No.1-ranked batter in the world, but he is yet to score a century or win a Test in Australia across three visits.Harry Brook headlines a list of younger England talents, after scoring 10 hundreds in his first 50 Test innings at a strike-rate of 87.52.

No play possible on third day out of four but draw enough to confirm runaway Foxes in top spot

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay18-Sep-2025Kent 17 for 0 drew with Leicestershire 459 for 7 dec (Patel 114, Cox 93, Masood 90, Hill 54)Leicestershire’s promotion as Division Two champions in the Rothesay County Championship was confirmed despite the final day of their clash with Kent going the same way as days one and three, abandoned without a ball bowled to consign the contest to a draw.Early morning rain topped up an already saturated outfield at the Uptonsteel County Ground, where umpires Hassan Adnan and Simon Widdup, mindful of their duty to minimise the risk of injury to players, determined after a number of inspections that there was no prospect of it drying out enough for play to resume.With Leicestershire taking a 25-point lead into the last two rounds of games, the 13 points they take for a draw in this match is enough to put them out of reach of second-placed Glamorgan, who took only nine from their drawn match in similar conditions 30 miles away at Derby.”We’ve been the best team in this division,” Alfonso Thomas, Leicestershire’s head coach, said. “We’ve been at the top of the table since the first game and I’m just glad that we saw the job through. It was tough going towards the end, with a few injuries and guys getting called up to England.”But it’s just fantastic to see a reward for the work that everybody’s put in – the backroom staff, ground staff, administrators, players, support staff. The whole club as a collective has really bought into it and that’s a testament to the players and the way they went about it throughout the season. To win six games and lose only one is a great effort.”We have a little genius in Rehan Ahmed. He can do things that nobody in this team can do. But then there’s the other guys that do the hard yards, bowling up the hill, bowling into the wind, the batters that have to go out and face a second new ball, or pad up as a nightwatcher. But at no point has anybody moaned about the job that they have to do. And all of those things add up.”Getting to where we are now, winning this title, has been a process. When I came here we were a bit soft-centred, and we had some players who probably weren’t good enough. But the changes you are trying to implement can’t happen overnight, so it was just baby steps.”The first thing we needed to do was become harder to beat and competitive over four days. To an extent we did that last season. We only won one game, but we only lost two. The next step was to try to win more games. And to do that we came up with simple plans, keeping things simple rather than trying to think outside the box. The guys bought into that and we have worked hard to make sure that the players we have brought in have had the right character and bought into it too.”Leicestershire, who will play Division One cricket next season for the first time since 2003, would have preferred their title-winning moment to have come on the field, to be followed by a trophy presentation in front of their own supporters. In fact, they will not get their hands on the silverware until the conclusion of their final fixture, against Northamptonshire away, which starts next Wednesday.Nonetheless, they did their best to create their own excitement, celebrating with champagne and fashioning a ‘Champions’ board from part of the boundary board, while cheered on by enthusiastic supporters.The only member of their team who might have felt a little frustrated not to get on the field was veteran seamer Chris Wright, who is retiring at the end of this season at the age of 40.Although his retirement has been marked by his team-mates off the field, the conditions denied him the chance of a send-off on the field in front of a home crowd. He also needs three more wickets to reach 600 in his career in first-class matches and is one away from 800 in all formats.Leicestershire’s season has finished in something of an anti-climax, with four of their last six matches ending in draws, this one being a third in a row in which the weather has been a major factor. Yet they have been short-priced favourites to emerge with the title since the end of May, having won five of their first seven matches to establish a commanding advantage.It is their second silverware in three seasons after lifting the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in 2023 but their first in the Championship since 1998 – two years before the competition adopted a two-division format – when they took their second County Championship pennant in three years, coached by the club’s current president, Jack Birkenshaw.Thomas added: “I have to give credit to Pete Handscomb, the captain. He’s not here today but he’s been a big driver of that. He’s made it easier for me as a coach because we both sing from the same hymn sheet.”I know we won a trophy two years ago, and that was important for the players to give them a reward for all their hard work, but this is playing consistent cricket over a period of time.”On a personal level I’m extremely proud. I won things as a player but I would probably go as far as to say it’s given me a lot more satisfaction to win as a coach than as a player. As a player, you only have to look after yourself whereas as a coach, you have to look after about 20 guys. You don’t have the power yourself to execute the things you are asking for, and that makes you vulnerable.”For Leicestershire, I would like to think that it’s the start of something really special. We’ve won two trophies in the last three years. That doesn’t just happen – and it certainly doesn’t just happen to Leicestershire.”

Celtic are reportedly preparing to make their first contact with Wales manager Craig Bellamy, who has become the latest of a number of coaches to be linked with the vacant managerial role.

There’s been a major shake-up in the Scottish Premiership so far this season. It’s not champions Celtic who lead. It’s not their Old Firm rivals Rangers. Instead, it’s surprise champions-elect Hearts who have taken an eight-point lead at the top whilst those in Glasgow have descended into chaos.

Revealed: Scott Brown's chances of replacing Brendan Rodgers at Celtic

The Bhoys are looking for their next manager.

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 28, 2025

The Russell Martin experiment proved disastrous at Ibrox and a chaotic managerial hunt then followed before they landed on Danny Rohl. Now, Celtic are set to follow suit following Brendan Rodgers’ decision to leave the club – bringing an end to his second spell in charge of the club.

Those at Celtic Park will be hoping that their managerial search ends far quicker than Rangers’ did, given that their rivals were rejected by their top two choices.

As a result, work is instantly underway in search of a replacement for Rodgers. Names such as Ange Postecoglou, Edin Terzic and even Kevin Muscat, who rejected Rangers, have all threatened to steal the headlines so far, but it remains to be seen if any of the three emerge as priority choices.

Muscat would of course be an interesting choice after he rejected Rangers. Whether he’s the right choice should be the question asked by Celtic, however. The 52-year-old is yet to have any managerial success in European football and has enjoyed much of his career in Australia, China and Japan.

If Muscat is ruled out then the Bhoys could turn towards Bellamy, who has also emerged as a key option.

Celtic preparing first Craig Bellamy contact

According to Sky Sports, Celtic are now preparing to sound out Craig Bellamy among others about their vacant managerial role in the coming week.

The Wales manager has impressed on the international stage and has admirers at Celtic Park, despite losing both games in the last break, a friendly against England and World Cup qualifier defeat to Belgium. Alas, it remains to be seen whether he’d leave his post at Wales in the middle of that qualifying campaign.

As things stand, Wales sit third in their qualifying group and still have hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup. Luring Bellamy away from that may prove all too difficult for Celtic.

There’s no denying that he would be an excellent choice, though. Speaking to Sky Sports when Bellamy was appointed in his current role, former Wales striker Rob Earnshaw said: “It’s an excellent appointment.

“When I was thinking, ‘who could take Wales forward?’ He was one of the first names I thought about. He’s got a very sharp mind, a great passion for the game and they’ve made the right choice.”

The latest on Celtic's manager search

Leicestershire built on a superb century from opener Sol Budinger to thrash neighbours Nottinghamshire by 124 runs in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Kibworth.Budinger, who started his career at Trent Bridge, made 102 from 80 balls as Leicestershire made 333 for 8 from their 50 overs. It was his second hundred in three visits to Kibworth, and this one included three sixes and 13 fours. He shared a third-wicket stand of 106 in 15 overs with Shan Masood (50), his assault on the Outlaws bowling ended only by a brilliant boundary catch by Joe Pockington.Peter Handscomb and Liam Trevaskis each scored 45 with 99 runs coming off the final 10 overs, the late-starter Pocklington (2 for 45) again impressing with his left-arm spin in his fourth match for the Outlaws at the age of 24.Jack Haynes hit 56 from 62 balls in the Notts reply but no other top-six batter made more than 23. Left-arm spinner Trevaskis took a career-best 5 for 52 as the Foxes made it two wins from three to keep themselves among the Group A front-runners.The Outlaws, meanwhile, suffered the indignity of two heavy defeats against East Midlands neighbours in the space of four days, having succumbed by 127 runs to Derbyshire on Sunday.Opting to make first use of what looked a good batting track, the Foxes lost Rishi Patel second ball, leg before to Brett Hutton after taking a boundary of the first delivery.But Budinger looked in great touch from the outset, receiving support from Ian Holland (32) as the first 10 overs yielded 58 for 1 before Holland was stumped off Liam Patterson-White. The Outlaws’ senior left-arm spinner was in for James Hayes after his release from Birmingham Phoenix.Liam Trevaskis took 5 for 52•Getty Images

Budinger pulled and drove Patterson-White for two of his sixes, adding a third with a superbly-timed pick-up off Lyndon James, the third taking him the left-hander to 95, a 75-ball century needing just two more deliveries.Having matched his score against Essex here two years ago, Budinger looked good for a few more but did not quite get hold of an attempt to clear the straight boundary off Rob Lord and Pocklington, sprinting round from wide mid-on, threw himself into a fine catch in front of the sightscreen.Leicestershire were quieter over the next 10 overs. Masood was caught at long-on and Ben Cox at deep square, but Handscomb, after a circumspect start, joined Trevaskis in injecting some momentum, each hitting maximums off Patterson-White before holing out. Ben Mike’s 13-ball 25, with cleanly-struck sixes off Hutton and Lord, took the total past 320.Nottinghamshire’s reply suffered an early setback when Ben Slater was given out caught behind in answer to bowler Chris Wright’s appeal, even though wicketkeeper Cox seemed disinclined to join in. The visitors were virtually level with the Foxes at 57 for 1 from 10 after Haynes and Haseeb Hameed had shared eight boundaries but the entry of Scriven into the attack snared Hameed with a superb first ball that had the Notts skipper caught behind.Haynes hit nine boundaries in reaching 50 from 51 balls but by the halfway point the Outlaws were not only slipping behind the required rate, they had lost four more wickets at 128 for 6.Freddie McCann fell to an impressive diving catch by Handscomb at midwicket to give Scriven a second wicket, Haynes was leg-before trying to sweep Trevaskis, who also had Tom Moores trapped in front playing across the line before Sam Seecharan was caught at square leg.James and Patterson-White added 46 but both were out in the same over by Trevaskis, leaving the Outlaws 174 for eight in the 32nd. The 18-year-old quick Alex Green picked up his 11th wicket of the competition when Pocklington skied to midwicket, before Trevaskis bowled Hutton to finish the job.

Former Manchester City player Joey Barton has received a suspended sentence for 'grossly offensive' social media posts to football pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. The 43-year-old was handed a six-month prison sentence, which is suspended for 18 months. The ex-Newcastle United man claims that he "never meant to hurt anyone" with his electronic communications.

• Barton found guilty by jury

  In November, Barton was found guilty of sending 'grossly offensive' social media posts, where he called Vine a "bike nonce" and compared Ward and Aluko to serial killer couple Fred and Rose West on X. Jurors at Liverpool Crown Court found that he had "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" on six counts after being charged with 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety back in January 2024.

  At the trial, Barton said: "It was not meant to call him a paedophile. It was a bad, dark, juvenile joke. I have not at any point tried to cause distress or anxiety or risk his life or his daughters' lives. I don't want people to fear for their lives, I'm a dad. I cannot believe I'm on trial for this. Words on a social media site."

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  Barton avoids jail term

  The former Bristol Rovers manager was handed an 18-month suspended sentence, which means he will not serve any time behind bars unless he reoffends in that period. He was given six months each for two offences against Aluko and four months for each of the four counts related to Vine and Ward. At the sentencing, Judge Andrew Menary KC also ordered Barton to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work and pay more than £20,000 in costs. 

  After leaving court, Barton told The BBC: "If I could turn back the clock I would. I never meant to hurt anyone. It was a joke that got out of hand. Nobody wants to go to jail."

• 'Sustained campaign of online abuse'

  The judge added that targeting individuals online, in the way Barton did, falls outside the realm of freedom of speech. 

  He told the court: "Robust debate, satire, mockery and even crude language may fall within permissible free speech. But when posts deliberately target individuals with vilifying comparisons to serial killers or false insinuations of paedophilia, designed to humiliate and distress, they forfeit their protection. As the jury concluded, your offences exemplify behaviour that is beyond this limit – amounting to a sustained campaign of online abuse that was not mere commentary but targeted, extreme and deliberately harmful."

  Menary added that he was satisfied that Barton's custodial terms did not have to be "served immediately" and he had faith he could change his ways for good.

  He said: "In light of the steps you have taken, I am persuaded that there is some prospect of rehabilitation – that an immediate custodial sentence is not required to protect either the public or the victims. A suspended sentence order may – may – itself operate as a deterrent against any future defending by you."

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  What now for Barton?

  Two-year restraining orders were issued against each of Barton's victims, which includes publishing any reference to them on any social media or broadcast platform.

  After the verdict, Vine added: "I'm happy the case is over. Joey Barton has been made to pay a lot for his disgusting lies and abuse, but I fear he'll keep offending until the day he dies."

  Cheshire Police said they hoped this case would deter others from sharing "abusive and hateful messages" online going forward.

  "Barton's posts would have been seen by hundreds, if not thousands of people, and yet he showed no regard or consideration for how this would impact on his victims and their wellbeing. The sentence handed to him today comes with a number of strict conditions and should he breach these in any way he may face the prospect of time behind bars," said the police spokesperson.

Also, were England and India’s four changes apiece for the fifth Test a record?

Steven Lynch05-Aug-2025Was India’s six-run win at the Oval their closest in a Test? asked Jaswant Mohan, among many others
India’s pulsating victory at The Oval yesterday was indeed their closest by runs in any Test match – previously it was a 13-run win over Australia in Mumbai in 2004 (Australia were set 107, but were bowled out for 93).There have been only seven narrower victories by runs in all Tests, including two by just one run, by West Indies over Australia in Adelaide in 1993, and by New Zealand over England in Wellington in 2023.There have also been 15 victories by one wicket, including India’s over Australia in Mohali in October 2010 (VVS Laxman and Pragyan Ojha scrambled 11 for the last wicket to win that one).Ravi Jadeja passed 1000 Test runs in England during the fourth Test, and he’s also taken more than 30 wickets. How many people have done this double over the years? asked Afzal Burman from India
After his century in the second innings at Old Trafford, the Indian allrounder Ravindra Jadeja had 1096 runs in 16 Tests in England, plus 34 wickets: by the end of the Oval Test, he had increased that to 1158 runs (and still 34 wickets). Only two other visiting players have collected more than 1000 runs and 25 wickets in Tests in England: the durable Australian allrounder Charlie Macartney, with 1118 runs and 26 wickets in 21 Tests between 1909 and 1926, and the great West Indian Garry Sobers, who amassed 1820 runs at 53.52 and took 62 wickets at 31.58 in 21 matches between 1957 and 1973. He also pocketed 28 catches.Nine other overseas players have completed the Test double of 500 runs and 25 wickets in England. Of those, Shane Warne took 129 wickets in 22 matches (to go with 563 runs), while Richard Hadlee (70) and Mitchell Starc (65) both took more than 50 wickets.For the fifth Test, both England and India made four changes from the previous match. How unusual is this number of changes mid-series? asked Alex Baker from Scotland
There was an unusual shuffling of the cards for the fifth Test at The Oval last week. It was the sixth time that both teams had made four changes in a Test in the middle of a series, following Australia and India in November 1956, England and Pakistan in July 1962, England and West Indies in July 1976, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka in March 1982 and also in July 2015.In the middle of the 1994-95 series down under, Australia made four changes and Pakistan five, while in England in July 1959, England made six changes and India five between the second and third Tests. But the record was set in Sri Lanka in July 2002, when the hosts made no fewer than seven changes for the second of two Tests, and Bangladesh five.The most team changes by one team in mid-series is the maximum of 11, back in 1884-85 when Australia selected an entirely new side for the second Ashes Test in Melbourne after a pay dispute. England, however, kept an unchanged team. Australia made another seven changes for the third Test in Sydney: four of the “new” team survived, three of the pay rebels returned from the first Test, and four new players were called up – so Australia used 26 different men in the first three Tests of that series.Australia’s 3-0 thumping of West Indies last month was only the second instance a team losing all 60 wickets and still going on to win a Test series•AFP via Getty ImagesIn the recent Test series in the West Indies, Australia lost all 60 wickets but still won the series 3-0. Has this ever happened before? asked Rawle Agard from Canada
The recent Frank Worrell Trophy series in the Caribbean was a low-scoring one, without an individual century, as this column touched on two weeks ago. Looking into it a little more closely, it seems the recent encounter was only the second three-Test series in which all 120 wickets fell. The other one was South Africa vs India in 2017-18, which the home side won 2-1.Early in 2004, Australia won 3-0 in Sri Lanka, despite losing 58 of their 60 wickets in the series (Sri Lanka lost all 60). There are two other three-Test series in which 118 wickets fell, both resulting in 2-1 wins.I noticed that Paul Allott took 26 Test wickets, all of them in England. What’s the most? asked Jack McConnell from Manchester
You’re right that all of the Lancashire and England fast bowler Paul Allott’s 26 Test wickets came in England. He did play two Tests overseas – one in India and one in Sri Lanka in 1981-82 – but failed to strike. Allott did lead the way for England on this esoteric list – until the fifth Test against India at The Oval last week, in which Josh Tongue took eight wickets, which gave him 31 in Tests to date, all so far at home. So Tongue leads the way for England now, at least until he takes a wicket overseas.The overall leader is the unorthodox left-arm spinner Bert “Dainty” Ironmonger, whose 74 Test wickets all came at home in Australia. There are various theories about why he never toured England, ranging from doubts about his bowling action to worries about whether he had the social graces required for such a trip. England definitely missed out on an interesting character: Ironmonger spun the ball off the stump of a finger mangled in a farm accident, and was almost unplayable on a helpful pitch. Against South Africa in Melbourne in February 1932, he took 5 for 6 and 6 for 18 on a “sticky dog” that was drying after rain. He made his Test debut in 1928-29 at the age of 46, and played in the 1932-33 Bodyline series when he was 50 years old.Two more Australians come next: legspinner Herbert “Ranji” Hordern took 46 Test wickets without playing abroad, while the later fast bowler Alan Hurst collected 43. Like Allott, Hurst played two Tests on the subcontinent without taking a wicket. Also ahead of Allott are a trio of South Africans whose wickets all came at home:Mike Procter (41), Alf Hall (40) and “Goofy” Lawrence (28).Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

It remains a possibility that Liverpool could sell Mohamed Salah at some stage, David James has told GOAL, despite the Egyptian superstar signing a new contract at Anfield. Those terms are intended to take the prolific forward through to the summer of 2027, but the odd question has been asked of his output this season and interest from the Saudi Pro League remains.

• Salah record: Total goals for Liverpool

  With that in mind, a transfer agreement in upcoming windows cannot be ruled out. Reigning Premier League champions will be hoping to see their four-time Golden Boot winner – who has netted 250 goals for the club – rediscover his spark during the 2025-26 campaign.

  If that proves to be the case, then there will be no need to consider a parting of ways. Big-spending teams in the Middle East could, however, test the Reds’ resolve, while Salah may decide that he does want to take on a new challenge after all – with there still plenty of football left in him at 33 years of age.

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  Salah transfer: Could Liverpool sanction a sale?

  When former Liverpool goalkeeper James – speaking exclusively to GOAL via the home of football betting online – was asked if Salah could be sold, the ex-England international said: “Liverpool didn't have to sign Mo Salah and Mo Salah didn't have to sign for Liverpool. I mean, in the end, the deal that he signed would have been right for both parties. And I think if there came a time, and I know Liverpool aren't unique in this, but most of the reasoning behind signing players will be the numbers they're producing.

  “So you could envisage a situation where Mo's numbers aren't what Liverpool need. And if there were a potential suitor somewhere else, then I'm sure with conversation, because Mo does have a say in it, that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.

  “Under contract, I don't think I could see a situation where Mo's going to hang around just to get paid. I think there would be a situation where, through conversation because I know the dialogue with Liverpool is always really good, that the two parties would sit down and discuss the future.

  “However, if Mo starts doing what Liverpool would like him to do and Mo I'm sure would like to do and starts scoring loads of goals, then their hand could be forced by a potential suitor, because whatever club is interested, Saudi logically as they're the ones with the money, they may make an offer that Liverpool can't refuse.

  “I also think that Liverpool will have someone already lined up to replace Mo Salah. As I stand here looking at my signed Diogo Jota shirt, we now know with clarity the inevitable nature of life. I think Liverpool, more so than anyone currently, will be looking at that Diogo situation and saying, we have to have it. And that would just be, from a human level, logical, and from a business level, even more logical to have some kind of risk management with regards to replacing players.”

• Years left: Salah in same category as Ronaldo & Messi

  James added on Salah still looking to the future, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi showing what can be achieved in the longevity stakes: “Mo’s only 33. Cristiano Ronaldo, I know he's playing in Saudi, he's only been doing it for a few years, but the guy is 40, he's still scoring at international level.

  “Mo, it has been well-versed about how fit he is. People keep talking about losing pace, but I don't think he has from the numbers, that I’m told are the same as they were before. The one thing I would say is probably the defenders he's playing against are getting quicker. So it's not Mo, it's just the opposition. But at 33 years old, it's true that the guy's got another contract in him, easily.”

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  Decade at Anfield: Salah could reach 10 years of service

  Those terms are unlikely to come at Anfield, as Salah looks to complete a decade of loyal service on Merseyside by remaining in his current surroundings through to 2027, but there is no indication that he will be stopping any time soon and his asking price would remain high if Liverpool were to look at cashing in at some point across the next couple of transfer markets.

Neymar has seen another transfer door open in front of him, with Boca Juniors captain Leandro Paredes claiming that the Argentine outfit are prepared to “wait” for the Brazilian superstar. Neymar is in the process of running down his contract during a second spell at Santos, with it previously being suggested that he could reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami once hitting free agency.

• Santos struggle: Neymar ready for another new challenge

  The 33-year-old playmaker appears destined to accept another new challenge early in 2026. An emotional return to where it all began for him at Santos has not worked out as planned – with Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer enduring more injury issues while becoming wedged in an unexpected relegation battle.

  A parting of ways there appears inevitable, with Neymar looking to make a fresh start ahead of next summer’s World Cup. A return to Europe for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has been ruled out, with it likely that he will remain in the Americas.

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  Boca captain in contact with Neymar

  There has been talk of rival outfits in his homeland expressing interest, while a move across the border to Argentina would allow him to link up with ex-PSG team-mate Paredes in Buenos Aires.

  With Boca Juniors having Copa Libertadores action on their agenda for 2026, Paredes has told of potentially welcoming a familiar face to La Bombonera: “I talk to Ney a lot. The truth is, I have a very good relationship with him. We're friends. We're always in contact, but he's at his club, we have to respect the other clubs, the decisions of the other players, so I can't say much.”

  Paredes went on to say with a smile: “We'll wait for him if he wants!”

• MSN reformed: Will Neymar join Messi in Miami?

  Boca will likely face competition for Neymar’s signature from Inter Miami, with ex-USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel telling GOAL recently of why a deal that could see the fabled ‘MSN’ attacking unit reformed makes sense: “I think it would be a risk on anyone’s behalf; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons — when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

  “The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct.

  “If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk. Having Neymar alongside Messi again — I am not sure. We will wait and see, but the league needs to do something commercially.”

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  Homecoming for Dybala? Another option for Boca

  While waiting to discover what Neymar has planned, Paredes has also reacted to the news that Argentina international team-mate Paulo Dybala could head home if he chooses to sever ties with Serie A side Roma.

  Paredes, who played alongside his fellow World Cup winner in Italy, added: “Having a player like Paulo on the team, with his quality and stature, would be spectacular. I'll let each person make their own decision; I can't interfere, it's not my place. There are so many things to consider, and he's about to become a father too. I hope he makes the best decision for himself and his family. We're waiting for him here with undiminished hope.”

  Dybala’s contract in Rome is due to expire at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. It may be that he decides to head home – having left Argentina for Italy in 2012 – while Neymar also faces a huge decision on what the immediate future holds for him as questions are asked of whether he is still capable of delivering moments of match-altering brilliance.

As talks continue with Swansea City, former Liverpool coach Vitor Matos could reportedly be about to face an instant problem if he takes the job in Wales courtesy of the January transfer window.

It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks for Swansea, who are still without a manager after sacking Alan Sheehan before the international break. There’s no escaping the fact that they missed out on their top target, either. It looked as though they were destined to appoint Hammarby’s Kim Hellberg, before Middlesbrough came swooping in to hijack their deal.

Since then, those in Wales have been back to square one in their search and have reportedly held talks with Matos. The former Liverpool coach is currently the manager of Maritime in Portugal’s second division, but could now have the chance to take his first managerial job in England courtesy of Swansea.

It’s undoubtedly a gamble, given the 37-year-old’s inexperience in the dugout, but it’s one that Swansea may still take. And to Matos’ credit, Maritime have only lost four of the 12 games that he’s had in charge, highlighting exactly why he could be on his way to the Championship.

It’s no easy job in England’s second tier, however. Swansea currently sit as low as 18th and seven points clear of the dropzone. If Matos, or whoever it is in charge for the foreseeable future, does not get off to a good start then the Swans will be at risk of dropping down even further.

It’s a relegation battle that they could certainly do without if they want to keep their top players too, with one of their key men receiving interest from the Premier League.

Premier League clubs interested in Ronald

As reported by ESPN Brazil’s Felipe Silva, Premier League clubs are now interested in signing Ronald from Swansea in the January transfer window, sparking an instant problem for Matos. The winger is considered “one of Swansea City’s key players” and there’s no doubt that his exit would deal their survival chances a major blow.

Reporting the news, Silva said on X: “Brazilian winger Ronald, one of Swansea City’s key players, could leave the team that competes in the EFL Championship, the second tier of English football, in the next transfer window. The forward’s strong performances have sparked interest from some Premier League teams and clubs in the Middle East.”

With three goals and one assist to his name in a Swansea side which has struggled for goals in the Championship this season, the Brazilian winger could become his side’s most influential player under Matos.

At just 24 years old, there’s also every chance that the next Swansea manager could take Ronald to new heights in what would provide those in Wales with a much-needed, consistent outlet.

Swansea hold talks to appoint 4-3-3 manager who's worked with Klopp

Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrown into fresh doubt after Arne Slot dropped the Premier League icon for consecutive matches, prompting renewed interest from the Saudi Pro League. The division’s leadership is reportedly prepared to fund a major bid for the 33-year-old, with previous negotiations and Salah’s strong ties to SPL officials viewed as key factors in a possible move.

Saudi Pro League ready to fund Salah move

Salah has found himself on the bench for Liverpool’s last two Premier League matches, a decision that has stunned fans and reopened questions regarding his long-term future at the club. Slot’s call to leave out the Premier League’s top active goalscorer comes during a period of inconsistency for Liverpool, adding to speculation about the winger’s relationship with the under-pressure head coach. In the background, the Saudi Pro League has made clear that funding will be available should Salah signal an openness to leaving Anfield, as per .

Liverpool previously rejected a £150m bid from Al-Ittihad in 2024 and Salah himself has admitted negotiations with SPL officials were “serious” before he chose to renew his deal at Anfield last summer. This means that any revived move would now require a transfer fee rather than a free signing, making the timing of Salah’s current benching even more significant. His contract, which runs until 2027, ensures Liverpool remain in control, but the optics of Salah being dropped have shifted the power dynamic.

With the Saudi Pro League still aiming to attract superstars with the 2034 Saudi Arabia World Cup in mind, Salah fits the profile of a transformational signing. Four clubs are majority-owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund, meaning financial backing for a marquee arrival remains available even after last summer’s restrained spending. If Salah expresses willingness, the Saudi Pro League’s hierarchy is prepared to act quickly.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSalah benched in two sraight games as form dwindles

The sudden sidelining of Salah has magnified Liverpool’s internal tensions during a difficult start to the season under Slot. Captain Virgil van Dijk’s admission that no player has “unlimited credit” underscores the shift in standards and the manager’s attempts to impose a new tactical identity. Slot has acknowledged that Salah is “not happy,” yet has persisted with benching him to address structural issues in the team’s performances.

For the Saudi Pro League, this moment represents a rare window to acquire one of the most globally marketable players of the last decade. Previous attempts failed because Liverpool were unwilling to break up their attacking core, but the current scenario gives Saudi clubs renewed confidence that a deal could be revived. Crucially, Salah’s own words about his positive relationship with SPL officials suggest a pathway remains open.

Saudi Arabia’s transformation of its league has slowed following the initial wave of superstar signings in 2023, yet officials continue to insist they will invest heavily again for strategic, image-defining transfers. Salah fits that brief perfectly, given his Arab heritage, international profile and elite pedigree. With several high-earning imports nearing contract expiry, the SPL sees 2026–27 as the next phase of targeted big-name recruitment.

Saudi Arabia want more star power ahead of 2034 World Cup

Salah’s frustrations this season have been visible, with the 33-year-old producing just five goals in all competitions. His reduced productivity, combined with adjustments under Slot’s system, has created an unfamiliar situation where Liverpool feel compelled to prioritise collective balance over Salah’s long-established attacking freedom.

The timing also matters because Salah is now more than halfway through his contract, making the next 12 months crucial for Liverpool’s long-term planning. If the club believes Salah’s role will diminish under Slot, selling him for a substantial fee before 2027 becomes a logical financial decision.

Conversely, failing to resolve tensions risks entering the final year of his deal with declining leverage and uncertainty over reinvestment. From Saudi Arabia’s perspective, Salah’s age and elite fitness profile make him an ideal headline signing as they look to increase the star power in the Pro League in the lead-up to the 2034 World Cup.

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Getty Images SportSalah set for AFCON duties later this month

Much depends on Salah’s response to being dropped and the conversations that take place between him, Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy in the coming weeks. If the reigning Premier League champions reintegrate him into the starting XI and restore his confidence, the Reds may successfully delay Saudi interest until 2027. But if the benching becomes a trend, or if Salah feels under-appreciated, the SPL will be ready to strike with a renewed, fully funded offer in the summer of 2026, or maybe even in January.

However, the first hurdle for Salah stands away from England as he is set to travel away for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month as he looks to lead Egypt to their first AFCON title since 2010.