Major League Baseball has finally started experimenting with robot umpires, but it might be a while until we see them in regular season games.
During 2025 spring training, MLB has adopted the Automated Ball-Strike system minor league teams have been using. So far, it seems to have been a success, with only minor interruptions to gameplay.
What Is ABS?
The ABS, or Automated Ball-Strike system, is a pitch-calling system that utilizes Hawk-Eye technology to track pitches on their path to the plate. The system is capable of pinpointing where the ball was in relation to the strike zone as it crosses the plate. It is similar to the line-calling system used in tennis.
The minor leagues have been using ABS since 2022, mostly with a challenge system in place. In that system, the home plate umpire calls balls and strikes, but each team can challenge three pitches per game. The hitter, pitcher or catcher can initiate a challenge immediately after the call is made. Once the challenge is called for, the umpire stops the game and announces the challenge, and the pitch's tracking is shown on a screen to reveal the correct call.
If the challenging team is successful, they retain their challenge. If their challenge fails, they lose it.
The system helps create more consistent and accurate calls behind the plate, while making umpire errors more rare. Though some complain removing the human element of an umpire calling balls and strikes is a bad thing.
Will MLB Use ABS in 2025?
Major League Baseball is experimenting with the ABS challenge system during spring training in 2025, but there are currently no plans to use it during the regular season. That said, it seems like the experiment has been well-received by fans and players alike, opening the door for it to be used in the future.
The fact that MLB is testing the system in spring training means the league is seriously considering its implementation. It could take another year or two for that to come to fruition, but the ball is certainly being moved in that direction.
Blazing a trail for cricket’s fast-bowling women suits Lauren Filer just fine, but she’ll gladly pull others along with her.Filer averaged 76mph in bowling the fastest recorded over in women’s cricket during England’s thrilling five-run victory over India in the third T20I at The Oval on Friday. She was twice clocked at 79mph in her fourth over – the 16th in India’s pursuit of 172 – and she said the magical 80mph mark was firmly on her radar.”Not to sound cocky, but I think I knew that I’d be able to push close to 80,” Filer said of that over. “I sort of touched on 78 every so often over the last year and, for me on Friday, the great thing about it was the fact that it was more consistent, that’s what I’ve been trying to do.Related
Dunkley, Filer star as England keep series alive in thriller
Beaumont stands in as captain after Sciver-Brunt suffers groin injury
Ecclestone, Bouchier in England ODI squad to face India
“It’s not necessarily hitting that one ball that’s 80, that’s not going to make the difference. The difference is the consistency of increasing my speed. From the game in Trent Bridge, I think I was averaging 73, then I went up to 75 in Bristol and now obviously 76 at The Oval.”That’s what I’m trying to aim for and hopefully again I can hit that 80 number. I’m just going to try and keep consistently bowling at that mid-70s and in the women’s game that’s not heard of very often, so that’s my aim.”Filer has made some technical changes, including increasing her run-up since returning from the knee injury which kept her out of England’s T20I series against West Indies earlier in the season. As a result, she feels more “in time”.”Bowling’s all about feel,” she said. “It’s not about trying to lug it down as fast as you can because on Friday I didn’t necessarily feel at my quickest, but actually it’s usually then is when you probably are bowling your quickest, it’s all about flow and rhythm.”So it is more just getting into time and cleaning up my action. I’m quite limby, it’s all limbs go everywhere, so it’s all just bringing it together and that’s what’s happened over the last couple of games.”Filer has a propensity to fall over in her follow-through, which particularly stood out during the Ashes in January. There, she said her front foot was sliding a long way along the surfaces, causing her to fall over, which wasn’t a problem in the moments when she went tumbling in London last week.”It’s nothing that’s to be massively concerned about,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the pitch and then sometimes it’s just me.”Sometimes I just land and I just get in a position where I end up having to just tuck and roll and I’ve sort of mastered that, which is good because it just hurts less.Filer is hoping to breach the 80mph barrier•ECB via Getty Images
“We’re not too concerned as long I’m staying on my feet the majority of the time. It’s not affecting me massively and I can still generally bowl quick with this action. If I can do that, I don’t want to tweak with it too much because it could end up affecting it negatively.”Last year, Shabnim Ismail breached 130kph (80.7mph) for the first time in the women’s game, playing for Mumbai Indians against Delhi Capitals at the WPL, reaching 132.1kph (82.08mph) nine months after she retired from international cricket.South African Ismail also holds the record for the fastest delivery in women’s international cricket – 128kmph (79.54mph) against West Indies in 2016.The prospect of putting herself in that 80mph bracket brings a sense of excitement for Filer in terms of highlighting fast bowling in the women’s game.”That’s probably the reason why I want to hit it,” she said. “It’s not necessarily a personal milestone in myself, but actually proving that women can get to that milestone and hopefully others can follow as well.”I don’t want it just to be one or two people. We want loads of women to be able to be bowling at that speed. After Friday people are probably talking about it more than they were and hopefully if I can hit it then it encourages other people to try and aim for that and actually make the game even more exciting than it already is.”Filer isn’t the first bowler in this England women’s team to speak of bowling at 80mph. Five years ago, a then-17-year-old Issy Wong said she had ambitions to reach the milestone because it had “never been hit by a girl yet”.Wong is still re-establishing herself in England’s T20I squad after battling problems with her rhythm and run-up in 2023, having made her international debut the previous year. She took 1 for 36 from her four overs at The Oval, her first outing of the series with India, having played two T20Is against West Indies.Filer took 2 for 30 in the latest game against India, that pivotal over resulting in a dropped catch off Harmanpreet Kaur, the key wicket of Smriti Mandhana for 56 and a spicy welcome for Richa Ghosh, pinged hard on the helmet, all in the space of three deliveries.England will need more of the same as their next encounter, at Old Trafford on Wednesday, remains a must-win game for the hosts if they are to keep the five-match series alive. India lead 2-1 after a thumping 97-run win in the opening match at Trent Bridge and 24-run victory in Bristol.Winning matches for England, Filer says, is her main aim and the reason she has her eye on the speed gun.”I’ve always sort of kept a number on the speeds, but it’s not necessarily a judgement piece for me. It probably shows me whether I’m doing my technical stuff right,” she said.”If I don’t do some of the technical stuff that I have been doing right then I end up being slower. So for me it’s more of a thing to see if I’ve done my stuff well. I generally come off a pitch and ask the analyst what my average speed was and what my fastest ball was just to see where I was at.”I want to help us win games and if that means bowling 80 miles an hour or getting close to it, if that’s the way, then great. If it’s not, then I’ve got to focus on my variations or doing something else that’s going to help us win games.”
German football legend Lothar Matthaus believes 17-year-old Lennart Karl could be the next Jamal Musiala, a fearless and technically gifted prodigy destined for Bayern Munich stardom under Vincent Kompany. After scoring on his Champions League debut and in the Bundesliga against Borussia Monchengladbach in the same week, Karl has captured Germany’s attention, with Matthaus seeing in him the same blend of boldness and intelligence that made Musiala a modern Bayern jewel.
The rise of Bayern's new teen sensation
When Karl marked his Champions League debut with a curling strike against Club Brugge, the Allianz Arena erupted. At 17, he became Bayern’s youngest-ever scorer in the competition, breaking a record once set by Musiala. But beyond the goal, it was his composure, creativity, and quiet confidence that truly turned heads.
Bayern’s 4-0 win over Brugge was emphatic, but Karl’s performance was the story. From his first touch to his explosive runs, he looked every inch a Bayern player – technical, decisive, and unafraid. His journey, however, has been anything but instant. Karl began in Germany’s fifth tier with Viktoria Aschaffenburg, before stints at Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth system and a return to Viktoria in 2022. Bayern signed him later that year, drawn to his intelligence and discipline. From scoring 17 goals in nine matches for Bayern’s U17 side to dazzling in Europe, his rise is a story of persistence and purpose, not hype.
It’s no surprise that his performances have impressed former German captain Matthaus. The World Cup-winning legend has spoken glowingly about the young winger, setting the stage for wider recognition of Karl’s rapid rise in the Bundesliga.
Advertisement
Getty Images
Matthaus claims “Karl will be deployed regularly”
Among those watching Karl’s evolution closely is German football legend Matthaus, who has hailed the teenager as one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young prospects. In his column, Matthaus drew parallels between Karl and his teammate Musiala, praising both for their confidence and technical flair.
"Can Karl follow the path Jamal Musiala took before him? The possibilities are always there; it's up to the player himself, and he needs a coach who trusts him. I think Kompany trusts him based on his recent performances and isn't worried about benching or substituting a seasoned player for him. And I believe Karl will get regular playing time because he's delivered when he's been on the pitch," Matthaus said.
The former Bayern player further added: "Karl will be deployed regularly. Vincent Kompany has slowly introduced Karl to the team, with brief appearances in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and last week, his first full 90 minutes in the Champions League. Karl caused a sensation with his goals against Bruges and Gladbach, but he still needs to show up in training every day. He's ambitious and wants to develop – those are the basic requirements."
For Matthaus, the 17-year-old's rise reflects deeper philosophy, as he explains: "This presents a great opportunity for FC Bayern to integrate another player from the campus into the first team, after Pavlovic and Stanisic, as Uli Hoeneß has always wanted. I believe Karl can become an important player for Kompany, who just extended his contract until 2029."
Jonas Urbig also finding his stride at Munich
While the headlines belong to Karl, another young name is staking a claim, Jonas Urbig. Signed by Bayern in January 2025 on a long-term deal, Urbig’s trajectory has been quietly impressive. A product of Koln’s youth system, he gained senior experience on loans at Jahn Regensburg and Greuther Furth, compiling 33 appearances and 11 clean sheets across those spells, including a run of over 600 minutes without conceding in 2023.
Urbig’s Bayern breakthrough came under pressure when Manuel Neuer’s absence handed the youngster sudden responsibility. Urbig replaced Neuer in a Champions League tie against Bayer Leverkusen and kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win. Over the 2024-25 season he made eight Bundesliga appearances and four in Europe, showing command in the box, calm distribution and an ability to deal with heavy workloads.
Speaking about Urbig, Matthaus said: "Urbig has done well at Bayern so far, apart from one mistake in Berlin, and was there when it mattered most. He can learn from Manuel Neuer every day in training . If he develops accordingly, he may eventually become Neuer's successor."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFP
Kompany’s calm amid the noise
“This isn't normal. I'm not a fan of the hype he'll get now” Kompany said after Karl's debut in Champions League. "I'm a fan of training and calm. We'll see what he shows and just move on."
The coach's words remind the young star that it is okay to celebrate the moment, but one should know when to return to fundamentals. It’s the same approach that has allowed Urbig to grow: steady exposure, ownership of errors, and daily work.
With Kompany recently signed until 2029, Bayern have signalled they want continuity. Karl and Urbig are beneficiaries of that stability. Karl will continue to receive minutes in cup ties, rotational league appearances and carefully selected European outings; Urbig will keep accumulating high-pressure experience until a permanent succession plan is clear.
Everton has long been synonymous with the development of English talent, cultivating players through one of the Premier League’s most respected academy systems.
From the legendary emergence of Wayne Rooney to modern stars like Anthony Gordon, the club has consistently provided a pathway for young players to break into the first team and make an impact on both domestic and international stages.
The club’s focus is clear: technical development, tactical intelligence, and professional growth are embedded from academy to senior squad.
Competitive youth fixtures, exposure to domestic cups give emerging players confidence and experience under pressure.
This structured approach ensures that English graduates are not only technically proficient but also resilient and tactically aware – qualities essential in modern football.
Under David Moyes, Everton’s strategy of integrating homegrown talent continues, blending experienced professionals with promising English players.
This season, Jack Grealish has become the symbol of the club’s revival, while another young talent represents the future of English defensive prospects at Goodison Park.
Why Grealish deserves a World Cup place for England
Grealish, 30, has been central to Everton’s resurgence under Moyes.
Arriving from Manchester City, Grealish has gradually regained the form that once made him a household name in England – staking his claim to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans heading into 2026, despite being overlooked recently.
In the 2025/26 season, he has already contributed a goal and four assists in seven Premier League appearances, playing 557 minutes – almost matching his totals from last season when he played only 721 minutes due to injury.
Known for his creativity and ability to dictate the tempo, Grealish ranks in the 6th percentile for progressive carries per 90 (6.27), 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and maintains an 84.1% pass completion rate.
His shot-creating actions per 90 sit at 4.55, while he completes nearly two successful take-ons per game.
These metrics underline his influence in Everton’s attacking transitions, providing both flair and functional output.
His 93rd-minute goal against Crystal Palace to end their 19-match unbeaten run highlighted his ability to perform under pressure, again boosting his claim to be in Tuchel’s next squad, or next summer’s roster at the very least.
Despite past injuries limiting his minutes, Grealish’s resurgence under Moyes shows that he remains a key creative fulcrum, bridging experience and leadership for Everton’s younger English talents.
However, while all eyes focus on Grealish’s headline performances, his role may impact other English players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who thrive in similar carrying and passing areas but lack the freedom to shoot.
Everton’s system will need to balance flair and structure, ensuring Grealish’s influence does not inadvertently limit opportunities for other homegrown talents.
Why Branthwaite is the next big English talent at Everton
While Grealish is providing immediate returns, Jarrad Branthwaite represents the long-term promise of Everton’s English talent pipeline.
Born in 2002, the 6 foot 5 left-footed centre-back joined Everton from Carlisle United in January 2020 after nine league appearances.
Branthwaite has since made over 75 appearances for the senior side, featuring prominently during loan spells at Blackburn Rovers (ten appearances in 2021) and PSV Eindhoven (27 league games in 2022/23), where he scored twice, featured in European competitions, and won the KNVB Cup.
His leadership qualities and composure on the ball are complemented by defensive steel, ranking in the top 9% for clearances among Premier League defenders per 90.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 2024/25
Matches Played
30
Minutes
2,511
Blocks
31
Tackles
36
Challenges
20
Source: FBref
Internationally, Branthwaite has progressed steadily through England’s youth setup, earning eight U21 caps and winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship before making his senior debut in June 2024 in a 3–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Despite missing the start of the 2025/26 season due to a hamstring injury, his market value of £42m – as per Transfermarkt – and long-term contract until 2030 underscore Everton’s commitment to securing homegrown English talent.
Branthwaite – described as a “physical beast” by analyst Ben Mattinson – embodies the club’s vision: combining technical skill, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years.
As Everton continue to develop a squad capable of competing in the top half of the Premier League, the centre-back is expected to play a pivotal role once fully fit, complementing experienced players like Grealish and ensuring Everton’s tradition of nurturing English talent endures.
Everton’s commitment to developing English talent remains clear, blending the immediate impact of established stars like Grealish with the long-term promise of Branthwaite.
While Grealish’s resurgence provides creativity, energy, and leadership, Branthwaite represents the next generation of homegrown players ready to step into key roles.
Under Moyes, Everton continues to balance development and performance, giving both established and emerging English talents the platform to succeed.
Everton's "revelation" could become the biggest loser from Grealish's rise
Jack Grealish’s form at Everton could nudge another star out of Moyes’ best team
Newly-appointed West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo has the almighty task of coming away from Premier League title chasers Arsenal with a result this afternoon, but he is already making his mark at Rush Green.
Nuno looking to build upon solid West Ham record vs Arsenal
The last time these two sides met at the Emirates Stadium, Graham Potter was just one month into his own West Ham tenure, and a goal from star winger Jarrod Bowen gifted the Hammers all three points in a 1-0 win.
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham
West Ham 1-5 Chelsea
Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham
West Ham 0-3 Tottenham
West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace
Everton 1-1 West Ham
Before that, David Moyes’ Irons sealed a surprise 2-0 victory at the Emirates in December 2023 — courtesy of strikes from Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos — so Nuno could actually seal a hat-trick of consecutive West Ham away wins against Arsenal today.
Arsenal are the Premier League’s widely regarded set-piece specialists, while seven of West Ham’s 14 conceded league goals have come directly from corners.
Everton’s opening goal against the East Londoners on Monday was also the result of a corner, although not directly, so it’s clear what Nuno’s first, second, third and fourth priority should be against Arsenal — defend the dreaded dead balls.
In the build up to their trip to North London, Nuno has already been stamping his authority on the squad — most notably axing midfielder James Ward-Prowse from his first ever matchday squad against Everton.
The 30-year-old was an ever-present under Potter, but reports now claim that Ward-Prowse is resigned to leaving in January after being told he has no long-term role in Nuno’s plans.
Nuno decision to axe Ward-Prowse raised eyebrows at West Ham
Journalist Pete O’Rourke, speaking to Football Insider, says that Nuno’s decision to omit the Englishman “raised a few eyebrows” at West Ham, and backs other reports that the ex-Southampton star is a top candidate for the exit door.
Since being dropped, it has been reported that Ward-Prowse could re-join Southampton, but whether Sport Republic can afford his £115,000-per-week wages in the Championship is another matter entirely.
The 11-cap England international was excellent in his debut season under Moyes, scoring seven goals and assisting 12 others in 52 appearances, and is still just one free kick goal away from David Beckham’s all-time Premier League record of 18.
However, Julen Lopetegui didn’t fancy him — shipping the player off to Nottingham Forest on loan in 2024/2025 only for Nuno to send him back midway through the campaign.
Despite being called “world-class” for his dead ball specialism by pundits like Alan Shearer, Nuno has made his feelings on Ward-Prowse crystal clear.
Newcastle United are “in the mix” to complete the signing of a player who was described as one of the “biggest revelations” from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.
Hopkinson excited about Newcastle role
David Hopkinson has been appointed as the Magpies’ new CEO, in the biggest development at the club since the international break got underway. The 54-year-old Canadian has admitted that he cannot wait to get started in his new role, as he looks to make Newcastle supporters embrace him.
“I’m getting into this with both feet. This is not some sort of transactional assignment for me. This is where I intend to make my home. This is the community I intend to represent on every stage imaginable.
“The CEO role has an ambassadorial component to it and I want to be a great ambassador for Newcastle United and ultimately for Newcastle. My intention is to become an adopted Geordie here, but you have to earn that.”
The summer transfer window may be closed, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle being linked with potential future signings, with one exciting name now thrown into the hat.
Newcastle "in the mix" to sign Barcelona rising star
Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Newcastle will be “in the mix” to sign Barcelona youngster Marc Casado in 2026.
“Casado is a really interesting name to keep an eye on heading into 2026. Newcastle do need and wanted something extra in midfield and he is someone who does appeal. It remains to be seen if he is attainable in the near future, but if he is available, then Newcastle are likely to be in the mix.
“Newcastle could get a closer look at Casado in the Champions League this season as they welcome Barcelona to St James’ Park in the Champions League later this month.”
Marc Casado celebrates scoring for Barcelona.
Casado is a big young talent with a bright future in the game, so the idea of Newcastle prising him away from Barca is a mouthwatering prospect, if they are able to.
The 21-year-old midfielder has racked up 42 appearances for the La Liga champions, registering six assists in that time, while scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as one of the “biggest revelations” during the 2024/25 campaign.
Whether Newcastle are able to entice Casado to St James’ Park remains to be seen, but if he is struggling to start regularly for Hansi Flick’s side, he may see a move elsewhere as best for his long-term development.
PIF have already signed Newcastle's new Elliot Anderson and he's "terrific"
Eddie Howe will hope he has his own Elliot Anderson now at Newcastle United in this terrific talent.
ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2025
At 21, he is a player with so many more years ahead of him, and he could be viewed as a long-term successor to Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of the Magpies’ midfield.
The PCB has asked for an explanation from ICC over the omission of Pakistan’s name in the Champions Trophy branding during the live broadcast of Thursday’s match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai. The logo in the top left corner of the broadcast carried the event name – Champions Trophy 2025 – but not the name of Pakistan, the hosts, for the entirety of the match, which India won by six wickets.This was a departure from the broadcast graphics for the other matches of the tournament so far including the tournament opener between Pakistan played New Zealand in Karachi where the event name, as well as Pakistan’s name was visible on the broadcast. It was also visible for today’s game between Afghanistan and South Africa in Karachi. PCB is understood to be aggrieved at the situation and asked for assurances it will not happen again.While the ICC is believed to have informally told PCB it was an early technical error, the explanation has left PCB dissatisfied. Graphics are prepared by the ICC and provided to the live feed, produced by UK-based Sunset & Vine under ICC’s supervision, well in advance; that Pakistan’s name was on the logo for the opening game of the tournament has left PCB unconvinced over why the issue arose for the game between Bangladesh and India.The ICC maintains the incident occurred due to a technical glitch and has clarified this is not an issue that will affect any future games, regardless of whether they are played in Pakistan or the UAE. The next game in the UAE will also be the tournament’s most followed, with India taking on the official hosts Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.The issue over where the tournament takes place became contentious in the months leading up to the tournament, with Pakistan demanding they host every game, since the ICC had awarded them rights to the whole tournament. The BCCI informed the PCB the Indian government did not permit them to play in Pakistan, and insisted on a neutral venue for India’s matches. Ultimately a deal was struck that guarantees India will not need to play in Pakistan, including if they reach the final. As a reciprocal arrangement, Pakistan will not travel to India for any ICC events for the next three years, with their games agreed to be played at neutral venues.
Arsenal have now been tipped to drop a key member of the starting eleven for their looming opening day clash against Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.
Mikel Arteta is poised to do battle with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the north Londoners ending their pre-season preparations as they gear up for yet another title challenge.
Nothing but a perfect start will do for Arsenal, having watched a plethora of their nearest rivals in Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City all splash hundreds of millions on a plethora of summer signings to bolster their squads.
Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has been a busy man too, investing north of £200 million on six major signings, with Kepa, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star striker Viktor Gyokeres all making the move to N5.
It is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Premier League campaigns in history, and especially near the top of the table, with many standout contenders already making themselves known after productive transfer windows.
“I think on the physical part we’re in a really good place,” said Arteta after Arsenal’s final pre-season game against Athletic Bilbao.
“I think we have competed against very different opponents in different contexts, in different countries, so it’s been a really complete pre-season. You constantly learn and evolve in the team, that’s not going to stop now because this is the last test of pre-season. On Monday we’ll continue to work on things, on things that we have to develop and improve from today, from the last few games, and other things that we want to still do. And especially the integration of the new players to make sure that we create such a bond and spirit in the team that we can compete against the opposition.”
Arteta has a few imperative decisions to make ahead of Arsenal’s face-off with United in Manchester, who are under a significant amount of pressure themselves to make a good start to 2025/2026.
Arsenal tipped to drop Myles Lewis-Skelly for Man United
Journalist Charles Watts, speaking to CaughtOffside, is convinced that Arteta could even drop star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly for the clash.
The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar breakthrough campaign last season, with his performances at full-back earning Lewis-Skelly both calls to the England squad and a brand-new long-term contract.
Arsenal's Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly and LeandroTrossard
The rising star teenager played 23 Premier League games last year, starting 15 of them, and was handed the nod by Arteta in their blockbuster Champions League ties against Real Madrid and PSG.
Lewis-Skelly has been called “incredible” by the likes of Gary Neville after his rise to the first-team, and he’s now become a key player for them.
However, Watts believes that Lewis-Skelly will be axed for United in favour of Riccardo Calafiori.
“I think who starts at full-back this weekend will be interesting for Arsenal. There is a real competition in those positions,” said the reporter.
“When he’s been on the pitch Riccardo Calafiori has looked very good. I really enjoyed his performance last weekend and if he’s deemed fully fit I think he might get the nod at left-back over Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“It’s a tough call, but Lewis-Skelly hasn’t looked at his best yet this summer, so I would not be surprised if Arteta goes with the Italian to try and negate the threat of Bryan Mbeumo and also cause problems up the other end.”
Calafiori suffered various injury problems across 2024/2025, which hampered the Italian’s game time, but if he can stay fit, Arteta will have a seriously star-studded left-back rotation at his disposal.
Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are working to back manager Thomas Frank behind-the-scenes, with just two weeks to go before the new Premier League season.
Tottenham talks "underway" to hijack deal for PSG player alongside Palhinha
Spurs are after another player after sealing the Portugal international.
1
By
Emilio Galantini
Aug 1, 2025
Frank has big shoes to fill after Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy at the back end of last campaign, which subsequently gifted Tottenham a route back into the Champions League.
The Dane is now tasked with building upon 2024/2025’s feats, with compatriot Johan Lange doing his best to assist Frank when it comes to much-needed recruitment.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Tottenham were set to welcome Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in a statement £115 million double-deal with Mohammed Kudus just over three weeks ago, with a medical even booked for the England international, who looked certain to be joining (BBC).
However, unprecedented events resulted in Evangelos Marinakis putting a stop to the transfer, threatening Spurs with legal action and somehow agreeing to extend Gibbs-White’s contract to end Daniel Levy’s hopes of a deal.
After this unexpected blow, Tottenham are maintaining their pursuit of new attacking options, while it is also believed that Frank wants a new full-back (Sky Sports).
Spurs were also in the market for a number six, but they’re not any longer after completing a loan deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Joao palhinha
The Portugal international returns to London after a lacklustre debut season at Bayern, which was marred by injury, suspension and a lack of consistent opportunities under Vincent Kompany.
Palhinha joins Tottenham on an initial temporary deal which includes an option for Spurs to buy outright next summer for £26 million – just over half of what Bayern paid to sign the 30-year-old from Fulham last summer.
Levy and co are now aiming to get the ex-Sporting Lisbon star over the line as quickly as possible, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also revealing that Spurs are set to pay a £4.3 million loan fee whilst covering his full salary of around £166,000-per-week.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared even more details about the transfer, and Frank was apparently key.
Joao Palhinha said 'yes' to Tottenham after talks with Thomas Frank
Speaking via his YouTube channel, Romano claims that Palhinha green-light a move to Tottenham after speaking directly with the Lilywhites head coach.
“Palhinha said yes to Tottenham after speaking directly to the coach, Thomas Frank, who is really excited about the opportunity to have a player like Palhinha,” said the famous transfer journalist.
“He can provide quality, can provide experience, can provide intensity, so he wanted exactly that kind of player.”
The 30-year-old is known for his touch-tackling, energy and robustness in midfield, providing Frank with that extra bite in the middle of the park, with the manager now granted his transfer wish.
“There is no doubt that, if you want to compete in all tournaments, you need a competitive squad,” said Frank in his first ever press conference as Spurs boss.
“There are a lot of competitive players in the squad already. The club is in the market and looking. What will happen, I will speak when a player comes into the building.”
Everton are in new hands under the Friedkin Group and have made contact over a potential new arrival that could pitch up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, according to reports.
Everton circling for more new signings
Thierno Barry, Carlos Alcaraz and Mark Travers have kicked off what is expected to be a summer of change at Everton. However, David Moyes still has plenty of work to do before his side are capable of pushing on in the Premier League.
Over the weekend, a surprise defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park wasn’t a satisfactory outcome for anyone concerned with the club, but pre-season is nothing more than laying the groundwork to make sure fitness is up to scratch once the competitive campaign kicks off in earnest.
Reports suggest Manchester City duo Jack Grealish and James McAtee are on Everton’s shortlist to beef up their creative options centrally and out wide, even if both players will attract a plethora of interest this summer from several different clubs.
Delivering his slant on their need for inventiveness, Paul Robinson believes the Toffees could win the race to sign Tom Fellows from West Bromwich Albion despite Leeds United’s admiration due to the fact Moyes was keen to bring him to Merseyside in January.
He stated: “Leeds have bolstered their defence, so I’m hoping they’re building from the floor upwards. Tom Fellows would fit that bill, he’d be a great signing, but Everton are ahead because of where they were in January with him.
Everton’s first five fixtures of the Premier League season
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
“I do think he’ll go in this window because of the length of his contract. This is where West Brom are going to get a big fee for him.”
However, Moyes will also be keen to strengthen his defensive line, and he may be making progress towards achieving that feat if reports are to be believed.
Everton make contact for Atletico Mineiro defender Lyanco
According to Globo, Everton have made contact over Atletico Mineiro defender Lyanco to ask for information about his situation at the Brazilian giants.
Southampton defender Lyanco.
His current employers have set up a meeting with his camp to discuss his current predicament, and the outlet claim Olympiacos and Al Duhail are also monitoring the state of play with keen interest.
Lyanco vs Everton in 2023 – how did he get on against Dominic Calvert-Lewin?
Most remember Lyanco for his time at Southampton, and he previously shone against Everton in a 2-1 win for the Saints at Goodison Park, where Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to score or provide an assist.
Labelled a “fantastic character” by Ralph Hasenhuttl, he would arrive with the carrot of Premier League experience and is coming off the back of a positive Club World Cup, which is said to have alerted suitors.
Lyanco has scored four times in 27 appearances this season, but it remains to be seen whether he would be an ideal fit for an Everton squad in need of upgrades on existing personnel.