Shohei Ohtani is officially coming to the popular video game Fortnite.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star is getting his own custom skin in the game's upcoming update on March 17, making him the first MLB player to be featured in the game.
MLB partnered with Fortnite to release a preview video for Ohtani's skin, which will feature him wearing his Dodgers No. 17 uniform.
Have a look:
In addition to Ohtani's Dodgers skin, he'll also get a skin dressed as a samurai with the No. 17 on it, as well as a custom pickaxe and a "back bling" of his dog, Decoy.
Fortnite and MLB have teased a possible inclusion of Ohtani in the game in recent weeks. Now, he's officially set to join the game as part of Fortnite's Icon Series.
It's not the first time the game has added a skin of a professional athlete, though Ohtani's the first MLB player to be included. Already in the game are skins of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, soccer stars Neymar Jr., Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, and NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. Additionally, many popular music artists also have custom skins in the game.
Legendary former Real Madrid centre-forward Karim Benzema, who spent the dressing room with Los Blancos head coach Xabi Alonso for five seasons between 2009 and 2014, revealed that he likes the "style of play" implemented by the Spanish manager. Alonso succeeded the iconic Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the end of last season and has got off to a good start.
'Xabi-ball' in full motion at Real Madrid
It has been an intriguing start to Alonso's life as Real Madrid head coach. Appointed at the end of last season, the former World Cup-winning midfielder's first assignment was participating in the Club World Cup with a half-fit squad. Madrid reached the semi-finals, where they were handed a brutal reality check at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
Then, following a shortened pre-season, Alonso's troops got the 2025-26 season off to a splendid start. They won the first six games of the La Liga season, before being demolished by their neighbouring rivals Atletico Madrid 5-2 at the Metropolitano in September. That defeat would only turn out to be a small blip, as Madrid won the next seven games on the trot, including a brilliant win over Barcelona at the Bernabeu last month.
While they have failed to win their last two games across all competitions, this Madrid team under Alonso has proved that they have a higher floor then they did in the calamitous 2024-25 season, during which they failed to win major silverware. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler have become pillars of the squad, with the France captain off to a blazing start after scoring 18 goals in 16 games.
AdvertisementAFPBenzema likes Alonso's Real Madrid
Speaking in an interview with , Benzema was asked if he saw the potential in Alonso to become a coach when they shared the dressing room. In response, Real Madrid's second-highest goal scorer of all time responded: "I remember when we played together, and it's the same now as a coach. Pressure, vertical passing… It's a style of play I like. He's only been there for six months, and he's doing an excellent job. He needs to be given time."
Moreover, he defended Alonso and the club from the recent criticism, following a drop in form. "I like this Real Madrid team," he added. "There's a lot of talk about it now, but it's always like this. If they draw or lose, it's a crisis. They go from being the best team in the world to questioning the coach, this player or that player… It's normal because they're the best team in the world. But I like this team."
Alonso under immense scrutiny
Last week, Ancelotti gave his verdict on Alonso, whom he coached at Bayern Munich. “I can’t give him any advice. I watch all the Madrid matches because I want to see how the Brazilians are doing and I see the team is doing very well," the Italian told . "They have won almost all the matches, but unfortunately in football you can’t always win. Sometimes you have to draw. One thing I learned at Real Madrid is that a draw here is the prelude to a crisis. No jokes. You have to get used to that. We already know that the main evaluation of a coach is the results, and so far the results have been spectacular. Leading the league and among the top eight in the Champions League. What more can we ask of Xabi? I see a solid team, especially in defense, and very effective upfront. Mbappe is doing very well and [Jude] Bellingham is back. I think Xabi can succeed without any problem."
The media have been quick to jump on the “crisis” narrative following the goalless draw away to Rayo Vallecano before the international break – a result that came on the heels of a 1–0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. This scrutiny persists despite a 2–1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona last month, a three-point lead at the top of the La Liga table after 12 rounds, and a strong position to advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. Even so, Alonso has not escaped criticism. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach has seen his tactics and man-management questioned, with reports suggesting that the dressing room does not hold a unanimous view of his methods.
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Getty Images SportDoes Benzema imagine a career in coaching?
In the same interview with , Benzema, who will turn 38 next month, reflected on whether he sees coaching as a real possibility once he retires. "I don't know. I have friends who are already involved in coaching and they're always talking to me about it, but it's difficult," he admitted. "Being a footballer or a coach seems different, but it's the same pressure. It's complicated."
The Frenchman, whose contract with Al-Ittihad expires next summer, has claimed that he sees himself playing for another two years.
Teenage spinner strikes with ball before adding unbeaten fifty on day Surrey surrender their title
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Sep-2025Surrey 147 and 226 for 6 (Albert 61*, Abbott 4-51) lead Hampshire 248 (Washington 56) by 124 runsSurrey lost their grasp on the Rothesay County Championship trophy for the first time in 1100 days, but saw a glimpse into their future as Ralphie Albert took centre stage against Hampshire.Nottinghamshire confirmed themselves as champions midway through the evening to end Surrey’s three-season dynasty as red-ball kings. But Albert, the 17-year-old grandson of snooker icon Jimmy White, celebrated his first two first-class wickets before picking up a maiden fifty to give Surrey a chance of sending Hampshire to Division Two.The England Under 19 allrounder bowled Scott Currie and caught and bowled Kyle Abbott in the morning as Hampshire claimed a 101 first-innings lead. He then struck 61 not out during a 97-run stand with Dan Lawrence in the evening – Surrey ended the day with a 124 lead, with Hampshire needing to at least match Durham’s result to avoid relegation.After 13 wickets had fallen on the first day, on a pitch sympathetic but not overwhelmingly so for the bowlers, the second day began with a similar tone. Toby Albert couldn’t be blamed for edging a Matt Fisher in-ducker to first slip, before fellow overnight batter Ben Brown was plumb lbw three balls later.Fisher had immediately swung the momentum of the match, and gave Hampshire the relegation jitters again. Those weren’t helped when Liam Dawson swished outside his off stump three overs later but Washington Sundar and James Fuller corrected things with patience and runs.The pair put on 62 to flesh out Hampshire’s lead, but it proved the last resistance as spin went through the tail. Indian legspinner Rahul Chahar picked up his first Championship wicket when Fuller slog-swept to deep square, before Albert thudded one into Currie’s off stump.Washington waved his bat on an 89-ball fifty, but Abbott was caught and bowled before the India allrounder picked out deep midwicket off his compatriot, with Hampshire two runs shy of a batting bonus point.That near miss shouldn’t impact Hampshire’s chances of staying in Division One, with Durham also narrowly failing to get to 350, meaning that as long as Hampshire match Durham’s result they will stay up.A victory would be the most straightforward method of securing their status, and Brad Wheal appeared to be fast-forwarding his side there with two quick wickets. Rory Burns’ batting for the season was ended when he edged a good ball to first slip, before Ryan Patel hooked straight to the deep square fielder.Abbott then took over with one of his incredible spells, taking three wickets in four overs. The South African had Dom Sibley and Ben Foakes caught behind before keeping one low to castle Ollie Sykes.But Ralphie Albert and Lawrence ground out runs on the slow pitch and made the most of a ragged Hampshire session, to head towards a position from which they could win the game. Albert largely made use of space behind the wicket, but also drove through the covers beautifully, to take himself to a second professional half-century in 68 balls.Lawrence became Abbott’s fourth notch of the innings when he was bowled, but Surrey remained six down at close, while Hampshire suffered a blow as Washington damaged his hand while fielding a ball off his own bowling.
The central midfield department is arguably one of the most important areas of the pitch, but it’s often been a struggle for Manchester United over the last couple of months.
Bruno Fernandes has often been called upon to drop into a deeper role and fill the void at the heart of the side – a position that has become his own after the £200m additions in the final third.
A partner for the Portuguese international has been on the agenda for Ruben Amorim in recent months, but their hunt has so far been to no avail, with no new midfield additions made since his arrival 12 months ago.
33-year-old Casemiro has often been the man called upon in the Premier League this season, with the Brazilian making a positive impression – as seen by his tally of three goals to date.
However, given his age and current contract situation, he’s likely to depart Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, which could see the issue at the heart of the side rear its head once again.
As a result, INEOS are currently on the hunt for a new deep-lying option to fill the void for years to come, leading to one player being strongly linked with a move in the near future.
Why United are so keen on signing Anderson in the coming months
Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their interest in a January deal to secure the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
It was reported earlier this week that Amorim’s men have already reached out to the Reds over a potential deal, with discussions taking place over the conditions of the transfer.
However, the 23-year-old would be a hugely expensive signing, with Sean Dyche’s men currently setting the asking price at a staggering £100m for the youngster.
Young English prospects always come at a premium in the modern market, but is the asking price at present a fair price for a player of Anderson’s quality?
His underlying stats from the current Premier League campaign certainly make for good reading, with the former Newcastle United academy graduate ranking top of 13 separate metrics at present.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest
He’s completed 113 passes into the final third, with his tally of 706 passes completed, the most of any player in the division – subsequently offering Amorim’s men a hugely talented orchestrator.
However, the hierarchy are undoubtedly hunting for a more defensive option at present, with any addition needing to be dominant without the ball to allow Bruno to flourish.
Luckily for United, Anderson has also excelled in such an area, currently entering and coming out on top in more defensive duels of any player in the division in 2025/26.
Other numbers, such as 8.8 progressive passes, with 8.6 of which being into the final third, further highlight the all-round quality the 23-year-old possesses despite his tender age.
Anderson has also transferred his talents onto the international stage, now cementing himself as a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad over the last few months.
He featured for 85 minutes against Serbia on Thursday night, making the most tackles and winning the most duels of any player – further backing up his incredible defensive abilities in the Premier League.
It’s safe to say he ticks all the boxes United are looking for a new midfielder, but it remains to be seen if the hierarchy are willing to sanction such a big-money deal this January.
The United star who’s now worth more than Anderson
Despite their failures on the pitch over the last few years, Old Trafford still remains the home to countless top-level talents who are looking to cement their place in club folklore.
From big-money additions to academy prospects, boss Amorim really does have a hugely exciting squad at his disposal in his hunt for Premier League glory.
Adding quality players like Anderson will no doubt bolster their chances of success, but it shouldn’t take away from the levels previously produced by numerous players already on the books.
There’s little debating that Bruno is the most complete central midfielder currently on the books, but he desperately needs support around him to allow the club to reach the next level.
Kobbie Mainoo once appeared as though he was the perfect player to make the midfield spot his own, but it’s safe to say his career has stagnated since Amorim’s arrival last November.
The 20-year-old catapulted himself to stardom back in the 2023/24 campaign after producing countless moments of magic in the first-team after rising through the academy system.
From last-minute winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers to an FA Cup final goal against Manchester City – it truly was a season to remember for the youngster.
His incredible form for the Red Devils even led to a place in the England Euro 2024 squad, subsequently featuring in six of the seven fixtures during the tournament.
His talents were there for everyone to see, but he’s since struggled for senior minutes under Amorim, with Mainoo only registering 12 league starts in the last 12 months.
Most of his minutes have come off the substitutes bench, with the academy graduate yet to start a single Premier League outing in the 2025/26 campaign.
Games played
25
Minutes played
1656
Pass accuracy
87%
Chances created
1.7
Successful dribbles
1.3
Tackles won
63%
Duels won
5.9
Interceptions made
1.2
Recoveries made
4.8
It was reported in the summer that the player himself requested a temporary move away from Old Trafford to gain minutes to aid his development – but such a request was swiftly denied by the board.
However, despite his lack of action, Mainoo has still received huge praise in the last few months, with former Red Devil Paul Scholes labelling him as the “nearest thing” to the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
Such a comparison is no mean feat, with the now-retired Frenchman being one of the best midfielders of his generation – as seen by his tally of seven major trophies, which includes a World Cup triumph back in 1998.
Mainoo may not have featured as much as he would have liked, but he’s seen a sharp incline in his market value, with FootballTransfers now valuing the 20-year-old at £55.4m.
Such a figure is a remarkable one, given his academy status, subsequently joining for nothing as a youngster, which highlights the work done by countless staff behind the scenes.
However, such a figure is also higher than that of Anderson, with the same site valuing the Forest star at just £45.6m despite his current £100m asking price.
There’s little doubt that a move for Anderson would improve the options at Amorim’s disposal, but it’s clear that the boss needs to give Mainoo another chance to thrive.
The youngster has bags of time to reach the next level in his development, but he’s already achieved so much in such a short period – with such talent currently going to waste under the manager.
Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "terrible" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing
Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on one first-team member.
Celtic have been meticulously assessing options to succeed Martin O’Neill in the dugout and may now have identified a new figure that could become a serious contender to take the Scottish Premiership champions forward.
At 73 years of age, O’Neill deserves plenty of plaudits for taking a step out of his comfortable stable of punditry work for another spell in charge of his old side, even if he may only be around for a brief period of time.
The victories over Falkirk and Rangers brought back some much-needed morale to the Celtic dressing room. However, the Bhoys’ defeat to FC Midtjylland in midweek prompted the former Republic of Ireland boss to make his stance clear on a longer stay in Glasgow.
He told TNT Sports: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that. That could be at the end of the week, it could be after the Kilmarnock game. I just don’t know.”
Later, he added after being asked if he was in constant discussions with the hierarchy, fuelling speculation that he may not be in charge beyond the international break: “No I’m not and I don’t really want to be. I just want to be told when my time is up.”
Kjetil Knutsen continues to be in the Celtic running as his Bodo/Glimt contract comes to an end. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is a Parkhead candidate due to his sterling work at Portman Road.
With speculation bound to continue over the coming days, a new name has entered the picture as a potential successor to interim coach O’Neill.
Celtic place Brian Barry-Murphy on manager shortlist
According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Celtic have shortlisted Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy as a managerial candidate to take over permanently at Parkhead.
Middlesbrough are also on the hunt for a new head coach as Rob Edwards completes a controversial move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, though the Scottish champions appear ready to throw a spanner in the works amid their links to the City Football Group.
Brian Barry-Murphy at Cardiff City – 2025/26
Wins
13
Draws
2
Losses
6
62% win ratio from 21 matches this season.
Previously, he was head coach at Rochdale before a spell in charge of Manchester City’s elite development squad, and he has also further coaching experience in a technical role at Leicester City.
Celtic could land an alternative manager with a secret release clause
Cardiff City find themselves fourth on 26 points and could go top of the table should they win their game in hand. Predominantly adopting a 4-2-3-1, the Bluebirds have been an attacking force this campaign, scoring the joint-third most goals in League One.
Nevertheless, managing Celtic is a whole different kettle of fish due to the pressures associated with the role. It remains to be seen who will be trusted to lead their bid to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
Nicolas Jackson’s time at Bayern Munich could be short-lived, as the German side are currently not planning to trigger the €65 million (£54m/$71m) purchase option in his loan deal. The Senegalese forward, who joined the Bundesliga giants from Chelsea on transfer deadline day, has struggled to earn regular minutes in Munich, with Harry Kane thriving up front.
Limited action for Jackson following high-profile loan deal
The 24-year-old joined the Bavarians on deadline day for €16.5m (£14m/$19m) after late drama. Chelsea initially tried to cancel the deal following Liam Delap’s injury, but Jackson reportedly refused to return to London, and the move to Germany eventually went through.
"It was a tough period. The last days of the transfer window were difficult, but in the end, we made it, and I’m very happy about that," Jackson had said when he first arrived at the German club.
However, the striker has found it difficult to make a lasting impact under Vincent Kompany. He has made 12 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist, but has started only five matches so far. With Kane locked in and thriving as the first-choice striker and Luis Diaz and Michael Olise also competing for similar roles, opportunities have been limited. And hence, the Bayern management believes the clause to make Jackson's stay permanent is 'too high'.
AdvertisementBayern turn attention to Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic
With Jackson’s future uncertain, Bayern have begun to look elsewhere. Fabrizio Romano revealed that Bayern held talks in October with representatives of Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The 25-year-old Serbian forward is considered a strong candidate and will likely be a more affordable option, particularly given his contract is set to expire next summer.
Vlahovic has scored eight goals in 18 appearances across all competitions this season and has been performing consistently despite the team's struggles.
While initial reports suggested that extension talks between Vlahovic and the Juventus management were off the table, the situation has changed in recent weeks. According to , the Serie A side are planning to reopen talks for an extension but have not yet met with the Serbian's representatives in person. His chances of staying at the club beyond the summer of 2026 have increased significantly, the report states, but a free transfer remains a possibility.
Meanwhile, Bayern, along with Barcelona and Newcastle United, continue to monitor the situation closely.
Jackson's struggles amid Bayern's near perfect season
Bayern have enjoyed a near-flawless campaign across all competitions, winning 16 of their 17 matches and drawing just once against Union Berlin last week. While results have been strong, competition for places has made life difficult for Jackson, who remains behind Kane in the pecking order. Jackson arrived at Bayern after a turbulent spell at Chelsea. The Senegalese forward joined the Premier League side from Villarreal in 2023 for £32m ($40m) but struggled for consistency. He scored 17 goals in his debut season, but his form dipped the following year, finding the net only 13 times in 37 appearances in 2024 before making a loan move to Germany.
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Getty ImagesWhat’s next for Jackson and Bayern?
"I was very confident I’d stay here because this is where I want to play and where I want to be," Jackson said in September.
If Bayern decide against triggering his clause, the 24-year-old could return to Chelsea next summer, where his future remains uncertain amid a crowded forward line. For now, he will aim to make the most of his limited chances at the Allianz Arena. But unless things change quickly, Bayern’s focus may soon shift from a loanee searching for consistency to a Serbian striker searching for a new home.
The German champions' next game comes on November 22 when they host Freiburg in the Bundesliga, after which Jackson will return to London with his new team-mates to face Arsenal in the Champions League on November 26.
Edwin Diaz was sure to avoid repeating the worst moment of his career on Monday.
Diaz and the New York Mets won the first game of their doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves to clinch a spot in the MLB postseason. After getting the final out, the Mets celebrated on the field, but the Mets closer claims he avoided a previous mistake.
In his post-game comments, Diaz claimed he purposely didn't jump around during the celebration, staying on his feet to avoid a past catastrophe.
Back in March of 2023, Diaz was pitching for Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After he secured the final out in the ninth inning against the Dominican Republic to send his country to the quarterfinals, the on-field celebration got ugly. Diaz tore the patellar tendon in his right knee while jumping to celebrate and he missed the entire 2023 MLB season.
It's safe to say he probably has a bit of celebration PTSD after that incident.
On Monday, Diaz entered with one out in the eighth inning of the first game. The Mets had a 6-3 lead. He four runs came across before he was able to end the inning and New York went to the top of the ninth trailing 7-6. Luckily, Francisco Lindor blasted a two-run home run to give the Mets a lead again 8-7.
Diaz was back out for the ninth and was able to pitch around a one-out single to close the game out and clinch the Mets' spot in the postseason.
He was wise to keep his end of the celebration muted.
It’s hard to pinpoint just why this season has gone as horribly as it has for Tottenham Hotspur.
Injuries have undoubtedly played a large part, but even when the team has been close to full strength, they’ve found ways to drop points.
While it feels increasingly likely that Ange Postecoglou will be replaced in the summer, it feels just as crucial that Daniel Levy and Co bring in some genuinely talented players to help whoever the next manager is to take the team back up the Premier League table.
Fortunately, the last few weeks have seen the North Londoners linked with a whole host of extraordinary goalscorers from across Europe, including one who is just four goals behind Harry Kane and could, therefore, be a significant upgrade on Dominic Solanke.
Spurs' striker search
Before we get to the goalscorer in question, it’s worth reviewing a couple of the other strikers linked with Spurs in recent weeks, like Jonathan David and Liam Dealp.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former has been in incredible form this season, racking up a tally of 25 goals and 12 assists in 48 games, and will be available for free thanks to his contract expiring in June.
However, since being linked to the Lilywhites, it would appear that Serie A giants Napoli have stormed ahead in their pursuit of the Canadian and are now in talks with him.
Delap, on the other hand, appears not to be in talks with any other teams at the moment, meaning the North Londoners might still be able to get him for around £30m, which could be a steal considering he’s scored 12 goals and provided two assists in just 35 league games this year.
However, perhaps the most gettable, and arguably most interesting, forward Spurs have been linked to in recent weeks is Daizen Maeda.
Reports from earlier this month claimed that the Lilywhites are interested in the Celtic star, who could be available for just £25m.
Now, he might not be the biggest name around, but the Hoops’ Japanese superstar has been in sublime form this season and could very well be an upgrade on Solanke.
Why Maeda would be an excellent signing
So, the first thing to clear up is that while Maeda does tend to play out wide more often than not, he’s no stranger to playing straight down the middle, having done so on ten occasions this season alone.
Therefore, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Spurs opt to play him there, which would, thus, put him up against Solanke for game time, but who comes out on top?
Well, when it comes down to the most important metric of all for a centre-forward, raw output, it’s the Celtic star who comes out on top, and by quite a significant margin at that.
For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 3891 minutes, the Osaka-born “machine,” as dubbed by previous coaches, has scored 33 goals – just four off Kane’s tally – and provided 12 assists.
In other words, the free-scoring dynamo is averaging a goal involvement every 1.08 games or, even more impressively, every 86.46 minutes.
Appearances
49
42
Minutes
3891′
3221′
Goals
33
15
Assists
12
8
Goal Involvements per Match
0.91
0.54
Minutes per Goal Involvement
86.46′
140.04′
In contrast, the North Londoners’ record signing has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3221 minutes.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games, or every 140.04 minutes.
Now, it has to be said that the former Bournemouth star is playing in a far tougher league, but the difference is so stark that it at least suggests that the Japanese international is worth signing to see what he could do in a top-five league.
Ultimately, while Maeda isn’t the biggest name around, his output this season has been nothing short of spectacular, and for the price that was reported earlier this month, he’s certainly worth a gamble, as he could prove to be a massive upgrade on Solanke.
As well as Davies: 3/10 Spurs dud must be axed for the Europa League final
This Tottenham Hotspur player should be dropped for the Europa League final as well as Ben Davies.
Sheffield United are believed to be interested in signing a “very good” attacking player in the summer transfer window, along with Championship rivals Leeds United.
Sheffield United suffer 3 Championship defeats in a row
The Blades suffered yet another damaging result on Saturday lunchtime, losing 2-1 away to struggling Plymouth Argyle, despite taking the lead in the first half.
It means Chris Wilder’s United side have now lost their last three matches in the league, going from top of the table to third place, now trailing both Leeds and Burnley by five points after their respective victories on Saturday.
The Blades’ defeat led to angry scenes at the end, with Wilder involved in heated discussions with Plymouth players after the hosts’ players celebrated in front of the travelling supporters.
While the manager has played down the post-match drama, it was arguably a sign of the pressure getting to him and his players, and they now have a huge amount of work to do if they want to get into the Premier League without the stress of the playoffs.
Sheffield United battling Leeds for "very good" ace
According to journalist Graeme Bailey for EFL Analysis, Sheffield United are eyeing a move for Go Ahead Eagles winger Oliver Antman ahead of the summer window.
Leeds are also in the mix to snap up the 23-year-old ahead of next season, with Leicester City, Southampton and Sheffield United all mentioned as suitors to acquire his signature, too.
Aside from the entertaining, superhero-like surname, Antman is an excellent young player who could thrive for the Blades, although much may depend on their potential promotion to the top flight.
The 20-cap and sevel-goal Finland international has bags of quality in wide attacking areas, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as “very good”:
This season, Antman has a highly impressive 14 assists in just 24 starts in the Eredivisie, outlining the creativity he possesses, and he has also scored six goals in the competition for good measure.
While at his most dangerous on the right flank, his versatility also allows him to do a strong job on the left wing, with such versatility likely to appeal to Wilder.
Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season
Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.
ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025
As mentioned, though, if the Blades fail to reach the Premier League and Leeds, they could face an uphill battle to secure his services ahead of next season, making the next few weeks crucial.
Everton responded well at the weekend, clawing back to draw against Arsenal after losing the Merseyside derby at Anfield, a result which ended David Moyes’ nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Things have changed at Goodison Park, which is preparing for its emotional swansong not in the throes of a relegation battle but instead playing with a freedom that has come from Moyes’ return to the dugout and the consequent tactical and mental improvements.
However, Everton’s owners, The Friedkin Group, know that a range of signings are needed this summer, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and loanee Armando Broja both set to leave in a few months, bagging a striker has got to be the first port of call.
Everton join race for coveted striker
It’s an ambitious one, but TEAMtalk have revealed that Everton have joined the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with neighbours Liverpool also keen, along with many more top-flight sides.
Transfer Focus
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Indeed, both the Toffees – and Brighton and Hove Albion – are said to have gathered ‘updated information’ on the youngster in recent days, with the two clubs keeping ‘close tabs’ on his situation.
Delap has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season despite his team’s woes. That plays into the forward’s suitors’ favour, though, for his £40m release clause activates upon the Tractor Boys’ relegation.
And Ipswich will be relegated. Valiant fight, but the gulf in quality between England’s top two tiers continues to yawn wider, and now a team like Everton could strengthen further at their rival’s expense by stocking up with a young striker, 22, who’s demonstrated his high-ceilinged potential superbly this year.
Why Everton want Liam Delap
Tussling with such high-profile competition, you’d be forgiven for taking the news that Everton are interested in Delap with a pinch of salt.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
Ipswich have played well in the Premier League this season, competitive after back-to-back promotions, but it has proved a step too far for Kieran McKenna’s men, whose defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday has stretched the gap from safety to 12 points.
Delap, of course, got his name on the scoresheet in that 2-1 loss, and it was a fine goal at that. The 6 foot 1 striker is powerful and athletic, ranking among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe over the past year for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Is it any surprise that the Manchester City youth product has been described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones? These talents highlight exactly why the Toffees should make a concerted push for his signature, especially since FBref have suggested that Moise Kean is among his most tactically similar players.
Kean flopped hard during his stint on Merseyside but has built himself back up in Italy, thriving for Fiorentina. He’s scored 22 goals and provided five assists for La Viola this season, also hailed for his “remarkable” hold-up play by Serie A reporter Marco Messina.
Matches (starts)
28 (27)
30 (29)
Goals
17
12
Assists
3
2
Shots (on target)*
3.1 (1.4)
2.0 (1.0)
Big chances missed
14
10
Pass completion
72%
62%
Big chances created
4
3
Dribbles*
1.4
1.2
Duels won*
4.8
4.7
Above, you can see Kean and Delap’s statistics across respective league campaigns this year. Both rank similarly across clinical, ball-carrying and duelling metrics.
It’s also important to note that Delap is competing within the Premier League, an ostensibly tougher division, for imperilled Ipswich, whereas Kean’s Fiorentina are eighth, fighting for European qualification.
Delap boasts a profile that seems perfect for Moyes’ dynamic but gritty system, and if TFG manage to pull this off, it might just go down as one of the biggest coups in Everton’s modern history.
Everton struck gold on “constant threat” who’s worth more than Longstaff