Elliot Anderson says he has got his heart set on the 2026 World Cup after starring on his England debut against Andorra.
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Swepson will captain in both the One-Day Cup and Sheffield Shield when Labuschagne is on international duty
Alex Malcolm23-Sep-2024Legspinner Mitchell Swepson has been named Queensland official vice-captain and will lead the side in both the both the One-Day Cup and the Sheffield Shield when captain Marnus Labuschagne is absent on international duty.The decision to elevate Swepson to the leadership role continues the significant shake-up in Queensland cricket under new coach Johan Botha and high performance manager Joe Dawes.Labuschagne was appointed as the permanent Queensland captain in all forms, replacing long-term captain Usman Khawaja, despite also being set to play very few games across the summer due to being a first-choice player in Australia’s Test side and the ODI side.Related
Khawaja shifts up as Queensland opener to allow batting order stability
Lehmann quits coaching roles with Heat and Queensland for commentary gig
Johan Botha appointed new Brisbane Heat and Queensland coach
Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson had long-been a reliable deputy and automatic stand-in skipper for Queensland in all forms when Khawaja was absent. But Botha has decided to elevate Swepson to the role after leading the side in a few pre-season games.”We had quite a bit of leadership chat in the winter, and him [Swepson] and Jimmy were excellent with all of that and the way the group saw them,” Botha told ESPNcricinfo. “I think that’s a big thing as a leader, the group really would play for them and like what they see. And that’s certainly the way we thought about it. We know that Jimmy can do it. He’s still going to be the same Jimmy and the same on and off the field. So we just felt we want to develop another leader.”Swepson will lead the side for the first time in Queensland’s opening One-Day match of the season on Wednesday when they face Tasmania on neutral territory at the Junction Oval in Melbourne, before playing Victoria on Friday. Khawaja will miss the match against Tasmania but will play against Victoria on Friday. Peirson has not been selected in the Bulls’ 13-man squad for the two matches in Melbourne. Ben McDermott will keep for the Bulls.Michael Neser has recovered from his calf niggle and is set to play both matches but Gurinder Sandhu has been ruled out with a calf issue of his own. Xavier Bartlett remains unavailable due to the side strain he suffered during Australia’s tour of UK.Swepson has been Queensland’s first-choice Shield spinner for years, which has forced Matthew Kuhnemann to move to Tasmania, but he has only played one 50-over game for the Bulls since November 2022 and only six in total since he played three ODIs for Australia in Pakistan and Sri Lanka earlier that year.But Botha, who captained South Africa in white-ball cricket and South Australia in all forms as a spinner, believes Swepson’s challenge as a spin-bowling captain will come in Shield cricket rather than the shorter format.”I think in one-day cricket it’s easier to captain as a spinner, because the game sort of tells you when to bowl,” Botha said. “But in four-day cricket, is he going to be brave enough to bowl the 17th over of the Shield game on day one? But that’s what we’ll keep pushing him towards to get himself into the game. We trust him as a staff and a group, and he just needs to trust himself.”Mitchell Swepson played four Tests in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022•AFPSwepson, like Kuhnemann, is pushing to win a place on Australia’s Test two-tour of Sri Lanka in late January. Swepson played the last of his four Tests in Sri Lanka in 2022 when he was Australia’s second spinner but missed out on selection during last year’s tour of India despite being in the touring party, as Australia opted to play three finger spinners in Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy in the same side. Murphy usurped him as the first-choice back-up for Lyon on the Ashes tour later the same year.Botha has been really impressed with Swepson’s bowling during his first pre-season in charge of the Bulls. The coach is hoping to use Swepson more aggressively this year, even in seam-friendly conditions at the Gabba.”I’ve been really impressed with him,” Botha said. “His control for a legspinner has been excellent, and you can see why he has played Test cricket in the past. He got 30 wickets last year. So we’re hoping for more of that this summer, and I think in our team we certainly want to use the spinners more and better and earlier in games, and not just the old whole way of sort of an over before lunch, an over before tea and then quite a bit in the last session.”I think the way he’s bowling at the moment, and our mindset around it is to get him to bowl earlier and to bowl more in a day to help our quicks out. That’s certainly the way we want him to play, and I think he will appreciate that backing.”
Manchester United are now in a race with Tottenham Hotspur to sign an “unreal” defender who could be available for just £25 million, according to a new report.
Man Utd identify multiple defensive targets after Diego Leon arrival
Man United announced the arrival of Diego Leon over the weekend, who had to wait until he turned 18 to officially join the club. The young left-back became United’s second signing of the summer but is considered to be a player for the future, who will mostly look to impress Ruben Amorim on the training ground and in domestic cup competitions in the season to come.
Despite signing young defenders in the past two transfer windows, Leon may not be the only defender to arrive at Old Trafford this summer. According to a recent report, United are discussing a move to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter.
The German played an important role in Inter reaching the Champions League final last season, and his performances have now caught the eye of United and many other Premier League teams.
Amorim keen: Man Utd in contact to sign 28 y/o free agent in shock move
The Red Devils could make a surprise move…
BySean Markus Clifford Jul 6, 2025
As well as weighing up a move for Bisseck, United are also interested in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta after it became clear the Serie A side could be open to business should they receive an offer of around €60 million, which is roughly £51 million. But the list doesn’t stop there, as the Premier League giants add a new name to their list of defensive targets.
Man Utd now in race with Tottenham for De Winter
According to Caught Offside, Man United are actively monitoring Genoa centre-back Koni De Winter ahead of a potential move.
The report states that Amorim has identified De Winter as a potential target in this transfer window, as he looks to solve the club’s defensive issues. The Serie A side have set a valuation of €30–35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million.
However, United are not alone in their pursuit of De Winter, as Tottenham are also chasing the player, as well as the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma, but the English clubs are said to have an edge in the race, given their financial muscle.
Koni De Winter’s 24/25 Serie A stats
Apps
25
Starts
23
Goals
3
Clean sheets
7
Interceptions per game
1.0
Tackles per game
1.3
Clearances per game
4.5
Dribbled past per game
0.3
De Winter, who has been dubbed “unreal” by journalist Antonio Mango, joined Genoa on a permanent basis from Juventus last summer after a loan spell at the club. The centre-back, who can also operate as a right-back and a defensive midfielder, played 25 times in Serie A last season, scoring three goals in the process.
De Winter’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could see him be the upgrade to Harry Maguire, who remains a key part of Amorim’s plans, but only has 12 months remaining on his current deal.
A “superb” Celtic player is now in talks over a move away during the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
The Hoops continue to push hard for new signings this summer, with Aston Villa youngster Louie Barry seen as an option to come in and bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
The 22-year-old excelled on loan at Championship side Hull City last season, scoring 15 goals in just 22 starts in the league, and could be sold in a hurry as Villa look to beat the PSR deadline in England.
Girona striker Bojan Miovski has also been mentioned as an option for Celtic ahead of next season, with the 26-year-old proving himself at Aberdeen in the past, scoring an impressive 44 goals in 98 appearances for the club, and 30 in 68 Scottish Premiership matches.
Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji is another name in the mix, being tipped to potentially have as big an impact as Victor Wanyama did during his time at Parkhead.
"Superb" Celtic player in talks over exit
According to Joseph on X, Celtic bosses are “in talks” with Braga over a deal for centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, with Championship clubs also said to be “interested” in him.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports that Braga have “sent” a bid of £1.7m the Hoops’ way, with the defender “keen” on the move. If he did leave for that amount, Celtc would make a £1.3m loss, having signed him for £3m.
This does arguably feel like the right time for Lagerbielke’s Parkhead career to come to an end, even though Rodgers did hail him back in 2023 after a rare goal, praising his “superb” mentality.
“It was a great moment for him because he hasn’t been involved in squads, other guys have been in front of him. But his attitude in training in the main has been superb and he has always been ready. The irony of him being sent off and then getting the goal was great, a really nice moment for him.”
Last season, Lagebielke was loaned out to Dutch side FC Twente, with Celtic finding it hard to justify a place for him in the squad, and it doesn’t look as though the 25-year-old’s situation is going to change next term.
The Sweden international is at a point in his career where he needs to be featuring regularly at a permanent club, rather than warming the substitutes’ bench or being loaned out.
Dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic weighing up bid to sign "electric" £12m star
With Nicolas Kühn seemingly set to leave Celtic this summer, could Brendan Rodgers sign an “absolutely electric” replacement?
ByBen Gray Jun 27, 2025
He still has three years remaining on his current Celtic deal, so there is no reason why the Scottish champions can’t still receive a decent fee for him – more than £1.7m would be preferable – and he would surely jump at the opportunity to enjoy a fresh challenge.
Next season will be the start of a new era for Everton.
On Sunday, the Toffees played their 2,791th and final match at Goodison Park, waving goodbye to their home since 1894 with a 2-0 victory over Southampton; Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of a first half brace.
So, come August, the Blues will commence the new campaign at their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, with a renewed sense of optimism, given that the team have stabilised since David Moyes’ return, while new owners the Friedkin Group offer hope for the future too.
However, with one of Everton’s most-prized assets, potentially, on his way out this summer, have they already identified an ideal replacement?
Everton targeting defensive reinforcements
According to a report in Africa Foot, Everton are ‘considering’ making a move to sign defender Sinaly Diomandé, adding that ‘negotiations between the various parties are… underway’.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, the report adds that the Toffees are said to have ‘begun talks’ with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.
The 24-year-old Côte d’Ivoire international began his career at Olympique Lyonnais, making 85 appearances for les Gones, before joining Auxerre last summer on a free transfer, albeit, according to L’Équipe, Lyon will receive 50% of any future sale.
So, could the young defender be on the move again, this time to Merseyside?
How Diomande compares to Jarrad Branthwaite
Once again, as was the case last summer, Jarrad Branthwaite’s name features prominently in the transfer rumour mill.
Mick Brown of Football Insider claims that Chelsea are ‘considering’ a move to sign the centre-back, while it would be no surprise to see Manchester United come back into the equation this summer.
A year ago, as noted by Andy Hunter and Ben Fisher of the Guardian, Everton rejected two bids from Man United, the second of which was worth £50m, with Branthwaite valued at closer to £70m.
Nevertheless, even if Everton stand firm, interest in the England international will remain.
So, would Diomandé be a good replacement? Well, let’s find out.
Appearanes
30
23
Minutes
2,510
1,945
Pass accuracy %
83%
85%
Successful tackles
36
39
Clearances
188
96
Interceptions
27
30
Blocked shots
23
18
Ball recoveries
93
86
Duels contested
186
160
Duels won
118
94
% of aerial duels won
59%
54%
% of ground duels won
69%
61%
Touches per 90
56
59
Average Sofascore Rating
7.02
6.89
As the table outlines, the duo’s statistics are very similar across the board, with Branthwaite having the slight edge overall, albeit Diomandé does boast a better passing accuracy, while also registering more tackles and interceptions, as well as more touches per game.
One analyst noted that Diomandé is a talented youngster who has “shown some great things” during his time in Ligue 1, while Sébastien Denis of Foot Mercato believes he has “incredible qualities”.
Meantime, João Ruivo of Total Football Analysis praises his aerial prowess as well as his ability to register plenty of interceptions, assertions that are supported by the data, while Dom Corrigan of Target Scouting is impressed by his ‘calming presence’, adding that he is ‘capable of brilliant last ditch defending’.
Thus, it is clear that Diomandé is a young defender with serious potential, so, given Everton’s ongoing financial constraints, if they’re able to secure him at a cut-price, he could be an excellent addition to fill Branthwaite’s possible void.
Everton join race to sign "elite" £17m+ defender also wanted by Aston Villa
The Toffees are now in the frame to sign a centre-back, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.
ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025
After defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League last week, it’s safe to say Arsenal have demonstrated they are capable of battling with Europe’s elite.
Mikel Arteta has transformed the side after taking the reins in December 2020, overseeing a transition that has taken them back to Premier League title challengers in recent seasons.
However, the Spaniard is yet to complete the job of winning the title, desperately needing to push for such an achievement in 2025/26 to cement his legacy at the Emirates.
If the 43-year-old is to go one better and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph, he will need the hierarchy to support him in the transfer market to allow him to have the best chance of success.
With the summer rapidly approaching, rumours have already been swirling over potential targets, with most of the links being in the same area of the pitch.
An update on Arsenal’s pursuit of new forwards
Over the last couple of days, Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit of landing a new striker, with an update provided on the future of Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in making the Swede his number one target after previously holding talks with his representatives over a move to North London.
However, the latest update has confirmed that he’s not interested in a move to fellow English side Chelsea, potentially putting the Gunners in pole position for his signature in the coming months.
He’s not the only attacker touted with a move, with the likes of Kingsley Coman and Nico Williams also hugely admired ahead of the summer window.
According to one Spanish outlet, the Gunners are already in advanced talks to land the Athletic Club star and are more than willing to trigger his £50m release clause in the coming months.
Why the £50m star could be Arteta’s very own Vini Jr
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been one of Europe’s most deadly forwards in recent years, notching a tally of 45 goals across his last two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.
Many thought he would win the Ballon d’Or for 2024, but was pipped to the post by Manchester City’s Rodri, with his standing in such an award highlighting how threatening he has been in Madrid.
However, in the recent Champions League clashes with the LaLiga giants, Arsenal managed to silence the Brazilian for large spells, only managing to get on the scoresheet after a mistake within the backline.
There’s no denying he is a hugely talented player, with Arteta able to land his version of the superstar this summer should they complete a deal for Williams.
The Spaniard has been labelled as a similar player to Vini Jr by FBref based upon their respective figures from 2024/25, showcasing how impressive the transfer target has been.
When delving into the stats, the 22-year-old has managed to match or better the Madrid star in numerous key areas, with any move undoubtedly improving the forward line in North London.
Williams, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Eduardo Hagn, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.
Games played
27
25
Goals & assists
10
16
Shot-on-target accuracy
37%
30%
Shot-creating actions
5.2
5.2
Tackles won
0.8
0.2
Take-ons attempted
8.2
7.5
Aerials won
40%
12%
He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered, whilst also attempting more take-ons per 90, offering Arteta a real all-round threat within the final third should he join the club.
If the Gunners are to finally end their drought without a league title, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back the manager with the right additions to help him in his quest.
The Athletic Club star ticks all the boxes with his pace, constant attacking threat, and his end product, with the £50m fee touted a potential bargain should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Vini Jr in recent years.
Their own Yamal: Arsenal hold talks for £25m "future Ballon D'or winner"
The simply sensational talent could be a game-changer for Arsenal.
1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 19, 2025
Manchester United will, unsurprisingly, be focused on potential incomings this summer, albeit with manager Ruben Amorim having already confirmed that the club will need to sell to buy, amid their concerning financial situation.
Talk has already been rife in recent months regarding the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – following January interest from rivals Chelsea – while there have also been suggestions that LaLiga giants, Real Madrid, are plotting a £90m offer for Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese playmaker – who revealed he turned down an “offer” to leave last summer – has warranted those admiring glances following what’s been another fine campaign on an individual basis, with the United skipper leading the way at Old Trafford for both goals and assists in 2024/25 to date.
Those rumours have, however, subsequently been put to bed by Amorim, with the 40-year-old outling that his compatriot is “not going anywhere”, particularly with his current deal not set to expire until 2027, plus the option of a further 12 months.
In truth, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to be without their captain and their talisman, with the former Sporting CP hero representing a real outlier with regard to the club’s recruitment over the last decade.
While there have been promising signs from recent arrivals such as Noussair Mazraoui, not since Fernandes has a marquee signing truly hit the ground running in a United shirt – perhaps that could be set to change…
Latest on Man Utd's transfer interest
The arrival of Amorim and the change to a 3-4-3 has ensured that specialised targets will need to be considered this summer, albeit with CEO Omar Berrada having only recently outlined that the club will look to acquire versatile players who can play in “multiple positions”, amid the potential of a possible change in the dugout later down the line.
While that approach may be sensible considering the Red Devils have too often been led by the manager on the transfer front – as indicated by Erik ten Hag’s raft of Eredivisie or Dutch signings above – the Old Trafford hierarchy do still need to ensure that Amorim is handed the appropriate tools to fit his preferred system.
With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United are among the clubs who are interested in prizing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the England international currently operating in Oliver Glasner’s own 3-4-3 set-up.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The suggestion is that INEOS are preparing to make an offer to land the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the Eagles set to accept nothing less than his reported £60m release clause.
The former Queens Park Rangers starlet – who moved to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal in the summer of 2020 – is also reportedly the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, with United thus facing a real fight if they are to land his signature.
Should Berrada and co move to the front of the queue, however, landing this ready-made, proven Premier League sensation could represent the club’s best move since acquiring Fernandes back in January 2020.
Man Utd could be eyeing their best signing since Fernandes
Having been linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Fernandes eventually made his way to England less than six months later, with the Red Devils forking out an initial fee of around £46m.
From a Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portugal star simply hasn’t looked back, registering 95 goals and 82 assists in 278 games in all competitions.
What has been a particular feature of the £300k-per-week star’s game, excluding his creativity and availability, is also his willingness to slot into a variety of roles, having lined up as a deep-lying midfielder, a number ten or even on the flanks in recent years.
Those traits are no doubt shared by Eze, with the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee comfortable in either of the two number ten berths in Glasner’s system, as well as part of the midfield two. Equally, on international duty, the in-demand playmaker scored for the Three Lions against Latvia, having been introduced off the left flank.
Described as a “frightening” talent by teammate Joel Ward, at 26 – just a year older than Fernandes was when he moved to Old Trafford – Eze could well be entering his prime years, having stayed put in south London despite persistent speculation regarding an exit in recent times.
As previously stated, his proven quality in the Premier League should ensure he is able to slot straight into Amorim’s ranks and make an immediate impact, in a similar mould to Fernandes, having registered 58 goals and assists in 156 games for Palace to date.
In 2024/25, meanwhile, Eze boasts six goals and nine assists in all competitions, with that tally including a return of two goals and six assists in the top flight to date for Glasner’s in-form outfit.
Eze PL season in numbers
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games
25
Goals
2
Assists
6
Big chances created
9
Big chances missed
7
Key passes*
2.0
Touches*
52.4
Pass accuracy*
82%
Successful dribbles*
2.1
Possession lost*
14.5
Stats via Sofascore
Those numbers may not be too eye-catching, yet dig a little deeper, and it is easy to see the Englishman’s quality, as outlined by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% among his Premier League peers for successful take-ons, as well as in the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.
That dribbling prowess was on show in last week’s FA Cup win over Fulham as Eze weaved his way past a sea of defenders before curling home a stunning effort into the far corner, having also teed up teammate Ismaila Sarr following a delightful jinking run down the left wing.
Previously described as a “Champions League player” by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, the £100k-per-week genius is – as Fernandes was five years ago – ready to make that next step. United should welcome him in with open arms…
Lukaku 2.0: Man Utd holding talks over signing £40m "wrecking ball"
Man Utd are on the hunt for a new striker this summer…
ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025
Wolves and their search for a new manager took a dramatic twist on Saturday with news of Rob Edwards standing down from the dugout for Middlesbrough’s clash against Birmingham, but he hasn’t been the only tactician on the Old Gold’s shortlist.
Their disastrous season has plunged from bad to worse, with the club now desperately scrambling to appoint Edwards after Vitor Pereira was sacked on November 2.
Wolves’ winless start has left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, and they remain the only side without a victory in England’s top four divisions, having taken just two points from their opening 10 top flight games.
History is firmly against them – no club has ever survived with two or fewer points at this stage of a Premier League season — a stat which seriously threatens to condemn Wolves to relegation after eight straight years in the top tier.
Wolves 0-4 Man City
Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves
Wolves 2-3 Everton
Newcastle 1-0 Wolves
Wolves 1-3 Leeds United
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
Wolves 1-1 Brighton
Sunderland 2-0 Wolves
Wolves 2-3 Burnley
Fulham 3-0 Wolves
Wolves have also become only the third side in Premier League history to concede 20 or more goals in their opening 10 games of two consecutive seasons, shipping 27 last season and 22 this campaign.
After Pereira’s dismissal, and following their week-long managerial search, Fosun have now turned their attention to Edwards.
The 42-year-old was once part of the club’s coaching staff, working with the U18s in 2014 before being promoted to a first-team coaching role in 2015. Since then, Edwards guided Luton Town to Premier League promotion in 2023, and made a fine start to life at Boro this season.
However, he could now be on the move just months after signing a three-year contract.
The situation reached breaking point today when Edwards was stood down from taking charge of Boro’s home game against Birmingham amid continued interest from Wolves. Edwards also didn’t take Boro training on Friday, and his pre-match press conference was cancelled, after Boro rejected Wolves’ approach seeking permission to hold talks on Thursday (Sky Sports).
Now, it is believed that Edwards is “looking likely to join Wolves” as he eyes a return to the top flight.
Boro released a statement today too, confirming that they’ve now granted Edwards permission to speak to Wolves.
All of this comes after Wolves initially explored bringing back former manager Gary O’Neil, but he withdrew from the race citing a timing issue.
Major twist on Gary O'Neil's future after advanced talks to re-join Wolves
Now, as per TEAMtalk, there’s been a “major twist” on O’Neil’s own future after his “advanced talks” to re-join Wolves.
According to their information, following a “dramatic U-turn” over returning to Molineux, with O’Neil once believed to be closing in on an agreement, it is now believed that Southampton is his most likely destination.
The Saints have made an approach to O’Neil, and talks are expected to intensify in the coming days as all parties seek to reach a swift deal.
Taking this into account, it is a wonder why O’Neil ruled himself out of the Wolves job but could now take up a position with the struggling Championship side.
O’Neil was appointed Wolves head coach in August 2023 and led the club to a 14th-placed finish and the FA Cup quarter-finals in his first season. More impressively, despite inheriting a squad in turmoil just days before the season began following Julen Lopetegui’s abrupt exit, and with minimal transfer backing, he steered the side to a respectable finish and earned plaudits for steadying the ship.
His first season included victories over Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, with Wolves reaching eighth at their peak that campaign.
O’Neil apparently remains “highly respected” in Premier League circles too (Miguel Delaney), but after his rejection, Edwards appears to be closing in on the role.
The Holliday family had a full circle baseball moment when Ethan Holliday, the son of former seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, was selected by the Colorado Rockies with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 MLB draft on July 13. Not only was Ethan Holliday the second son of Matt to be drafted into the big leagues, but he was selected by the team where the elder Holliday began his baseball career.
But Holliday's selection was far from just a marquee moment for his career, as well as a monumental one for his family. It also led to the phenon making MLB history.
The Rockies signed Holliday to a $9 million deal, according to MLB.com. The deal set a draft bonus record, surpassing the previous mark, which was set by 2025 No. 1 pick Eli Willits of the Washington Nationals. The record before that was held by none other than Holliday's older brother Jackson, of the Baltimore Orioles.
Holliday, a 6' 4" infielder, is regarded by MLB Pipeline as the top prospect in the 2025 draft. He hit .617 with 16 home runs in just 32 games during his senior year at Stillwater High School.
Now, he'll literally be following in his father's footsteps.
"This is a really incredible opportunity," Holliday said on MLB Network after being selected in the draft. "I'm so driven by faith, I'm so grateful. The Lord has really been the centerpiece of my life. I don't even know what words I can put to this. The Rockies organization, I'm so thankful, obviously with the family, the background, and my dad being drafted by them, that just adds such a cool thing. Knowing everyone in the organization since I was born, I'm just so grateful."
تحدث عمرو بسيوني مدير التعاقدات ونائب المدير الرياضي بنادي بيراميدز، على بيان الأهلي بشان دعم رمان صبحي لاعب الفريق السماوي بعد أزمة إيقافه لمدة 4 سنوات من قبل الوكالة الدولي لمكافحة المنشطات وأيضًا قضية حبسه بسبب التلاعب في أوراق رسمية.
وقال عمرو بسيوني في تصريحات لقناة “النهار”: “بيراميدز على أتم الاستعداد للمواجهة المقبلة في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا أمام باور ديناموز”.
وأضاف: “استقبلنا بيان الأهلي بتقدير شديد عن دعم رمضان صبحي، شيء ليس غريب عن الأهلي ومجلسه بقيادة الخطيب، رمضان صبحي هو واحد من أفراد عائلة بيراميدز، يمر بمشكلتين كبار جدًا في وقت قصير”.
وتابع: “رمضان صبحي يحتاج إلى جهود كل شخص متواجد في المنظومة الكروية المصرية، رمضان شاب أعطى الكثير للكرة في مصر، لاعب دولي وكان له دور كبير في السنوات الماضية ببيراميدز”.
طالع.. ترتيب مجموعة بيراميدز في دوري أبطال إفريقيا بعد فوز نهضة بركان على ريفرز يونايتد
وتابع: “الأهلي هو أكبر قلعة رياضية في مصر هو والزمالك، خطوات الخطيب محترمة ومشرفة جدًا، دائمًا في كل مواقفنا نحرص على التعاون المستمر والعلاقة التي تسودها الود والاحترام مع الأهلي، ودائمًا نتحدث كيف نقرب المسافات المتواجدة بين الناديين، المشاكل المتواجدة على السوشيال ميديا، والعلاقة بين الإدارتين محترمة جدًا”.
وأردف: “علاقتنا جيدة بمجلس إدارة الأهلي، دائمًا عندما نتقابل في المباريات تكون هناك حفاوة، العلاقات الشخصية في المسؤولين بالأهلي هائلة ومحترمة، ولو هناك فرصة نزور الأهلي سيكون شيئًا هائلًا أو العكس”.
وشدد: “رمضان صبحي يستحق مننا تظافر كل الجهود لكي نقف بجانبه، يجب أن يشعر أن هناك ناس في ظهره وتساعده بشتى الطرق، نحترم القضاء المصري، من حقنا ومن واجبنا نقف بجانبه، وبعض الشائعات ظهرت بالأمس أن النادي لن يجدد لرمضان صبحي؟ الموسم الماضي رمضان جدد عقده لمدة 4 سنوات، هو فرد من عائلة بيراميدز، المشاكل وارده في حياتنا أهم شيء يشعر أنه يوجد أحد في ظهره، لم يطرح من الأساس فكرة ايقاف التعاقد معه أو فسخ عقده، هذا الكلام ليس وقته”.
وأكمل: “مايلي واسامة جلال عقودهما تنتهي بنهاية الموسم، محمد حمدي عقده مستمر لموسم مقبل، ومايلي افضل لاعب في إفريقيا ومهاجم كبير وإضافة كبيرة لبيراميدز وللدوري المصري بشكل عام، ونحاول أن نحافظ على اللاعبين المميزين، سنبدأ التفاوض معه على التجديد عقده، هو حاليًا أصبح أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا ومتبفي في عقده 6 أشهر”.
واختتم: “مايلي حتى الآن لم يوقع بشكل رسمي على التجديد، ويجب أن تكون الرغبة متبادلة بين الطرفين، ونحن نريد استمراره، وهو سعيد بتواجده في بيراميدز، وأسامة جلال لاعب هائل وصادفه سوء حظ بسبب الإصابة وفتحنا التفاوض معه ومع وكيله وفي أقرب فرصة ملف أسامة سيكون منتهيًا”.