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Emma Jones, Alice Davidson-Richards shine with centuries before rain hits

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Sep-2025Surrey 313 for 5 (Jones 141, Davidson-Richards 107) vs Essex match abandonedRain denied Surrey the chance of securing a semi-final spot in the Metro Bank Women’s One-Day Cup, after centuries from Emma Jones and Alice Davidson-Richards had put them in a commanding position over Essex.With Somerset washed out away to Hampshire, a bonus-point victory for Surrey would have been enough to secure fourth place ahead of their final match away to Durham on Saturday.Instead, the rain, which arrived at the innings break and didn’t stop, means the match at Chester-le-Street now turns into an effective quarter-final, with Durham in fifth place and only three points behind Surrey.Surrey had made two changes to their team that lost to Lancashire at the weekend, one of which was Jones coming in at No.3 in place of Alice Capsey.Jones had played just one fifty-over match for Surrey this year, and while showing glimpses with the bat across the T20 season, no-one predicted that her inclusion would bring such dramatic results, as she compiled a chanceless 141 off only 117 balls to record her first century for Surrey.Jones entered this season without a half-century to her name in List A cricket, but has now scored two massive centuries in the format, after making 147 not out off 101 balls earlier this year while on loan at Glamorgan.After rain early in the day, Surrey’s innings had been reduced to 45 overs, although they still managed to finish on 313 for 5 on what was a difficult day in the field for Essex, who with just two wins from 13 matches, remain bottom of the table.”Jonesy was hitting them wonderfully,” said Davidson-Richards, who made 107.”I was just enjoying helping her along and watching her smash fours at the other end. I think sometimes it’s really simple and you just realise how the other person is ticking. It was a really nice partnership.”

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O Palmeiras se incomodou com o acordo feito entre São Paulo e o Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva da Federação Paulista de Futebol (FPF) sobre as polêmicas no Choque-Rei. As partes definiram o pagamento de multas para dirigentes e jogadores do Tricolor envolvidos na confusão, evitando punições aos são-paulinos.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Anderson Barros, diretor de futebol do Palmeiras, entende que o acordo abre um precedente no futebol brasileiro, e questionou a ausência de punição aos envolvidos no lado do São Paulo.

➡️Com R$100, você pode levar R$300 na Lance! Betting se RB Bragantino e Botafogo empatarem

– Se comete um ato grave e para não ser punido levanta o dedo e pede desculpas? E mais, vaza-se um vídeo antes da transação (disciplinar esportiva) ser assinada. Acho que estamos perdendo por completo a noção do que é racional em uma situação como essa – disse o dirigente palmeirense ao ge.

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Em vídeo vazado na terça-feira (12), Belmonte pediu desculpas a Abel Ferreira por chamá-lo de “português de me…”. O diretor do São Paulo explicou que buscava identificar o treinador do Palmeiras ao árbitro do jogo, Matheus Candançan.

– Nunca foi enviado ao Palmeiras (o vídeo) e não cabe enviar ao Palmeiras. Um vídeo transacional eu não consigo entender que ele tem valor que tem que ter. Quando você quer pedir desculpas a alguém, vai falar com a pessoa – esbravejou Anderson Barros.

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➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

A única chance de Palmeiras e São Paulo se enfrentarem na semifinal do Paulistão seria se o Verdão avancasse, o Tricolor passasse pelo Novorizontino nos pênaltis, o Red Bull Bragantino vencesse a Inter de Limeira e o Santos eliminasse a Portuguesa (no tempo normal ou pênaltis).

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Wilfried Nancy will manage his first match in charge of Celtic this afternoon as Hearts come to Parkhead in a top-of-the-table clash in the Scottish Premiership.

It will be interesting to see what tactical changes he has been able to implement after only a few days on the training pitch, as his usual system with his former club is different from the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape that the Hoops have played this season.

Per FBRef, Nancy played with a 3-4-2-1 or a 3-4-3 system in 31 of his 43 matches with Columbus Crew this year in all competitions, often playing with two second strikers or number tens behind a main centre-forward.

If the French boss goes with his favoured 3-4-2-1 system, he could ruthlessly drop Luke McCowan from the team that started against Dundee last time out.

Why Wilfried Nancy should drop Luke McCowan

The Scottish midfielder has started the last two league matches on the right wing in Martin O’Neill’s 4-2-3-1 system, but he has been ineffective in a new role, lacking the dynamism and pace required to be effective in that area of the pitch.

McCowan, who has not scored since the opening day of the season, did not score a goal or create a ‘big chance’ for the team against Hibernian or Dundee as a winger, per Sofascore.

He also completed just two of his five attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, struggling with the explosive turn of pace that is often needed to make things happen on the wing, whilst he also lost seven of his 11 duels in total across both matches.

These statistics suggest that McCowan should be dropped irrespective of a change in formation, but a change in shape to a 3-4-2-1 would allow Nancy to ditch the Scotsman by unleashing Johnny Kenny in a new role.

The new role that Johnny Kenny could play for Celtic

It has been a rollercoaster couple of months for the Ireland international, who went from rarely playing under Brendan Rodgers to scoring four goals in O’Neill’s first four games, to now being on the bench behind Daizen Maeda.

Kenny has been an unused substitute in the last three matches, which means that he has still scored four goals in his last five appearances for the club, per Sofascore, and Nancy could bring him back into the fold as an attacking midfielder or second striker.

The two roles behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 system are unique because it can be a very fluid front three with a lot of movement, and that could suit both Kenny and Maeda, the former of whom has been praised for his “top-drawer” mentality by his former Sligo Rovers coach Conor O’Grady.

Celtic’s Irish striker has shown that he can score goals for the club, with his four-goal burst under O’Neill, but Nancy’s job is to find the best way to fit him into the system to get the best out of him.

Per Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old star has never played as a second striker or as an attacking midfielder in his career to date. It is a role that could suit him quite nicely, though.

As you can see in the XI above, Kenny could play as one of two players behind Maeda, who is a relentless pressing forward who can also play deeper or out wide, and could rotate across all three positions.

This fluidity could suit the Irishman because of his mobility and desire to run beyond the last line to create chances for himself, without being the focal point who has to bring physicality and hold up play, because it will be Maeda in that position.

Of course, it is hard to judge how the system will look until Nancy has had a few games to test things out and more time on the training pitch to coach the players, but Kenny seems like a player who could benefit from a 3-4-2-1 formation.

That change in shape, whilst helping the striker, would also allow the manager to drop an underperforming player, McCowan, from the starting line-up to provide the young forward with a chance to shine in a brand-new role in his career.

Better than Maeda: Celtic star is going to be undroppable under Nancy

This Celtic star who was even better than Daizen Maeda against Dundee should be Wilfried Nancy’s first undroppable star.

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By
Dan Emery

Dec 4, 2025

Dylan Cease became the first big free agent to sign this offseason, agreeing with the Blue Jays on a seven-year, $210 million contract Wednesday. The deal makes the former Padre one of the highest-paid pitchers in the sport as he now earns a salary of $30 million per year.

Though Cease has had his share of inconsistencies, starting pitchers are the most valuable position in the sport and there are only so many with his talent level available. As such, he was able to cash in with a huge deal. After Cease, there are a number of pitchers that also could sign big deals in the coming years, including teammate Michael King, Ranger Suarez and most notably, two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.

Now that Cease has agreed to sign with the Blue Jays, here’s a look at MLB’s highest-paid pitchers.

Who is the highest-paid pitcher in MLB?

The highest-paid pitcher is Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who earns a massive $70 million a year. Ohtani is of course also a designated hitter and four-time MVP, which is why his contract is so much bigger than any other pitcher.

Between pitchers who do not also hit, Phillies’ Zack Wheeler is the highest-paid starter on an annual basis.

Top 10 highest-paid pitchers in MLB

Here are the top-10 highest-paid pitchers in MLB ranked by annual salary.

Pitcher

Team

Annual Salary

Total Contract Value

Shohei Ohtani*

Dodgers

$70 million

$700 million

Zack Wheeler

Phillies

$42 million

$126 million

Jacob deGrom

Rangers

$37 million

$185 million

Blake Snell

Dodgers

$36.4 million

$182 million

Gerrit Cole

Yankees

$36 million

$324 million

Corbin Burnes

Diamondbacks

$35 million

$210 million

Dylan Cease

Blue Jays

$30 million

$210 million

Garrett Crochet

Red Sox

$28.333 million

$170 million

Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers

$27.312 million

$136.562 million

Max Fried

Yankees

$27.25 million

$218 million

Cease’s contract with the Blue Jays makes him the seventh-highest paid pitcher annually and tied for the fifth-highest based on total value. Since free agency began last year in 2024, Cease, Snell, Burnes, Crochet and Fried have all signed massive deals that have made them some of the league’s highest-paid pitchers.

Cease is notably the only player on the above list that has not made an All-Star Game. Though he has loads of talent, he has been inconsistent, going 8–12 with a 4.55 ERA in 2025.

How pitcher salaries have changed over time

Salaries for baseball players and pitchers have exponentially grown over time, and especially since the 1970s. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the highest-paid players were making low six figures. In 1979, Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan became MLB’s first player to earn at least $1 million in a season when he signed with the Astros on a four-year, $4.5 million deal.

By the late 1990s, pitchers like Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux were commanding upwards of $10 million per year. That number rose to over $20 million a decade later for Johan Santana, and even surpassed $30 million in the 2010s for pitchers like Zach Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. MLB’s top pitchers are primarily making between $30-$40 million per year still.

How pitcher salaries compare to other positions

Top starting pitchers are among the highest-paid players in baseball. Wheeler is MLB’s third-highest paid player on an annual basis, behind only Ohtani and Juan Soto, who makes an average of $51 million per season as part of his 15-year pact with the Mets. Of the 10 highest-paid players in MLB, five are pitchers––not including Ohtani.

Despite not being in the lineup every day, typically only playing once every five to six games, quality starting pitching is hard to come by, and thus top of the line starters are rewarded handsomely. Starters typically appear in a little more than 30 games per season, barring injury, whereas players like Soto, Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Mike Trout, all of whom command huge contracts and rightfully so, are expected to play almost every game.

Lionel Messi made MLS Cup playoffs history with a dominant individual display as Inter Miami thrashed FC Cincinnati 4-0 to progress to the Eastern Conference finals. The World Cup-winning Argentina legend was involved in every goal, contributing one of his own and three assists for his team to leave the David Beckham-owned club just two games away from winning their first-ever MLS Cup.

Messi scripts MLS Cup Playoffs history

Messi opened the scoring for Inter Miami with a brilliant header in the 18th minute. The goal came after a swift counterattack sparked by former Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba, who intercepted a misplaced pass from Nick Hagglund in midfield. The Spaniard quickly found Messi in a central pocket, and the Argentina star slid a perfectly-weighted ball out to Mateo Silvetti on the left. The youngster then sent an inch-perfect cross into the box, and Messi met it with a bouncing header that beat goalkeeper Roman Celentano and nestled into the far corner.

The 38-year-old then returned the favour to his compatriot Silvetti as he provided the assist for his goal in the second period. Messi went on to set up two more assists for Tadeo Allende as Inter Miami completed the rout of FC Cincinnati. With a combined four goals and assists in the clash, Messi created history as he now has 12 goal contributions, the most in the history of the MLS Cup playoffs.

AdvertisementInter Miami two games away from winning MLS Cup

Messi has certainly changed Inter Miami's fortunes since joining the club in a high-profile transfer in 2023. The club which made its debut in 2020 and finished among the top 10 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference, won the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2024 under the leadership of the Argentina captain. In the subsequent campaign, Messi has now led the Herons to the Conference finals and is only two games away from helping the club win its first-ever MLS Cup. He has also enjoyed a stellar run of form in the current season, as he has scored 43 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions and has provided 23 assists. He is on course to win back-to-back MVP awards in the MLS.

Getty/GOALMascherano hails Messi

Speaking after the crucial victory, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said: "Messi is an amazing player. He is good at handling the ball and pressing. Coaching him is my privilege." He added: "We still haven't achieved anything. We need more focus. We must show our best performance in the next match to reach the MLS final."

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Up next: Inter Miami gear up for New York City

In the other Eastern Conference semi-final, New York City FC edged out Philadelphia Union 1-0 and will now face a red-hot Inter Miami side, led by Messi, in the final on November 29. The kind of form Messi and his team have displayed, fans can remain hopeful of reaching the final game for the ultimate prize. 

Leeds United desperately need to pick up form in the Premier League or risk being pushed deeper into the relegation mix in the unforgiving division.

Indeed, looking back at the Whites’ recent fortunes, it’s been four defeats from their last five clashes in the intense league, which has left Daniel Farke walking a very fine tightrope in terms of keeping his job post.

For the moment, though, he has kept his employment, even as whispers emerge that an out-of-work Brendan Rodgers is in line to replace the under-fire German.

He will have to make some crunch selection decisions moving forward to continue to hold onto his spot in the Elland Road dug-out, with Jaka Bijol surely one presence who will be dropped as his relegation-threatened outfit do battle with Aston Villa this coming Saturday.

Bijol's woes for club and country

The Slovenian would have hoped that a breather with Slovenia during the international break would be able to distract him from the misery being served up in West Yorkshire.

Across his last two starts back on English soil, the former Udinese defender would give up six goals to both Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest in porous showings, with just one tackle won on the road at the Seagulls and the Tricky Trees.

Unfortunately for the 6-foot-3 centre-back, who was once hailed as an “absolute rock” for his nation by European football expert Zach Lowy, no such respite would arrive.

Instead, Bijol’s domestic horrors would follow him to the international stage, as Kosovo got the better of his nation 2-0 to rip up their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Bijol even came out after the 2-0 defeat to lament the loss as a “painful” one to take, with Farke likely now even more willing to drop him for the test of Villa up next, with Unai Emery and Co no doubt wanting to prey on his frail nature, having put four goals past a usually formidable AFC Bournemouth just before the break.

The real question remains – who would come into the side to replace the shaky £15m recruit? Pascal Struijk feels like the obvious candidate, owing to his long-standing Premier League experience, which saw him win a commanding 12 duels against Burnley back in October.

Yet, the Dutchman has only featured in one league win for the Whites this season, which might well alarm Farke as he desperately hunts down all the victories he can get, with a left-field option perhaps taking his fancy more.

Leeds' surprise Bijol replacement

Farke could be prepared to be more risky with his team selections in the near future, as he scrambles to find whatever winning formula is out there.

Starting some promising Leeds youngsters could well be a viable option, as he attempts to instil some fresh blood into his tired set-up.

Alfie Cresswell is perhaps one U21s regular now deserving of some senior minutes, ahead of a declining Bijol.

After all, last season, Cresswell picked up the U21s Player of the Season accolade for his strong defensive performances, with the ex-Norwich City manager also going out of his way recently to label the young captain as a “very talented” gem to keep around for the future.

With seven goals also under his belt at U21 level for the West Yorkshire giants, he would surely complement Joe Rodon well at the back, who has remained in the good books with two league strikes himself.

Games played

36

Minutes played

3,066 mins

Goals scored

7

Assists

2

Tipped to only get “stronger and stronger” in the Thorp Arch youth system by player agent Hayden Evans, it could be deemed a surprise that Cresswell hasn’t been utilised at all in the senior picture yet, knowing Farke’s previous successes in this department with the likes of Archie Gray.

Gray sorted out the Whites during the 2023/24 season when they were short on options in the right-back spot, and with Cresswell also being well accustomed to lining up as a defensive midfielder and as a full-back for the U21s, he would be a worthwhile presence to have around in the current bleak camp, away from just being tipped to oust Bijol.

While Cresswell continues to earn rave reviews, Bijol has failed to settle in England and was noted by Slovenian outlet RTV SLO for contributing to a Slovenia defeat against Kosovo, where “everything went wrong.”

For Farke’s job security, he should ditch the former Serie A titan for the test of Villa, with Cresswell in line for some senior opportunities shortly.

Leeds and 49ers keen to sign Troy Parrott in January after Ireland heroics

This would be much-needed for Daniel Farke.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 17, 2025

The ICC is set to approve a continental qualification system to decide the six participating teams in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That means that Full Members such as Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka among others, could miss out on cricket’s much-anticipated return to the Olympics after over a century.ESPNcricinfo understands that the board discussed a proposal at the recent AGM which allows for one team from each continent. Though some details still need to be finalised, in essence, the majority approval for a regional qualification system is in place, with a minority of members expressing dissent.Six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories will contest for Olympic medals between July 14 and 29 in 2028 after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed cricket to be added to the roster for the first time since the Paris 1900 Olympics. While the ICC’s initial thinking was that it would shortlist the top six-ranked teams at a pre-determined cut-off date, several Full Member countries believed such an approach wouldn’t allow for a wider representation of countries from across the globe.Related

• Boards set to discuss India-Pakistan fallout during ICC quarterly meeting

• Fairgrounds in Pomona to host cricket at LA28 Olympics

• Cricket at LA28: both men's and women's events to be six-team contests

• Cricket at LA Olympics 2028 to start on July 12

That has now changed to a one-country-per-continent qualification system, which is thought to be more in line with the Olympic participation ethos.Which countries are shortlisted will be based on the rankings on a set date. But if the ICC plan goes through, it could mean the Olympics may not have one of the most widely watched contests in global sport: India vs Pakistan. Based on the current ICC T20 rankings, in both men’s and women’s competitions, India will qualify from Asia, Australia from Oceania, England from Europe, with one between USA or one of the islands from the Caribbean from the Americas, while South Africa qualify from Africa. ESPNcricinfo understands that the ICC is still discussing the participation of USA, who potentially get direct entry as hosts.But questions remain around the make-up of the USA men’s team, the majority of whom are US residents but not naturalised US citizens. The ICC is also concerned that the USA women’s team are not in the top 20-ranked teams at the moment. A final decision is likely to be taken at the ICC’s next quarterly meeting in October.The ECB, along with Cricket Scotland and Cricket Ireland, have formed Great Britain Cricket as an entity, which will help facilitate players from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to represent Great Britain at the Games.An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for Brisbane 2032 Olympics•Queensland Government

As for West Indies, CWI wrote to ICC in May, pitching two ideas that could allow one of the regional countries to represent the Caribbean in the Olympics. One suggestion was an internal qualifying tournament conducted among the Caribbean countries with the winner heading to the Olympics. The other involved conducting a global qualifying pathway that would pit countries in the five ICC development regions alongside regions in the West Indies.For the sixth team, the ICC is considering the option of a global qualifier, the structure for which is still being fine-tuned.Speaking on Thursday to BBC’s , ECB chairman Richard Thompson said that the IOC was keen on having a team from each continent which satisfies the Olympics charter. “The preference from the IOC is to work to the ‘five ring’ principle, which is teams from each of the continents represent their continent,” Thompson said.The ICC is also optimistic about increasing the number of participating teams in the next two Olympics – in 2032 in Brisbane and in 2036, the venue for which is yet to be finalised by IOC. Thompson said that with India expected to bid hard to host the 2036 Summer Games, cricket could receive a massive boost.”The hope is, when we get to Brisbane, we might be up to eight or ten teams, and in 2036, there’s a three-way shoot-out between Qatar, Saudi and India, and clearly the real hope is that India get in it 2036, in which case, cricket will be front and centre. Who knows? It could be ten or 12 teams by that stage.”At this stage, we are there by the invitation of the IOC and on that basis, you abide by their rules, and that is to play the geography of your game as opposed to necessarily the top six playing nations.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking at signing a Manchester City player in the January transfer window, it has been revealed.

Edwards calls Wolves return a “dream”

Rob Edwards’ return to Molineux as Wolves manager was sealed during the international break, with the 42-year-old costing around £3m in compensation from Championship side Middlesbrough.

The former Old Gold defender, coach and interim head coach has signed a deal in the Midlands until 2029 and is now preparing his side for a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace

November 22nd

Aston Villa vs Wolves

November 30th

Wolves vs Nottingham Forest

December 3rd

Wolves vs Man Utd

December 8th

Arsenal vs Wolves

December 13th

Wolves vs Brentford

December 20th

Liverpool vs Wolves

December 27th

Man Utd vs Wolves

December 30th

Talking to Wolves’ official media, Edwards revealed that a return is a “dream” and that he is “ready” to try and take the club off the bottom of the table.

“It means a lot. This club’s really special. It’s special anyway, but it’s special to me because it’s where I’ve spent most of my professional career and where I played most of my football.

“Then to have done a lot of the roles that I’ve done, I’ve got to be honest, this job was always my aim. This is the dream.

“I know the situation that we’re in right now, but this is just something that I’ve always wanted, and I’m ready for it. I’m ready for the challenge, I’m up for it, and it’s been great getting around everybody, seeing so many faces that I know, and new faces as well.

“The staff are all up for it and we’ll meet the players next week when everyone arrives back, and I know the lads will be as well.”

To help Wolves try and avoid the drop, Fosun are ready to back Edwards in the January transfer window with the necessary funds to make new signings.

Now, another transfer target has emerged for those in the Midlands.

Wolves looking to sign Kalvin Phillips from Man City

According to Football Insider, Wolves have set their sights on signing Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

It is claimed that Wolves ‘will explore both loan and permanent deals’, with Edwards ‘eager to add some top-flight nous to his ranks’.

Phillips, on £150,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium, looks set to leave Pep Guardiola’s side in the New Year after failing to get a move away in the summer.

He has been called a “monster” in the past and has the experience of a relegation battle with Leeds United, avoiding the drop with the Whites in the 2021/22 season before earning his move to Manchester.

However, nearly four years on, the England international could be set for a permanent return to a side battling at the bottom, rivalling the likes of Andre, Joao Gomes, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi for a starting role in Edwards’ side.

Wolves offer for "world-class" Real Madrid player, want deal done quickly

Ghana boss Otto Addo has urged Antoine Semenyo to take the "next step" and leave Bournemouth amid links with Liverpool and Manchester City. The 25-year-old has a £65 million ($87m) release clause, which is only active until a specific date in the January transfer window. As teams consider a move for him, his national manager thinks it is "natural" for the flying winger to secure a transfer away.

• Semenyo happy at Bournemouth for now

  Over the summer, the former Bristol City star, who has also been linked with Tottenham, penned a new bumper deal until 2030 – seemingly putting paid to a Bournemouth departure. 

  At the time of extending his contract, he said: "I've grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I'm really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season. From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can't speak highly enough of the people around the club. It's a great place to be and I'm excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner."

  However, it recently emerged that Semenyo has a £65m January release clause, which reportedly is set to drop to £50m ($66.6m) next summer. The wide man – who has scored six goals and bagged three assists in 13 Premier League appearances this season – seems destined for a big-money move, something Ghana head coach Addo is pushing for.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Semenyo urged to make transfer exit

  After it was revealed that Semenyo's Ghana would take on England in the group stages of the 2026 World Cup, Addo spoke about the in-demand player's future.

  He told at Friday's World Cup draw: "He has done very well at Bournemouth, but with all the respect for Bournemouth and what they’re doing, surely it is natural for him to take the next step. Whether its in the winter or summer, it is a difference question but it won’t make a difference for us. I’m looking forward to him showing more of what he can to the world."

  Incidentally, Ghana and England will also face off against Croatia and Panama in Group L.

• Iraola not thinking about Semenyo's future

  In November, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola stated he is not worried about speculation that Semenyo could leave the club in January. However, since these remarks, the Cherries have slid down to 14th in the Premier League after being in the top four earlier this season.

  He told reporters last month: "We are in November. Antoine is our player, he will continue being our player. In January, you can ask me about the market in January, but right now I'm not worried about the next markets. It's something that especially you know that I hate to talk about in August, January, the moments when the market is open, but it is not one of those moments. It's November. I'm more worried about the situation of the players to play tomorrow, the short-term, the things that really matter and in January, we will talk about whatever happens, the players we need. But it is not something that I'm worried about today."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Semenyo?

  Bournemouth, who have lost four of their last five league games, will hope to end their wretched run of form when they host Chelsea – who will be looking to bounce back from their own shock 3-1 defeat to lowly Leeds United in midweek. They may need Semenyo to be firing on all cylinders if they are to win this contest on Saturday afternoon in front of their home fans.

  Iraola added: "I expect the best Chelsea. We know this before we play tomorrow, so we have to be at our very best because the opposition is playing very well. They are getting better and better with Enzo [Maresca] and I think they will demand a lot [from us] defensively.

  "The players understand that now we are in a period where we will need to rotate the team a little bit to change players because we are playing every three, four days. Obviously, everyone wants to start but I'm also very happy with the performance of and the attitude of everyone that comes on the bench."

Spinner revealed last week that England had released him from his deal after Ashes omission

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2025

Jack Leach has signed a contract extension with Somerset after revealing that he has been released from his England central contract.Leach has played 39 Tests for England, most recently on their tour to Pakistan a year ago, and was the only spinner to take 50 County Championship wickets this season. But he has slipped down the pecking order to the extent that England have opted to take the allrounder Will Jacks to Australia as their back-up spin option ahead of him.He has been centrally contracted since the start of the 2021-22 winter but will fall back onto his county deal with Somerset next year. Leach was already under contract with his hometown club until the end of next season, but the county announced on Monday that he has now signed a two-year extension until the end of 2028.Related

Shoaib Bashir set to leave Somerset when contract expires

Jack Leach six-for hands Somerset two-day victory

Nathan Lyon: 'In my eyes, Jack Leach is still England's best spinner'

Jack Leach masterclass plunges Hampshire into deeper trouble

England have not yet announced their central contracts for 2025-26, but Leach told the BBC last week that he had been informed by managing director Rob Key that his deal would not be renewed. “My contract was up, so he obviously told me that and at the same time, said about the Ashes squad and that I wasn’t going to be in it,” Leach said.”I was gutted about that. That was really my aim for the summer, and it wasn’t to be, so [now] it’s time to reflect and try to keep getting better and get myself back in there… I don’t know from their point of view whether they have completely moved past me, but I believe I’m still getting better and I need to keep showing that in county cricket.”Shoaib Bashir, who has leapfrogged Leach to become England’s first-choice spinner, is widely expected to leave Somerset after he did not feature for them in any format this season. He is likely to retain his central contract for 2025-26, meaning that the ECB – rather than whichever county he joins – will pay his salary.Elsewhere, Sussex have announced the signing of batting allrounder Jack Leaning from Kent on a three-year contract, while legspinning allrounder Calvin Harrison has signed a permanent deal with Northamptonshire after impressing on loan from Nottinghamshire earlier this year.