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Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and BlueCo are expected to sell their “best player” of 2025, in what would be quite a surprising move given his form.

Chelsea players who could leave Stamford Bridge this summer

A host of stars are widely tipped to leave the club this summer, so there is plenty of work to do in that regard, as many don’t appear to have a long-term future under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea "ready to negotiate" re-signing £238k-a-week "leader", contact made

The west Londoners are exploring a “shock” move.

ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi are all contenders to leave Chelsea, with the loanees seemingly out of Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea will need to find another new home for each of the aforementioned players this summer, with AC Milan already deciding they won’t pursue a permanent deal for Felix, while Arsenal are also set to allow Sterling to return to west London.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea will be very keen to find buyers as soon as possible, as they seek to gauge control of their wage bill and stay in line with Financial Fair Play/PSR.

Another key decision awaiting BlueCo is the future of defender Trevoh Chalobah, who has seriously impressed since returning from a loan spell at Crystal Palace.

The Cobham academy graduate was frozen out of Maresca’s pre-season tour and allowed to make a temporary move to Selhurst Park, only for Chelsea to activate a re-call clause in the deal and bring him back amid their centre-back shortage.

Since then, Chalobah has enjoyed a fantastic run in the first-team, starting each of their last six Premier League games. Chelsea have won four out of their last six, drawing the other two, and they’ve conceded just five goals in that time.

It is no coincidence that this run of form has coincided with the 25-year-old’s presence in Maresca’s backline, but it is believed by some that Chalobah could be used in potential Chelsea swap deals for other centre-backs.

Chelsea expected to sell Trevoh Chalobah despite stellar form

Now, The Telegraph’s Matt Law has provided an update on his future, and it appears the Englishman could still part company despite his excellent form.

Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, relayed by The Chelsea Chronicle, Law stated that Chelsea are expected to sell Chalobah this summer, and it is a case of Groundhog Day for Maresca’s “best player” of 2025.

“I suspect that they will try and sell him because I think that’s what the whole bringing him back was about,” said Law.

“I know that they are obviously interested in bringing in one defender. I don’t think it will be two defenders, so I think it will be one defender rather than two unless there are a lot more sales than planned, but I do fear that Trev will be on the up for sale list again. No one can be surprised because it’s the same thing that happens every year.

“I mean, it’s literally, it’s like Groundhog Day with Trev. He becomes the best player of the second half of the season, then they try and sell him.”

Fair to say, Chelsea have been pretty active in the transfer market in recent years, and this activity is showing little sign of slowing down.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the Blues in 2022, they’ve signed over 40 senior players, costing in excess of £1bn, but are forecast to spend big again this summer.

So, do the West London side now have a highly-rated defender in their sights?

Chelsea's latest centre-back target

According to a report by Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News, Chelsea are ‘seriously considering’ a move to sign Jorrel Hato, a 19-year-old defender who plays for Ajax. The Blues are said to hold a ‘long-standing’ interest in him.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reports that the soon-to-be-re-crowned Eredivisie champions value the teenager at £40m, a fee the Blues would surely not be shy to pay, given their recent track record.

Kieran King of Football London notes that Hato ‘has established himself as one of Europe’s most talented young defenders’, while Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labels him “immense”, describing him as both a “complete full-back” and a “ball-playing centre-back”.

So, could he be the latest youngster on his way to Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea's current centre-back conundrum

In recent weeks, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah have emerged as Chelsea’s first-choice centre-back duo, starting three of the last five Premier League matches alongside each other.

Nevertheless, Enzo Maresca has spent the majority of the season chopping and changing his centre-back partnership, as the table below outlines.

Levi Colwill

33

31

31

Trevoh Chalobah*

15

12

10

Wesley Fofana

14

14

14

Tosin Adarabioyo

34

27

13

Benoît Badiashile

18

16

3

*was recalled from a loan spell at Crystal Palace in January

As the table emphasises, Colwill has been, by some distance, Chelsea’s most utilised central defender this season, especially in the Premier League, starting 31 of their 34 league fixtures to date.

His performances have yielded widespread praise, with Simon Johnson of the Athletic labelling him Chelsea’s ‘untouchable figure at the back’, while David Hytner of the Guardian notes that his ‘impressive’ form has earned England recognition.

However, like transfer target Hato, the 22-year-old England international can be both deployed at centre-back and left-back, suggesting they would be vying for the same position, so let’s assess how the duo compare this season.

Appearances

33

47

Minutes

2,880

3,932

Goals

1

3

Assists

1

6

Pass completion %

89.7%

88.5%

Tackles

40

81

Tackles won

34

54

% of dribblers tackled

61.5%

80.4%

Blocks

34

45

Interceptions

34

36

Clearances

104

79

Errors leading to a shot

4

5

Ball recoveries

108

166

% of ground duels won

50.8%

57.6%

% of aerials duels won

59.2%

51.85%

Touches per 90

88

65

As outlined by the table, Hato would represent a massive upgrade on Colwill, especially defensively, with the Dutchman excelling when it comes to tackles, blocks, interceptions, ball recoveries and ground duels this season.

Of course, there will be a question mark as to whether the teenager would be able to thrive at a higher-level; according to Global Football Rankings, the Premier League is the strongest league in the world, with the Eredivisie ranked 12th.

Nevertheless, still only 19 years old, of course, Hato appears to have all the attributes to become a world-class defender, so will he be the latest young talent on their way to West London?

Approach made: Chelsea now ready to splash out £60m to sign "amazing" star

He almost joined Arsenal in January…

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

La Liga giants Real Madrid are prepared to make a part-exchange bid for Chelsea star Enzo Fernández this summer, with a report sharing who Florentino Perez is ready to send to Stamford Bridge alongside a cash offer.

Chelsea could now sign an attacking midfielder this summer

Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and Carney Chukwuemeka are very likely to be sold or loaned out by Chelsea when the transfer window reopens, and this means Enzo Maresca’s side could bring in another attacking midfielder.

Chelsea now favourites to sign £50m player after 7-year contract offer

They’ve reportedly made a tempting proposal.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 25, 2025

That is according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, who also explained that Chelsea would only have Cole Palmer as an option for the role if all three of the aforementioned players do end up leaving the club.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

This potential shortage even prompted Chelsea to hold internal talks over re-signing Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave Man City on a free contract in July, 11 years after José Mourinho let him depart Cobham for just £17 million.

Since then, it has been reported that Chelsea have cooled their interest in a free deal for De Bruyne (The Telegraph), despite their need for more experience in the squad and a new creator in the middle.

In his most recent press conference, Maresca hinted that Chelsea require players with more years under their belt, sending a subtle message to the Blues hierarchy.

“When you have experience you have something more, no doubt,” said Maresca.

“But the ones that struggle in terms of experience this year, they have already won more in terms of experience. Next year they can be better. We are a better team today than two or three months ago because we went through this bad moment. And if you want to grow, you need this moment as a team. We are the youngest team in the Premier League. And the second [youngest] in Europe. For some games, we have on the bench three or four players [born in] 2006, 2007 or 2008. Do you see that? No. I see that.”

Real Madrid prepared to offer Chelsea £34m and Arda Güler for Enzo Fernández

According to reports in Spain, while hardly a player of experience, Chelsea could be offered the chance to reinforce their attacking midfield options.

Indeed, it is believed Real Madrid are targeting Maresca’s star midfielder, Fernández, and are prepared to launch a part-exchange bid for the Argentine – involving Turkey sensation Arda Güler.

Real are willing to offer Guler and £34 million to Chelsea in exchange for Fernandez, with the former starting their most recent La Liga game against Getafe and getting on the scoresheet.

However, overall, the 20-year-old has been used sparingly by Carlo Ancelotti, making the vast majority of his appearances off the bench. Guler has still managed four goals and seven assists in that time, impressing in some key games, but he’ll be keen for many more opportunities to start.

The ex-Fenerbache gem already carries a fearsome reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young talents, and Chelsea have displayed a real penchant to go for this type of signing over the last few seasons.

“Arda is showing great personality and exceptional quality,” said José Mourinho about Guler.

“To play at that club, personality is crucial. Players must internalize that they are good enough to play there. They can’t be afraid.”

La Liga giants Barcelona have opened initial talks with the representatives of a Tottenham star as Hansi Flick’s side register a serious interest ahead of the looming summer window.

Tottenham face losing key first-team players this summer

Alongside the uncertain future surrounding their manager, Ange Postecoglou, a few key first-team players could also be on their way out.

Tottenham seal "major coup" in "dramatic" shake-up, raises Levy question

It’s been officially confirmed.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Recently, Atlético Madrid have become increasingly keen on defender Cristian Romero, with reports from Argentina even claiming that Diego Simeone has already reached out to him personally in an attempt to sway him towards the Wanda Metropolitano.

The 26-year-old, for his part, is keen to leave Spurs for pastures new this summer (Graeme Bailey), which has resulted in chairman Daniel Levy postponing talks over a new deal for Romero.

Wolves (away)

Today

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

As well as Romero, Man City are also posing a real threat when it comes to left-back Destiny Udogie, with Pep Guardiola’s side adding the Italian to their shortlist of potential new left-back signings.

Further upfield, Atlético have also been keeping an eye on mainstay Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who is now attracting interest from Barcelona.

Barcelona open talks with Tottenham star Rodrigo Bentancur

That is according to a report from The Boy Hotspur, with the outlet claiming that Barca have reached out to Bentancur’s camp for early transfer talks, alongside Simeone’s side.

The Uruguay international is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs, prompting Levy to open talks over an extension for the midfielder, but the European heavyweight duo are threatening to turn Bentancur’s head by making contact.

Keeping him at the club should be considered a top priority for Spurs, as the 27-year-old is a consistent performer when fit and available, not to mention one of the more senior players in a relatively young squad.

Bentancur has been praised for his performances since joining the club from Juventus, with former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson calling him “sensational” (Football Insider), and while the club haven’t put a recent price on Bentancur, some sources in the past have suggested they value him at up to £50 million.

“Him and Kulusevski have been fantastic signings,” said Robinson in 2022.

“Players take different amounts of time to settle into the Premier League. Bentancur was given a berth in the team early and has since made himself undroppable. He is one of the first names on the teamsheet. He has offensive and defensive capabilities.

“Bentancur is a player that goes under the radar, but he’s been sensational. His all-round performance is excellent, it really is.”

Rangers will look to hire a title-winning manager whose record is “second to none”, according to a fresh claim from Derek Ferguson.

Rangers hurtling towards momentous manager decision

It is going to be another season without a Scottish Premiership title for the Gers, with Celtic’s dominance over them something that needs to be addressed this summer. Rangers have a massive decision to make when it comes to their next permanent boss, with Barry Ferguson doing a solid job in interim charge to date, keeping his side in the Europa League, as they prepare to take on Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals next week.

There is a strong argument to say that a more proven manager needs to arrive at Ibrox before the start of next season, however, in order to give the Gers the best possible chance of getting their hands on the league title again, slowly returning to being the dominant force of Scottish football.

Plenty of names have been mentioned since the sacking of Philippe Clement, from Steven Gerrard to Kevin Muscat, but it’s another high-profile link dominating plenty of talk around Ibrox.

Benitez backed to be next Rangers manager

Speaking to Ibrox News, Ferguson talked up the idea of Rangers hiring Rafa Benitez as their next manager, saying he would help narrow the gap on Celtic.

“You look at his CV and it shows you he’s won plenty. Barry brings passion and everything Rangers supporters want, but at the end of the day, when you look at a CV, Benitez’s is second to none. You can’t ignore that. I’m like a lot of the supporters in being excited by results under Barry, but when there’s guys of the calibre of Benitez putting their name forward, I’m all for that. I just want Rangers to be back competing with Celtic. Guys of Benitez’s quality will only help with that.”

Benitez has to be considered one of the strongest options out there to be Rangers’ next permanent boss, considering what a glittering managerial career he has enjoyed – he is also reportedly keen on taking the job.

The Spaniard won two La Liga titles with Valencia during his time in charge, getting the better of both Real Madrid and Barcelona, and he also famously won the Champions League with Liverpool back in 2005.

Real Madrid Castilla

1993-1995

Real Valladolid

1995-1996

Osasuna

1996

Extremadura

1997-1999

Tenerife

2000-2001

Valencia

2001-2004

Liverpool

2004-2010

Inter Milan

2010

Chelsea

2012-2013

Napoli

2013-2015

Real Madrid

2015-2016

Newcastle United

2016-2019

Dalian Professional

2019-2021

Everton

2021-2022

Celta Vigo

2023-2024

Even when Benitez has found himself under pressure at clubs, he has enjoyed success, and he won the Europa League with Chelsea at a time when he was largely unpopular with the fanbase, due to his Reds past.

If Rangers could entice the 64-year-old to Ibrox this summer, it would be a major statement of intent, given the fact that he was once seen as one of Europe’s two most exciting upcoming managers, alongside Jose Mourinho in the early 2000s.

Rangers must sell Ibrox star who was "one of the best talents in Europe"

As Rangers prepare for a massive squad overhaul in the summer, they should sell a star Gerrard once said was “one of the best talents in Europe”.

ByBen Gray Apr 3, 2025

The £6m-a-year Benitez is a born winner with great tactical nous, and with all due respect to the popular Ferguson, he would be an undoubted upgrade overall.

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank risks losing the dressing room if he fails to trigger a turnaround in fortunes in the club's upcoming fixtures. It has been claimed that several players are starting to lose faith in the Dane due to his tendency to make late tactical adjustments, which often leaves the players confused about their responsibilities during games.

Frank could lose Spurs dressing room amid poor run

According to a report from , sources close to the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room have indicated that there is growing uncertainty and confusion among players under the stewardship of head coach Frank. The report highlights the frequent last-minute changes to player roles – with tactical adjustments made just before kick-off or even scrapped entirely in the early phases of the match – as the primary factor behind Frank's waning authority in the dressing room. The Tottenham players are not happy with Frank's managerial style and the recent stretch of poor results has only exacerbated the situation.

In the aftermath of Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Fulham, the former Brentford boss insisted that he continues to retain the backing of the club's hierarchy, but there's no denying that he is under mounting pressure to turn things around, starting with Wednesday's visit to St. James' Park against a resurgent Newcastle.

Furthermore, he will also be tasked to maintain unity within the dressing room and continue steering the ship with leadership and authority. Several senior players are said to be unsure of their roles and responsibilities during games, with last week's edge-of-the-seat 5-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League highlighted as an instance when a late tactical tweak caused confusion. Even though some squad members are understood to enjoy working under Frank, there is concern that he risks losing the broader dressing room unless performances and results improve soon.

AdvertisementAFPFrank blanked by Van de Ven and Spence

Following Spurs' narrow 1-0 home defeat to London rivals Chelsea at the start of November, defenders Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence headed straight to the tunnel without greeting the supporters, much to the surprise and disappointment of Frank. He was left rooted to the spot after seeing two of his players leave the pitch without showing appreciation to the fans in a moment that could be pointed to as the first signs of fragmentation between the squad and the coach.

“All the players are, of course, frustrated. They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform. I understand that," the Dane told reporters after the game.

“I think it’s difficult to be consistent in good times and bad times, that’s why I went around to the fans as I did, it’s more fun when we win, I can tell you that.”

When asked whether it was "acceptable" for both players to ignore him, Frank responded: “I understand why you ask the question. But I think that’s one of, how you can say, small issues.

“We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence doing everything they can. They’ve performed very well so far this season. Everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Signs of a divide between Spurs and their fans

The loss to Fulham was a bitter blow to Spurs' aspirations this season, as well as their overall morale as the season heads into the second half. The Cottagers raced to a two-goal lead within the first six minutes, and Marco Silva's side would have Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to thank for his howler. 

The Italian's blunder drew a cacophony of jeers and boos, which angered the Spurs boss after the game. “I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times he touched the ball," he defiantly stated. "They can't be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch. And we do everything we can to perform. After, fair enough, boo, no problem. But not during. That's unacceptable in my opinion."

In fact, even Pedro Porro couldn't hold himself back from lashing out at the fans. Taking to Instagram, he leapt to the defence of his team-mates, writing that "what I will not tolerate is hearing disrespect from the fans to my teammates, hence my frustration at the end of the game.”

Amid a difficult run of form, the last thing Spurs’ players and Frank need is a strained relationship with the fans. Their unwavering support, as it has been through the years, could be the catalyst needed to turn things around, even against all odds.

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Getty Images SportFrank's job at Spurs not under scrutiny

November was an extremely difficult month for Spurs. They lost four games and drew once, with their only win coming in the Champions League against Copenhagen. After capturing 17 points from their first nine league games, the London-based outfit have gone four Premier League games without a win. What's more, only four teams have earned as few, or fewer, points than Spurs' total of four from the last five league games.

Regardless, reports suggest that the 52-year-old retains the backing of the Spurs hierarchy, who remain adamant on giving Frank more time to lay his tactical imprint on the squad. 

Tough fixtures in the form of Newcastle, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace await Frank and Co. in the month of December. It’s crucial for Spurs to secure some positive results, not only to relieve Frank of the inevitable pressure if progress isn’t made, but also to dispel any doubts the players may have about the manager’s tactics and management.

And what’s the highest first-class total to not include any extras?

Steven Lynch30-Sep-2025Abhishek Sharma hit his 50th T20 international six in just his 20th innings. Has anyone reached the milestone faster? And who holds the corresponding record in Tests and ODIs? asked Ayan Ghosh from India
India’s Abhishek Sharma hit his 50th six in T20Is with the second of his five against Pakistan in Dubai last week. It was his 20th innings, in his 21st match. Abhishek was the third to reach 50 sixes in his 20th T20I innings, after Evin Lewis of West Indies and Austria’s Karanbir Singh, who has hit 113 sixes in 36 innings so far.But there is one man who got there quicker: Aaron Johnson, who was born in Jamaica but plays for Canada, hit his 50th six in his 19th T20I innings. For the list of most sixes in T20 internationals, click here.The quickest to 50 sixes in one-day internationals is the New Zealander Corey Anderson, who got there in his 33rd innings, one fewer than England’s Liam Livingstone. The fastest in Tests is Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, in 46 innings, ahead of the Indian pair of Rohit Sharma (51) and Rishabh Pant (54).In Derbyshire’s recent match against Kent, Luis Reece opened the batting and scored a double-century, and in the second innings he opened the bowling and took five wickets. Is this unique? asked Evan Sweney from New Zealand
That performance by Derbyshire’s Luis Reece against Kent in Canterbury last week – 211 after opening then 5 for 63 after taking the new ball – wasn’t quite unique, but it does place him on a very select list.There have been only five previous instances in first-class cricket of an opener scoring a double-century and also taking a five-for after opening the bowling. Three of those were by WG Grace, with 217 and 5 for 72 for Gentlemen vs Players in Hove in August 1871; 261, 5 for 62 and 6 for 77 for South vs North at Prince’s (Chelsea) in June 1877; and 221, 6 for 45 and 5 for 75 for Gloucestershire vs Middlesex in Clifton in August 1885.The feat was also achieved by the future Australian captain Herbie Collins, with 235 and 5 for 52 for the Australian Imperial Forces against South Africa in Johannesburg in October 1919, and Gloucestershire’s Reg Sinfield, with 209 not out and 5 for 56 against Glamorgan in Cardiff in August 1935.What’s the highest first-class total that did not include any extras at all? asked Clive Bartram from England
The highest such total is 647, by Victoria against Tasmania in Melbourne in February 1952. It’s a long way in front of the next-most, MCC’s 484 for 4 declared against North Eastern Transvaal in Benoni in December 1948, the innings in which Denis Compton reached 300 in 181 minutes, still the fastest on record by time.The highest Test innings without any extras is India’s 329 against England in Chennai in February 2021, which beat the previous record by one – Pakistan’s 328 against India in Lahore in January 1955.Younis Khan was only ever dismissed once in the 90s in the course of amassing 10,099 Test runs•Getty ImagesIn Hamilton in 2008-09, New Zealand scored 279 in their first innings against India, and then 279 again in their second. How many times has this happened? asked Jatin Das from India
There have now been nine Tests in which teams made an identical score in both innings. The first such instance was in Wellington in 1953, when New Zealand totalled 172 in both innings against South Africa, and that has been followed by New Zealand making 208 and 208, again against West Indies in 1956 in Wellington; India 136 and 136 vs Australia in Calcutta in 1956; India 201 and 201 vs Australia in Sydney in 1981; New Zealand 161 and 161 vs Australia in Hobart in 1993; Sri Lanka 306 and 306 vs South Africa in Cape Town in 1998; Bangladesh 148 and 148 vs Pakistan in Chittagong in 2002; India 407 and 407 for 9 declared against Pakistan in Kolkata in 2005; and finally New Zealand’s 279 and 279 against India in Hamilton in 2009.Mohammad Azharuddin played 99 Tests and was only out once in the nineties. Among batsmen with 5000+ Test runs, is this the fewest? asked Yasser Rizwan from Australia
Mohammad Azharuddin scored 6215 runs in his 99 Tests, and was only out once in the nineties (for 97 against West Indies in Nagpur in December 1994). It’s not the record though, as Don Bradman was never out in the nineties in amassing 6996 Test runs with 29 centuries. The nearest he came to 100 without getting there was when England’s Alec Bedser dismissed him for 89 at Lord’s in 1948. Michael Vaughan made 5719 Test runs without ever being dismissed in the nineties, and Ian Botham 5200.Of those who had one dismissal in the nineties, Younis Khan ended up with the most Test runs (10,099). Wally Hammond (7249), Chris Gayle (7215) and Greg Chappell (7110) also scored more than Azharuddin.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions

Federal authorities are investigating a youth baseball company owned by the MLB Players Association, ESPN reported on Thursday.

The company, named Players Way, was founded by the MLBPA in 2019. In a statement to ESPN, MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said the aim of the company "isn't to become just another cog in the youth sports machinery, putting profits over players. It aims higher: to meet players where they are, teach the game the right way, and to foster lifelong lessons creating lifelong fans."

The federal investigation was launched by an anonymous whistleblower complaint in which Players Way was cited. According to ESPN the complaint accused director Clark of "self-dealing, misuse of resources and abuse of power at the union," and of nepotism in regards to his dealings with Players Way. Additionally, sources told ESPN investigators were asking about "whistleblower allegations of excessive union spending on international and domestic trips for Clark and other senior union executives."

The MLBPA decried the allegations as "without merit" and Clark, who has not been charged with a crime, denied them and said they are "baseless" in a statement to ESPN.

ESPN reports the events Players Way puts on are few and sparsely attended. Consequentially the company has generated "barely six figures in revenue" since its founding. The union has invested $3.9 million into the company, according to the MLBPA's public documents, but the union declined to explain how that money was spent. ESPN further reports the true number is closer to $10 million, and that those funds "largely paid the six-figure annual salaries of its executives and consultants," which include "a handful of former major leaguers, some of whom were simultaneously working other full-time jobs outside the union."

Multiple former union officials said Players Way operates with "no standard accounting practices" and "no annual budget circulated among senior finance officials." Clark was idenitifed as the driving force behind the union's involvement with the company, but a former official said there were no events, actitivies, or partnerships with other youth baseball companies. ESPN sources said Players Way "appeared to be a landing spot for Clark's loyalists," and few players in the union knew about it.

Federal investigators declined to comment. ESPN reports this investigation is part of a larger inquiry into the MLBPA's financial dealings with another company called OneTeam Partners from last spring.

A former Saudi Arabian sports minister has unleashed a withering assessment of the Saudi Pro League, claiming Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player in the competition justifying their wages. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad lauded Ronaldo's unparalleled ability to bring global exposure to the league. The 40-year-old extended his stay in the country when he signed a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr in the summer.

Former minister claims Ronaldo only player to justify wage

Bin Mosaad served as the country's sports minister between 2014 and 2017, before Mohamed Bin Salman's administration began heavily investing in sports projects including the SPL.

The politician was speaking on Arab-language channel Al-Arabiya, when he was asked about his opinion on record-chasing striker Ronaldo. Bin Mosaad was effusive in his praise of the 40-year-old Portugal star, while also taking a swipe at his well-paid peers. 

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, after his second spell with Manchester United ended in acrimony. His high-profile switch to the Gulf state paved the way for a host of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez to leave European football for the promise of higher wages.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star's stay in the kingdom was extended earlier this year, with Ronaldo signing an improved deal worth a reported $211m-per-year.

AdvertisementGettyRonaldo's global impact for Saudi Pro League praised

"Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country. Many others are paid far more than they deserve," said Bin Mosaad.

"The international renown that Ronaldo brings is unparalleled. He is the only foreign player whose impact justifies the level of his salary. No one else has done that for the league."

Prince Abdullah's words reflect the fact that Ronaldo is more than simply a footballer in Saudi Arabia, he is a sporting icon and an ambassador for the SPL and the nation's push for sporting excellence as a whole. The levels of sponsorship and commercial revenue that the Portuguese frontman brings to the country are impossible to match, and, on top of all of that, he continues to do the business and justify his salary on the pitch, too.

Ronaldo continues to star in Saudi in twilight of career

The 40-year-old stunned fans once again last weekend as he scored a stunning bicycle kick to put Al-Nassr 4-1 up on Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. He has already struck 11 goals in 12 matches this campaign, backing up Prince Abdullah's claims. But even the great man Ronaldo himself concedes that he is reaching the latter stages of his illustrious career.

He recently said: "I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."

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Getty ImagesRonaldo counting down to World Cup

Bin Mosaad's comments reflect the fact that Ronaldo is a global icon of the sort that the Saudi Pro League has never seen before and might never see again. He continues to appear head and shoulders above opponents and will hope to show his world-class ability again for what could be the last-ever time at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Portugal captain has avoided a ban for the start of the competition, following the confirmation that his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the most recent international break will not carry over into the tournament. Next summer's edition is set to be Ronaldo's sixth World Cup, with the trophy representing the elusive major honour that the great man has failed to secure in his career to date. His red-hot form in Saudi will stand him in good stead as he aims to make a massive impact on the tournament.

Gavin Larsen is empowered to brief, advise, collaborate with, and challenge the NZ head coach Rob Walter, who retains the ultimate decision-making authority

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Oct-2025Gavin Larsen has been appointed selection manager of New Zealand men, filling the gap left by the departure of Sam Wells. Larsen, in conjunction with head coach Rob Walter, will be responsible for selecting the New Zealand men’s senior team, and the New Zealand A and New Zealand XI squads.”I feel absolutely honoured to be stepping back into the BlackCaps and the national high performance environment,” Larsen said. “I’m hugely passionate about cricket in this country and to be given another opportunity to contribute at the highest level is really exciting. I can’t wait to get started this summer and hopefully help play a part in continuing the success of the BlackCaps.”Larsen, who played eight Tests and 121 ODIs for New Zealand as a medium pacer between 1990 and 1999, was the chief executive of Cricket Wellington and the cricket operations manager ahead of the 2015 ODI World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, before being appointed New Zealand’s selection manager from 2015 to 2023. He then took on the role of performance director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club before returning to New Zealand and accepting the role of commercial manager for basketball team Nelson Giants.

“While Rob will make the final decisions as the chief selector, we want Gav preparing him with as much intel as possible, and challenging his thinking and decisions. This requires a strong relationship between the two parties and we’re confident Gav has the soft skills, and the acumen to make it work”Daryl Gibson, NZC chief high-performance officer

NZC chief high-performance officer Daryl Gibson said Larsen would be responsible for managing the selection processes as well as working with domestic scouts and the major association coaches to stay up to date on the domestic scene.”Gavin’s familiarity with the role and his understanding of the requirements played an important part in his appointment,” Gibson said. “But we were also impressed with his passion and energy, and his desire to get back into the game and help make a difference.”Gibson confirmed that the selection model would remain unchanged, with Larsen empowered to brief, advise, collaborate with, and challenge Walter, who retains the ultimate decision-making authority.”While Rob will make the final decisions as the chief selector, we want Gav preparing him with as much intel as possible, and challenging his thinking and decisions,” Gibson said. “This requires a strong relationship between the two parties and we’re confident Gav has the soft skills, and the acumen to make it work.”Larsen will begin his role officially on November 3.