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Raul Jimenez, who initially signed on loan from Benfica last summer, turned into one of the Premier League’s signings of the season at Wolves in the 2018/19 campaign. He bagged 13 goals and finished the season as the club’s top goal scorer, playing a starring role in Wolves’ seventh-place finish.

He was also a creative force, recording eight assists, and establishing an excellent understanding with Diogo Jota up front.

HRH, who can be seen in the video above filling out his Panini Tabloid, says that Jimenez is “one of the best strikers in the league”.

Check out HRH’s thoughts on Jimenez in full in the video above.

The Premier League Panini Tabloid is a special commemorative newspaper sticker collection celebrating the exciting new partnership between the greatest league in the world and the legendary name in football publishing, Panini. As the official collectable licensee to the Premier League, Panini are delighted to bring consumers a new era of collectables and the best collecting experience. See more here: http://bit.ly/PaniniFFCEditorial

Tottenham to sabotage Manchester United’s move for Bruno Fernandes, the Telegraph reports.

Champions League runners-up Spurs apparently held talks with the agent of the Sporting Lisbon whizz this week, which is really promising news for a fanbase deprived of new arrivals for close to 18 months.

The intent of the meeting is not yet known, though the Telegraph has speculated that it may be an attempt to force United’s hand. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been linked with a move for the impressive midfielder throughout the transfer window and with Paul Pogba recently announcing his intention to leave and seek new challenges, that certainly makes sense.

However, Spurs have problems of their own in midfield that need to be addressed. As it stands, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are the only out-and-out attacking midfielders in the squad, the latter of whom recently made it public that he’s very open to a move away this summer.

While it’s a long shot to suggest that Tottenham will be able to get away with the transfer steal – simply by virtue of United’s desperation, financial clout and time spent pursuing the player – stranger things have happened in the market.

Spurs haven’t signed a single player since the 2017-18 campaign, with Johan Cruyff ArenA hero Lucas Moura the last man to step through the door. That being said, surely, given the disappointment of finishing fourth in the Premier League and losing out in the Champions League final, all the club’s efforts will be channelled into changing that. And where better to start than Bruno Fernandes, the man who claimed 32 goals and 18 assists in all competition last season.

If there’s one way to start a transfer window, it’s by making marquee signings. This could quite easily be that if they play their cards right and pounce at the right moment.

Spurs fans, do you think the club could make this happen? Would he be a suitable replacement for Eriksen? Let us know in the comments below…

Sanjay Bangar talks about his quick transition from player to coach, his philosophy and the reasons behind Kings XI Punjab’s turnaround

Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi18-Sep-2014″[At the auction] I was looking for players who were looking to prove a point”•BCCIAs the first Indian coach in the IPL, how did you look at the job: was it challenging or exciting?
It was both. There were a lot of expectations to begin with. I always felt that it could open up opportunities for qualified Indian coaches to get a look-in based on how an Indian performs. So from that perspective I always felt that it was a sort of added responsibility.It was exciting because till I took over the role at Kings XI I had just worked with a group of youngsters from the India A team. Even during my time with Railways I played the role of mentor. So I had just worked with Indians. At Kings XI, I suddenly found myself with a mix of international cricketers. There are always self doubts which you have to counter, look in the eye and overcome.But you had no coaching experience.
It would not be fair to say I had no coaching experience. I had gone through courses at the National Cricket Academy and also conducted few training camps and the India A experience was also part of it. After 2004, during my time with Railways, it was not only about playing – I was also doing a lot of things around the team [in terms of mentoring and coaching]. You can say that was a learning experience.This was T20, not a game where you were successful as a player. Did you have to mould your thought process in a certain way?
Not exactly mould myself. But probably understand how T20 operates a bit better and try and identify players who could possibly have the potential to play that sort of a role. From that perspective I just felt I needed to identify players who are capable of playing various roles. Versatility and identification of the skills they possess is important.What were the parameters that you judged players on before shortlisting them for the auction?
Intrinsic motivation was a big part. I was looking for players who were looking to prove a point. People are at various stages of their careers: there are going to be players who are starting, there are some who are at the end of their careers, and there are some who are experiencing a golden run. Obviously the motivation for each is different. It is not just the financial part that should be the motivation. Apart from that, cricketing ambitions and having a cricketing point to prove were more important.Do you remember the first time you assembled the dressing room?
When we arrived in Mohali I had just the Indians, most of whom I had played with. Then the entire squad met in Dubai [where the first phase of the IPL was held]. At that point there were obviously a few self-doubts, as to how I would be liked. After the first few days, I felt relaxed. It might have been just five days.Coaching is so much more about trust and having a good working understanding and relationship with players. You need to earn the respect of players and that takes time. Just as a coach wants to see his players put everything into practice and matches, the players also want to see somebody who is working probably equally hard.You said you wanted a certain brand of cricket played. Virender Sehwag said Kings XI were playing aggressive cricket. Can you expand on this?
Kings XI is a Punjab-based team. And we know how tough the people of Punjab are. They identify with a few qualities quickly – like bravado, because they have had to wage so many battles to sustain themselves over the last nine or ten centuries. From that perspective they admire qualities like resilience and a brand of cricket that is fearless and without doubting one’s capacity. That was a message we tried to drive home at various times.How much did Sehwag bring to the team think tank?
Viru’s role is very important. He was struggling throughout the last season, not getting enough runs in the Ranji Trophy. But the class was there. I have always maintained that his skill has not really gone down. The way he was batting during his prime is still there. That sort of freedom and the sort of mindset he brings into the game is so refreshing and it catches on so quickly. That is something we really benefited from. Also, the kind of team man he is: there is no ego as such because he is probably one of the greatest batsmen of our times and was one of the biggest influences on Indian cricket’s success recently. So his overall personality and the way he conducted himself without any sort of inflated self-importance had a tremendous impact on the entire group. Not just the uncapped Indian players but even among the international overseas players.The other senior man in the team is George Bailey. Did he make your job easy?
A man of great integrity and very judicious. He did a lot of things to make the Indian guys comfortable. He did make an effort to reach out to them, and that is one big reason he could bring the best out of the Indian players.Initially there was a bit of reluctance on his part to consider the captaincy. Because as a captain you have to deal with various things, including taking care of players, communicating to them about selections, attending the media. It can be a thankless job. Life as a player is far easier as opposed to life as a captain of a high-profile team.And then to have another senior international player under you at times, that can also add to the challenge. But our areas of work were clearly demarcated: I would do the bulk of those jobs before he stepped onto the field. Keeping all that in mind, George has done a very good job.

“Players are the main drivers of the game of cricket. I always believe that coaching is something that needs to be done in the background. The credit should always go to the players who are putting their bodies on the line”

Then there is Glenn Maxwell.
He is the lifeline of our team. He is a very jovial guy, a character full of life. Apart from his on-the-field antics, he would double up as an entertainer off the field. He would do impromptu interviews within the group and post them on the web. Apparently those were followed a lot and quite hilarious at times.Maxwell’s strength as a batsman is, he feels there is not one area on a ground where a shot cannot be played. I believe he wants to challenge all boundaries. He wants to challenge the coaching manual.The other key batsman is the South African, David Miller. Why did you decide to promote Miller?
I believe Miller was just batting too much lower down the order. I felt there has to be a batsman at No. 5 who can accelerate and consolidate as per the match situation. He fulfilled that role very well for us by at times curbing his natural instincts, which is to attack. Both Miller and Maxwell are as good as brothers. You know how brothers are: they quarrel, pull pranks, they are at each other all the time. They share an interesting camaraderie. And that helps the entire group. You have said that being hungry is the key, and a quality you look for in a cricketer. How do you assess that?
Take the case of Wriddhiman Saha. I always believed he has been one of the best wicketkeepers in the country, and who has a lot of capability with the bat as well. But that has never been utilised by the teams he has played for. He has been dying for somebody to say that this guy can do the job. Make him believe he has the ability and can perform. I could sense that during my time in domestic cricket while playing against him. So Saha was one of the finds for us. He took his chances so well and made a really good case for himself.At times you also see certain players, despite performing very well, do not get an opportunity. There are players from smaller states who do not get the platform because they are not being seen by people who matter. Maybe that experience of seeing them first-hand could have helped me a bit.Some of the boys I saw in an Under-23 camp organised by NCA. Some of the spinners we eventually picked were from that group: Shivam Sharma, who was struggling to find a place in the Delhi U-25 team was one. Akshar Patel from Gujarat has contributed in all departments, and Sandeep Sharma was not getting enough opportunities [in the IPL] in the past. The credit should go to players because they raised their game and could fulfil their potential.Sehwag compared your style of coaching – in terms of providing the motivation and keeping calm – to that of Gary Kirsten. How big a compliment is that?
Unfortunately I could never work under Gary. I played all my cricket under John Wright. But Viru is somebody who always speaks his heart. So definitely I take it as a big compliment.You have always kept a low profile, even as a player. Does it help to remain understated and work in the background?
Players are the main drivers of the game of cricket. I always believe that coaching is something that needs to be done in the background. The credit should always go to the players who are putting their bodies on the line. It is their careers. So what I could give them is provide them a broad framework, motivate them, and provide them a good working environment.According to L Balaji, you are very clear what the team needs from an individual.
There are so many small, small things that happen which contribute to the eventual outcome of a match. So identifying those small moments and encouraging them and building up is important. Giving those small contributors equal importance, as much as a player who is seen as a match-winner is necessary. Players like Rishi Dhawan, Karanveer Singh, Mandeep Singh – these guys gave their all in any capacity and tried to improve their cricketing skills.You are said to be very clear in your communication. How important is that in an environment like the IPL?
Communication is absolutely vital. During the IPL there were a few harsh decisions where I had to tell a player that he is not part of the team, or he would not be travelling with the squad. At times it can get to a level where it can be termed as nasty. But it is always good to speak directly because once you do that, people will respect you for it.”The way Virender Sehwag conducted himself without any sort of inflated self-importance had a tremendous impact on the entire group”•BCCIYou were suddenly appointed assistant coach during India’s ODI series of England. Was it overwhelming to enter the Indian dressing room again?
So long as I was playing I could put on my India t-shirt or put the Indian emblem on my helmet and play. But after you retire, that opportunity is no more there. So the feeling to be back in the Indian dressing room and wear the national colours is a proud moment.I do not think I was overwhelmed. I just look at the job as a level ahead, as a responsibility. I start each assignment by taking a fresh guard. It is again about trying build relationships, trying to earn respect, trying to earn the trust of the people you work with. It takes time.Do you believe that an Indian coach can play a key role in the national dressing room?
It should never be about an Indian or an overseas coach. We need to get over such things. You need to be competent enough. You need to be challenging your own benchmark on a regular basis. Cricket is evolving and any person in that capacity needs to constantly evolve, try and improve and bring fresh ideas.There is a popular belief that an Indian coach will communicate better with players than an overseas one.
It all boils down to individuals. How badly one wants to make a mark – that probably drives the kind of work he eventually does.What have you learned in your first year as a coach?
There is so much more to learn, that is what I have learned. You have to be yourself. If you put on a face that is not you, you will be found out.

The series in Bangladesh was unexpectedly difficult for the batsmen, but they will be richer for the experience

Alagappan Muthu20-Jun-2014There is always one pesky subject every semester that toys with the general bliss of college life. Equating this scenario to India’s sudden and brief tour of Bangladesh, it wasn’t pegged as the equivalent of subatomic physics or organic chemistry, but in light of a few trick questions – the pitch, the monsoon and Bangladesh’s much-improved pace battery – India might well take their 2-0 score.Suresh Raina’s second series triumph in three attempts as captain was founded on intelligent bowling and a faulty opposition. “Both teams played really well, especially India,” is as diplomatic a summation as is imaginable, considering the scores in the final two ODIs: 105, 58 and 119 for 9.Two of India’s players did try to combat the conditions in the third ODI. Cheteshwar Pujara was loathe to venture too far outside off, while Raina exhibited fluency when most of his team-mates struggled and his knack of finding gaps proved useful. The ball was seaming and Bangladesh’s quicks had managed to be something they rarely are: relentless. Raina and Pujara’s partnership was beginning to grow, but neither batsman was able to convert.”When wicket is doing something, you can’t control that,” Raina said after the final game. “You need to just see your strengths, see the way you’re shaping up and what sort of strokes you have to play to different bowlers. At that point of time, I think I was looking very good. Unfortunately got out run-out in the previous game and got out today playing sweep against Shakib but still I am looking good, I’m scoring runs. So hopefully in future I’ll look to build 15-20 runs into big scores.”Swing has never been beyond India’s bowlers, and Stuart Binny showcased that to deadly effect on a murky, rain-riddled night. With the pitch holding sufficient spice, all he needed to do was target middle and off and wait. His 6 for 4 went a decent way to justifying his spot on the flight to England. Though he may not conjure such extravagant success there, his gentle seamers are the kind of nag that would keep batsmen honest.These lower-profile tours have been known to boost careers. Rohit Sharma had scored consecutive tons in Zimbabwe to earn some breathing space in 2010. Amit Mishra equaled the record for the most wickets taken – 18 – in a bilateral series, against the same opponents in 2013. He then went on to play the World T20. However, Binny would do well to remember the case of Naman Ojha, who got his chance in 2010 but could not cut it.While the bowlers enjoyed unforseen success, the Indian top order had flown to Bangladesh symbolising promise. Robin Uthappa’s form was good enough to help him end a six-year exile from ODIs. Ajinkya Rahane had another opportunity. This could have been the series they provided India with more options for the openers’ slots.They were par in the first game, but came undone when Mirpur channeled Headingley. Uthappa misdirected his aggression and got out to poor shots. He hit the first boundary of the third ODI with a checked drive, but lunged at the next available opportunity. This time the ball wasn’t as full, nor was it following a straight line. Rahane was jittery almost every time he batted. To his credit he pushed through to a match-winning hand once, but solidity was still elusive.The middle-order contenders made less of an impact. Issues of inexperience and poor form were compounded by them getting their first real opportunity when the bowlers were on top. Ambati Rayudu was unable to cope with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed in seam-friendly conditions. Wriddhiman Saha does not get too many opportunities but this proved a test beyond him. Manoj Tiwary would also be disappointed with what he did with his lone opportunity.Raina could have promoted himself up the order in these conditions. In the third ODI, Bangladesh had forced four right-hand batsmen to nick off before he arrived. Perhaps he could have strapped up at No. 4. He was the captain, the most experienced player and a left-hand batsman as well. Weak artillery for the end of the innings, however, forced Raina to hold himself back.Raina was brave in electing to bat when conditions were difficult and insisted the series was a useful drill for India’s season abroad. They said all the right things and for a brief period showcased it on the field, but should someone wander back to these scorecards a few years down the line, they could not be blamed for thinking India had got away with one.

The Italy winger's recent injury record is an undoubted cause for concern, but the Reds' low-risk gamble could pay off spectacularly

Federico Chiesa was just 22 when he inspired Italy to victory at Euro 2020. For a player coming off the back of a brilliant debut season at Juventus, superstardom beckoned. Alessio Tacchinardi was among those who tipped him to challenge for the Ballon d'Or "in three or four years".

Sadly, Chiesa's career has gone in a very different direction since then. The expected leader of the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era at Juventus was deemed surplus to requirements by new coach Thiago Motta and told to "find a new club as soon as possible", with the Bianconeri board keen to cash in on a player that had just one year left on his contract.

Indeed, so desperate were Juve to get rid of their €60 million (£50m/$67m) signing from Fiorentina in 2020 that they were willing to get rid of him for less than a quarter of that fee. Remarkably, Chiesa had very few suitors – at least among Europe's elite – with many clubs seemingly put off by his recent injury record.

However, with less than 48 hours to go before the close of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have completed the signing of Chiesa for just £10m ($14m). It's a surprising move, and a strange one in some ways, but it could also prove the signing of the season…

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  'Impossible to stop'

  After his heroics at Wembley three years ago, first against Spain and then in Italy's final win over England, Chiesa was one of the most coveted players in world football. Bayern Munich were very interested, with then-coach Julian Nagelsmann making no secret of his admiration of the winger. "I've known about Chiesa for a long time," the German told , "and I find him exceptional because he often goes for a one-on-one, and then tries to shoot very quickly."

  There was even talk of the Bavarians bidding €100m (£86m/$109m) for his services but, as far as Juve were concerned, Chiesa was priceless. He was to be the cornerstone of their new project, the dazzling dribbler that admired Ronaldo's work ethic and had developed a similar knack of stepping up to the mark in the biggest of games.

  "After a season at Juve with Federico, [his performances] are no longer a surprise for me," former team-mate Gigi Buffon told the after the Euros, "but it was not obvious when he arrived that he would be able to play at such a high level in a tournament like the European Championship. He was unbelievable, though. In the final against England, it was impossible to stop him.

  “When he joined Juve I didn't think he was so good, I have to be honest, but if you do those things at such a high level, then it means that you are really special."

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  Injury and Allegri woe

  However, Chiesa's development was cruelly checked by awfully bad lack. Not only has he been blighted by incessant injuries – Chiesa was sidelined on 17 separate occasions between September 2021 and January 2024 – he also had the dreadful misfortune to have Massimiliano Allegri as a manager for the majority of his time in Turin.

  Chiesa scored 14 times during his first season at Juve under Andrea Pirlo; he managed just 18 during Allegri's three-year tenure. The drastic dip in productivity can be partially attributed to the cruciate ligament tear he suffered in January 2022 that ruled him out of 10 months, but Allegri's painfully negative tactics caused Chiesa just as much pain.

  Juve were utterly unwatchable for nearly every game of Allegri's second spell in Turin, with the coach rather indefensibly adopting a provincial mentality to managing the biggest club in the country. The net result was talented players being utterly wasted in a system ill-suited to their skillset, with Dusan Vlahovic, for example, so often left completely isolated as games passed him by.

  Chiesa, though, was the biggest victim of Allegri's anti-football. One of the world's most exciting wingers was repeatedly played out of position as a central attacker and whenever he drifted wide, Allegri could be seen screaming at Chiesa to get back into the middle.

  Consequently, the frustrated forward was regularly withdrawn for failing to do what was asked of him – usually around the 60-minute mark – and his displeasure was obvious. Indeed, on one occasion last season, he was even spotted shaking his head while lamenting, "I am always the first to be taken off!"

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  Motta arrival makes no difference

  In that context, Allegri's long overdue sacking should have been good news for Chiesa, particularly as the dour Tuscan's replacement, Thiago Motta, is a far more progressive coach who relied heavily on wingers during his sensational spell at Bologna which ended with the Rossoblu qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.

  The Bianconeri have made a perfect start to the new Serie A season under their new boss, with the likes of Samuel Mbangula, Andrea Cambiaso and Timothy Weah all impressing out wide in Motta's 4-2-3-1 formation. However, with all respect to those three players, not one of them is anywhere near as talented as Chiesa.

  However, the winger must take his share of the blame for his Juve exit. After all, the Bianconeri were keen to extend his contract – but on pretty much the same terms as his previous deal. Chiesa's agent has denied claims that he was seeking a significant pay rise for his client, but it's clear that the two parties had wildly contrasting views on his worth, making a parting of the ways inevitable.

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  Almost back to his best?

  Daniele De Rossi reportedly pushed hard for Roma to pick up Chiesa, but money remains tight at Trigoria and the Giallorossi were not in a position to offer the attacker Champions League football either. Barcelona were, but the Catalans' own cash-flow problems effectively ruled them out of the running for the left winger they've been seeking, and their withdrawal paved the way for Liverpool to make the kind of "opportunistic" signing that Richard Hughes had talked about shortly after his arrival as the club's new sporting director.

  There is, unsurprisingly, some scepticism surrounding the deal, most of which is tied to Chiesa's fitness. However, it should be noted that Chiesa featured in 33 of Juve's 38 Serie A games last season – the most appearances he's managed across a single league campaign since he was a Fiorentina player.

  He also scored 10 goals in all competitions, while at the same time creating more chances (61) and completing more dribbles (39) than any other Juve player, so there is evidence to suggest that Chiesa has indeed fully recovered from his ACL tear.

  "The injury slowed down my career, but it taught me a lot," Chiesa told after his Player-of-the-Match-winning display against Albania at Euro 2024. "Before, I was probably a more instinctive, a more impulsive player, and maybe my game has changed a little – but not my speed. Now I’m back to being very close to the level I was at before the injury."

Al-Nassr are reportedly close to striking a deal with Chelsea for winger Angelo over a move ahead of the Saudi Pro League's transfer deadline.

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• Chelsea set to sell Angelo
• Al Nassr offer bid worth €23m
• Chelsea working upon sell-on clause

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Saudi Pro League's transfer window is set to close in less than four hours and Al-Nassr are set to work hard until the deadline as they look to sign winger Angelo from Chelsea.

  The Blues are hard at work to clear out their super-bloated squad and are willing to sell the winger.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per Fabrizio Romano, Al Nassr have offered Chelsea a deal worth €23 million (£19m/$25m) and the price has been accepted by the Blues.

  The only detail yet to be agreed upon, as per the report, is the sell-on clause for a possible future sale of the 19-year-old.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea signed Angelo for a reported fee of €19m (£16m/$21m) from Brazilian Serie A side Santos in the summer of 2023. The Blues then loaned the winger out to Strasbourg on a season-long loan deal where he appeared 25 times for the French club.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ANGELO?

  Al-Nassr will look to close the deal with Chelsea as soon as possible with the transfer deadline fast approaching. The Saudi Pro League side will be in action next against Al-Ahli on September 13.

Matias Rojas has "no words" to describe the feeling of being Lionel Messi's teammate at Inter Miami, with the Paraguayan still pinching himself.

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• Argentine moved to America in 2023
• Herons have strengthened again since then
• All-time great now an inspirational leader

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his way to the United States in the summer of 2023. He has been joined by a number of other notable additions since then, including former Barcelona colleagues Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rojas was another new arrival for the 2024 MLS campaign, with the 28-year-old playmaker heading to Florida from Brazilian side Corinthians. He is currently responsible for providing attacking creativity for the Herons during Messi’s injury-enforced absence.

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  WHAT ROJAS SAID

  The Paraguay international is loving every minute of his time in Miami, telling reporters of what it is like to work with Messi – even when the iconic Argentine is restricted to an individual rehabilitation programme: “Leo is always there, he watches everything and he talks to us before games. He communicates more with those who can speak Spanish, he pays attention to what is happening, and he gives his opinion. We are proud to be in there, enjoying these moments. Sometimes I talk to my family to realise what is happening, but as I always say, I will not get tired of saying that we share the day with the best player in the history of football. There are no words to describe what I feel every day.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Messi is still waiting on dates to be set for a return to full training and competitive action. Inter Miami will be back on MLS duty against Supporters' Shield rivals FC Cincinnati on August 24. They are hoping to have their talismanic captain in contention for selection again by the end of the month.

Sunderland were known to splash the cash on some underwhelming duds when they were still playing their football in the Premier League, overpriced flops who struggled to ever really fit into their new Wearside environment.

Major signings such as Jack Rodwell and Didier Ndong stick out as being spectacular misfires from the Black Cats, with the latter of those two statement purchases still going down as Sunderland's most expensive capture to this date.

Fast forward to the present, flashy purchases are very much resigned to this turbulent part of the club's history that inevitably played a part in their demise all the way down to League One – Mike Dodds' side consisting more of spritely gems such as Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham now, as opposed to risking it all on some wild and rash buys.

Another one of those over-the-top transfers is remembered for being one of the biggest wastes of money in Sunderland's recent history, with the striker in question entering for a bumper £9m fee and frustratingly just drawing blanks instead of showing off his potency.

Jozy Altidore's time at Sunderland

It's fair to say a lot more was expected of Jozy Altidore when he rocked up to the Stadium of Light 11 years ago than what the Black Cats unfortunately got, arriving in England from the Netherlands with a reputation for being a deadly finisher in the Eredivisie.

Altidore would net 51 goals from 93 games playing for AZ Alkmaar, including a mightily impressive 31 goals from just 38 matches during his final season at AZ before his Sunderland nightmare began.

Strikes such as this one against FC Heerenveen must have had the Wearside outfit licking their lips at the prospect of what they were going to get when Altidore travelled over to England, only for the move to be a disaster from start to finish.

The American centre-forward would end up finding the net a dire three times for the then Premier League Black Cats from 52 games, with remarkably just one of those strikes actually coming in the top-flight.

Altidore would be cursed in front of goal with Hull City at this level even before joining Sunderland, only mustering up a solitary strike for the Tigers too in the Premier League.

If anything, Sunderland should have done their research better involving this forgettable loan stint before splashing the cash wildly.

One miss during his wretched time at the Stadium of Light saw one-time Black Cats boss Gustavo Poyet describe Altidore as feeling "devastated" by his lack of a cutting edge, with the move undoubtedly going down as a terrible flop.

The move is exposed further as a blunder on Sunderland's end when you look at how much the ex-AZ striker would cost if this deal went through in today's inflated market, with Totally Money's Transfer Index heightening Altidore's Sunderland trauma even more by exposing those details.

Jozy Altidore's transfer value in 2024

If the same ill-fated move went through in 2024, Altidore would have been even more of a costly error on Sunderland's end with the fee – as per Totally Money – coming in at a bumped up £16.4m.

To contextualise, that would result in the 6 foot 1 striker coming in as Sunderland's second most expensive purchase of all time.

Sunderland will sleep a little easier about the high-profile purchase of Asamoah Gyan in contrast to Altidore firing blanks, with the Ghanaian sharp-shooter earning hero status by bagging 11 goals from 37 games for the Wearside outfit.

Altidore would eventually rebuild his reputation and get his bruised career back on track when relocating to Toronto FC after leaving England, setting the MLS alight with goal after goal.

Sunderland will be left scratching their heads at what went wrong for Altidore when donning a Black Cats strip considering he looked unfazed by his Black Cats demons with Toronto, having been seen as a coup under Paolo Di Canio before freezing in his new spotlight.

Altidore's time after Sunderland

Altidore would become the goalscoring beast he was in the Netherlands with Toronto, amassing 13 goals from just 25 appearances during his debut MLS season.

In total, Altidore would go on to become a decorated servant for the Canadian club by netting 79 goals from 173 games before walking away in 2021 for a new challenge with New England Revolution.

That move didn't quite go according to plan for the American centre-forward though, with the goal-shy Altidore that ruined his short but ego-crushing time with Sunderland remerging again – only firing in two goals from 30 games.

Now, the well-travelled attacker finds himself without a club at 34 years of age with retirement surely in his immediate plans.

Sunderland will worry that their current crop of centre-forwards are lacking a prolific edge similar to Altidore, with Mason Burstow only managing one goal so far on loan from Chelsea.

Likewise, Nazariy Rusyn has just two goals next to his name which so happens to be the same paltry goal return the American striker managed from two spells in the Premier League.

There is the reassurance that neither of those signings dented the Sunderland bank account like Altidore did however, with the strikers at Dodds' disposal not quite going down as being failures to the same degree as their former misfiring dud just yet.

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Arsenal have won the race for Sweden's talented young star Rosa Kafaji, who was rumoured to also have interest from Real Madrid, Juventus & PSG.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Arsenal make Sweden star Kafaji third summer signing
• Real Madrid, Juventus & PSG rumoured to be interested
• But Gunners win race for 21-year-old forward

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kafaji has signed what the club has described as 'a long-term contract', joining from BK Hacken. The Swedish side made her the most expensive domestic transfer in Swedish women’s football history at the end of 2021 but were always going to struggle to keep hold of her this year, with several big clubs interested in the 21-year-old ahead of her contract expiring in a few months. She will wear the No.16 shirt in north London.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That's because Kafaji has spent the past 12 months lighting up the biggest of stages, taking her form from the Swedish Damallsvenskan to the Champions League and even to Wembley. In Europe's premier competition, the young forward helped Hacken reach the quarter-finals, scoring goals against PSG and Real Madrid, and she's earned chances with the senior national team, too, providing a stunning assist for Fridolina Rolfo in a draw with England back in April. Now, she will take the next big step in her club career as she joins a top club in a top league.

• WHAT KAFAJI SAID

  “It feels amazing to join this club – I'm so happy to be here,” Kafaji said. “I had a very good feeling after speaking to Jonas [Eidevall, head coach] and Clare [Wheatley, direct of women's football] and it just feels right to be at Arsenal. I’m hungry to keep growing and I know this is the right place for me to do that and compete for the biggest trophies. I can't wait to get started and walk out at Emirates Stadium in front of all our supporters.”

  Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Rosa to the club. She’s one of the most exciting young talents in the world and I’ve been a keen admirer of her game for a number of years. She plays with a fearlessness beyond her age and I know she has the hunger and mentality it takes to realise her potential here with Arsenal.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Kafaji, who ranked 11th in GOAL's NXGN list back in 2022, is Arsenal's third signing of the summer. She follows Mariona Caldentey, the former Barcelona star, and Daphne van Domselaar, the Netherlands international goalkeeper, through the doors in a transfer window that has seen Brazil youngster Gio Queiroz, Canada shot-stopper Sabrina D'Angelo and, most notably, star striker Vivianne Miedema leave.

Rangers may have just been handed a major boost over the future of their £15m man, it has emerged.

Key man wants out

The latest international break has only served to fuel the rumours that Philippe Clement's No 1, Jack Butland, is keen to leave Rangers this summer despite an excellent Scottish Premiership season.

The 31-year-old has been a key part of the meanest defence in Scotland, keeping 17 clean sheets and conceding just 16 times since his arrival on a free transfer in the summer.

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However, his form was not rewarded by England boss Gareth Southgate, who overlooked the ex-Crystal Palace and Manchester United shot-stopper in his latest Three Lions squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

It led to reports that Butland was considering his options already amid Premier League interest, with the idea that a return to England may lead to greater exposure and therefore a return to the England squad.

For their part, Rangers are not set to deny Butland a move should he choose to, but will demand a massive £15m to let him leave the club this summer – something that would come close to a record sale for the Ibrox side.

Now though, they may not have to sanction a departure after all, with the latest reports offering hope for the Rangers no.1 to stay at Ibrox.

Butland boost for Rangers

It has emerged that Butland may not have to leave Scotland to be in with a chance of making the Three Lions squad in the near future, with Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge claiming that he was "extremely unlucky" not to make the most recent squad.

"I was told that he was extremely unlucky not to make this England squad. There was a lot of deliberating over whether him or Aaron Ramsdale should have taken that third spot," he told GiveMeSport.

"That tells me two things – he is doing ever so well this season, and you can get in the England squad by playing in Scotland, which is a huge plus for Rangers. I actually put him in my England squad on Sky Sports News," Bridge added.

Should that message have been communicated to Butland himself, it may persuade him to remain at Rangers beyond this summer despite interest from elsewhere, knowing that should he continue to perform to the high standards he has managed thus far at Ibrox, he will not be discounted.

Of course, this summer's Euro 2024 tournament could prove pivotal. Though Jordan Pickford is England's firm No 1, there are no obvious backup goalkeepers at present, with Ramsdale not playing for Arsenal and Sam Johnstone set to miss the competition in Germany after an elbow injury on international duty with the Three Lions. Meanwhile, England youth goalkeeper James Trafford has lost his spot as Burnley's No 1 goalkeeper in recent weeks and may fall out of contention as a result.

This predicament could present Butland with the opportunity that he has craved to return to Gareth Southgate's setup, all while still playing for Rangers.