Leicestershire left-arm seamer named as replacement, with Stone likely to take place in team

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2024Josh Hull, the Leicestershire left-arm seamer, has been added to England’s squad for the final two Tests against Sri Lanka, following confirmation that Mark Wood will play no further part in the series after suffering a thigh injury.Hull, 20, is one of the most exciting young players on the county circuit, although his first-class record is modest with 16 wickets at 62.75. Standing at 6ft 7in, he played a key role in Leicestershire’s triumph in the Metro Bank One-Day Club last season, and impressed earlier this month on his England Lions debut, taking five wickets across two innings at New Road to help inflict a seven-wicket defeat on Sri Lanka’s tourists in their only warm-up game.He has only taken two wickets in three Championship games this season, but showcased an ability to push the speed gun up towards 90mph when making his debut in the Hundred for Manchester Originals last month.”It was about half nine last night when I got the call from Brendon McCullum,” Hull told BBC Radio Leicester. “It’s a very special moment.””It’s come around pretty quickly, I didn’t think it would happen this fast, but I am really excited to be joining them””I was happy with how I performed [for England Lions] but I never thought it would lead to a call this early. They’ve got Olly Stone there as the first replacement, so it will be a great opportunity to join up and be part of that environment.”Hull is currently in Bristol, taking part in Leicestershire’s Championship fixture with Gloucestershire, and is expected to join up with England’s squad in London on Monday ahead of the second Test at Lord’s, which begins on Thursday. The final Test of the summer, at the Kia Oval, takes place from September 6-10.Hull’s inclusion is the only change to England’s 13-man squad for the remaining two Tests, with Nottinghamshire’s Olly Stone likely to step into Wood’s role for what would be his fourth Test appearance, and his first since New Zealand at Edgbaston in June 2021. Stone has also been playing Championship cricket for Nottinghamshire this week, after being released from the England squad on the opening day of the first Test, alongside the reserve batter, Essex’s Jordan Cox.Related

Olly Stone confirmed as Mark Wood's pace replacement for Lord's Test

Mark Wood in doubt for remainder of Sri Lanka series after sustaining thigh injury

Joe Root drops anchor as England go 1-0 up over spirited Sri Lanka

Ollie Pope passes first captaincy test, though his own returns beg to differ

Angelo Mathews: Replacement ball 'changed the entire momentum of the game'

Wood’s status had been in some doubt from the moment he pulled up midway through his 11th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings on Friday evening. He took no further part in the match, and was subsequently sent for a scan midway on Saturday morning, with the results revealing a muscle strain in his right thigh.Though unfortunate in the short term, the diagnosis of a strain, rather than a tear, will be a relief for Wood and England, given the team’s busy winter schedule which includes three-Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand in the lead-up to Christmas.In his absence, England were made to battle for victory in the first Test, with Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal batting through the morning session of the fourth day to help post a taxing target of 205, which was eventually hunted down with five wickets standing, thanks to an unbeaten 62 from Joe Root.England squad for final two Tests: Ollie Pope (capt), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

The appointment is understood to be a prelude to a role with the franchise at the PSL

Danyal Rasool01-Nov-2024

[File photo] Darren Gough and Sameen Rana with Lord Patel, chair of Yorkshire CCC•Lahore Qalandars

Darren Gough has been appointed head coach of Lahore Qalandars. His first assignment with the franchise will be the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana, which starts on November 26.The appointment is understood to be a prelude to a more permanent role in Qalandars’ stock competition: the PSL. Aaqib Javed, who served as head coach and director of cricket operations for Qalandars for eight years, quit last month to focus on a new role at the PCB with Pakistan cricket: he is now a member of the selection committee for the Pakistan men’s national team.Qalandars won back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 before stumbling this year, finishing bottom. Aaqib’s departure left a vacancy at the franchise, one they wish to ensure is filled well before the PSL begins in April next year. Gough, who retired in 2006 as England’s leading ODI wicket-taker (and is still No. 2 on the list behind James Anderson) is understood to be keen on the role, with the GSL seen as a useful opportunity to allow him to get his feet under the table before a permanent decision is made.”It’s an absolute honour to have been asked by the Lahore Qalandars to be the head coach for the upcoming Global Super League in Guyana,” Gough said in a statement. “I’m really excited about this opportunity because I’ve been fortunate to work with the Qalandars in Lahore on several occasions, assisting with their PDP [player development programme].”We know that Lahore Qalandars are all about giving young players opportunities they’ve never had before -developing their skills and shaping them into players who can go on to represent the Qalandars, and hopefully make Pakistan cricket proud.”Gough most recently served as managing director at his old club, Yorkshire, after being appointed in December 2021 following the racism allegations that rocked the club. He parted ways with Yorkshire in March this year. Before that, he had a stint as England’s bowling consultant in 2020. Not long after Gough joined Yorkshire in 2021, the club launched a partnership with Qalandars aiming to “nurture talent [by] reducing barriers to entry” following the racism crisis.Sameen Rana, co-owner of Qalandars, said Gough’s vision aligned “seamlessly with our commitment to player development”, referring to the appointment as an embarkation on “a new journey”.The GSL will be contested by five teams. Qalandars are joined by Hampshire Hawks from the T20 Blast, Rangpur Riders from the BPL, Victoria from Australia, as well as the hosts, Guyana Amazon Warriors. The final will take place on December 7.

All you need to know about Canada's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Canada played in only their second World Cup in 2022, and it was their first appearance since 1986. They will once again be part of the tournament in 2026 as one of the co-hosts, alongside the United States and Mexico.

Although their performance in the 2025 Gold Cup was somewhat disappointing, they had a successful campaign at the 2024 Copa America.

In their debut Copa America, the Canadians reached the semifinals, losing only to the eventual champions and reigning world champions, Argentina, once in the group stage and again in the semifinals.

In their six World Cup matches so far, Canada have yet to secure a win. They lost all their group stage games in both 1986 and 2022. In 2026, the Reds will be eager to break that drought and celebrate their first ever World Cup victory in front of a home crowd.

The team has some exciting talent and one of the top strikers currently playing in Europe. Will they be able to make history this time? Let's explore their potential squad for the tournament.

Getty Images SportGoalkeepers

In the goalkeeping department, Canada have two quality goalkeepers who could both start at the World Cup next year – Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crepeau. Both keepers have been regular starters for their respective MLS clubs as well as the Canadian national team.

At the 2025 Gold Cup, coach Jesse Marsch alternated between Crepeau and St. Clair throughout the tournament. Jonathan Sirois of Montreal is also in contention to make a case for himself in Marsch's squad at the showpiece event next year.

Player Club

Dayne St. ClairMinnesotaMaxime CrepeauPortlandTom McGillBrightonJonathan SiroisMontrealAdvertisementGetty ImagesDefenders

Canada's backline comprises talented youngsters as well as experienced players who have been part of the national setup for a while now, with one of those players being Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. Davies is undoubtedly one of the most influential players in the Canadian team and will be a crucial asset for Marsch's side once he returns from injury. If the co-hosts are to make a deep run in the tournament, Davies will need to perform at the highest level.

Another important defensive figure for Canada is Davies' full-back partner, Alistair Johnston of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Johnston made his debut for Canada in 2021 and has been the team’s first-choice right-back ever since.

Along with the full-back pairing, Canada also have strong defenders in Derek Cornelius, who plays for Marseille in Ligue 1, and the young Luc De Fougerolles, who features for Fulham in the Premier League. Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, and Kamal Miller are also solid options and could have important roles to play in Marsch's squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Player Club

Alphonso DaviesBayern MunichJoel WatermanMontrealAlistair JohnstonCelticNiko SigurHajduk SplitDerek CorneliusMarseilleKamal MillerPortlandMoise BombitoOGC NiceJahkeele Marshall-RuttyCharlotte FCKyle HiebertSt. Louis CitySam AdekugbeVancouver WhitecapsRichie LareyaToronto FCGetty Images SportMidfielders

Along with a stable defensive setup, Canada have a reasonably strong midfield as well. Alongside homegrown young talents, Jesse Marsch's side will also have some top European-level players at his disposal for the showpiece event next year.

Tajon Buchanan of Inter Milan provides the co-hosts with versatility, as he can play in midfield, full-back, and wide midfield roles. Young Ismael Kone is another talented prospect who currently plays for Marseille in Ligue 1, while Stephen Eustaquio has been a regular starter for Porto in the Primeira Liga.

Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choiniere, and Ali Ahmed have also been in the mix to start for Canada at the World Cup and could be part of Marsch's plans.

Player Club

Tajon BuchananInter MilanIsmael KoneMarseilleJonathan OsorioTornto FCAli AhmedVancouver WhitecapasJacob ShaffelburgNashvilleMathieu ChoiniereGrasshopperStephen EstaquioPortoJayden NelsonVancouver WhitecapsGettyAttackers

In the attacking region, Canada have several threats, with the primary one being Juventus forward Jonathan David. The Canadian centre-forward is currently regarded as one of the best in his position in Europe, which led to his move to the Italian giants from Lille in Ligue 1.

Alongside David, Cyle Larin and Daniel Jebbison are also quality players who could complement him in the attacking third.

Player Club

Jonathan DavidJuventusCyle LarinMallorcaDaniel JebbisonBournemouthTani OluwaseyiMinnesotaThelonius BairAuxerreJacen Russell-RoweColumbus CrewPromise DavidUnion Saint-Gilloise

The Astros and Blue Jays square off for the fourth game of a four-game series Thursday night at the Rogers Center. The Jays lead this series 2-1, winning the last two in a row after Alek Manoah’s implosion in game one of the series.

When this series started, I said I believed the teams would split, 2-2, so I am following up my prediction and backing Houston behind Frambe Valdez at -120 tonight.

Valdez has been excellent this season and is once again in the AL Cy Young conversation. His ERA of 2.17 is well below his xERA of 3.85, but Valdez’s 59.5% ground ball rate continues to work in his favor, and his 2.87 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) says the ERA should remain low. More importantly, however, Valdez is likely to go deep in the game. His 79 innings pitched this season are the seventh-most in MLB. The Jays struggle when facing lefties, ranking 22nd in OPS (.706), 25th in SLG (.382) and 32nd in ISO (a mere .121). Houston should have the advantage on the bump tonight.

The Jays will start Jose Berrios, who has been better of late, lowering his ERA to 3.66 after a bumpy start in April. Berrios owns a 2.22 ERA when pitching at home this year, so I don’t expect a lot of scoring for either team tonight, though Berrios’s xERA of 4.58 and 2.78 walks per nine innings suggest he’s the more vulnerable pitcher.

Games at the Rogers Center are averaging only 7.82 runs per game this year, and I predict the game total will stay under the listed market value of 8.5. A low-scoring, close game feels like the most likely outcome tonight- with the Astros edging the Jays to split the series 2-2.

A few more trends to note:

Games have gone under 50.8% of the time for Houston this season, while games have gone under 51.7% of the time for Toronto.

Houston has won 68.8% of the time as the road favorite this year (11-5-0).

Toronto has won 75% of the time as home underdog (3-1).

Toronto is averaging 3.86 runs per game across the past two weeks of play, while Houston is averaging 4.86.

The Bets: Houston ML( -120) | Under 8.5 (-115)

Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League next season will give Eddie Howe hope that he can lure some high-profile players to Stamford Bridge.

One player they are showing interest in is Jadon Sancho. The Manchester United winger looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer.

The Englishman could cost the club around £25m, and he would certainly bolster their wide options, given his return of five goals and eight assists for Chelsea this season.

It would be a massive statement of intent if Howe could secure a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund starlet. While adding wingers will help the club next season, perhaps it is other positions that require strengthening first.

Newcastle enter the race to sign Barcelona star

One position that Howe must improve is his goalkeeping department. The club conceded 47 Premier League goals last term, the worst defensive record out of any side in the top five.

Thus, bringing in a top-class goalkeeper ahead of another Champions League campaign makes perfect sense.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona’s keeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be set to leave the club following the arrival of Joan Garcia.

PSG, AC Milan, Manchester City, and Juventus have all expressed interest in the German international, but Newcastle are also entering the race.

Beating these clubs to the signature of Ter Stegen would be a major coup for Howe; that much is certain. Indeed, he would be an even better signing than Sancho.

Why Newcastle must sign Marc-André ter Stegen

Signing Sancho could prove to be a massive gamble. For Man United, the winger scored just 12 goals across 83 matches for the club. His loan spell at Chelsea didn’t exactly see him sparkle either.

His 41 matches for the Blues saw only five goals netted, and it was no surprise that they declined to sign him permanently. Given the fact that Newcastle can call upon players such as Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy on the wing, do they need to splash out to sign Sancho? Especially with the risks involved with his lacklustre form.

In this instance, making a move for Ter Stegen would be seen as the smarter approach. That’s for sure.

Last season, Nick Pope kept just eight clean sheets from 35 appearances, while Martin Dubravka kept five clean sheets across ten domestic matches for the Magpies.

If Howe is serious about progressing far in the Champions League next season, making a move to bring Ter Stegen to England would be a very shrewd move indeed.

Metric

Pope

Dubravka

Clean sheets

8

5

Saves per game

3.1

2.9

Touches per game

34.8

38

Goals conceded

35

12

Goals conceded per game

1.3

1.2

Pass success rate

65%

76%

He played just nine games last season for Barcelona, keeping a solitary clean sheet. The German has been with the La Liga giants since the summer of 2014, playing over 400 competitive matches in the process.

A total of 175 clean sheets have been kept throughout that period. While he may not have featured much this term, in La Liga during 2023/24, he was excellent.

Across his 28 matches, Ter Stegen made 2.7 saves per game – a success rate of 74% – while he was also successful with 100% of his runs out per game.

He was comfortable on the ball, as evidenced by his average of 40 touches per game, while a 94% pass accuracy in his own half suggests the German moves the ball on effectively.

The player was lauded as “ice cool” by popular X page Goalkeeper.com for the way he snuffed out an opponent’s attack in the Champions League in September 2023.

Given the fact that he has a contract until 2028 with the Catalan giants, a move would cost the club, although it hasn’t been determined just how much Hansi Flick will demand for his player.

Sancho would be a fine signing, no doubt, but bringing Ter Stegen to the north-east would certainly turn heads.

Newcastle accelerate pursuit of £60m striker who now wants move to Tyneside

Eddie Howe could bring a clinical forward to Tyneside.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da dobrowin： Ser rebaixado de divisão é um dos piores cenários possíveis para um clube de futebol. Neste processo, as equipes enfrentam uma considerável queda no faturamento anual e perdem prestígio, seja com sua torcida ou com o público geral.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasListasRolling Stones na camisa do Barcelona? Listamos bandas ou cantores que já apareceram em uniformes de futebolListas18/09/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras anuncia informações sobre ingressos para duelo diante do Boca na ArgentinaPalmeiras18/09/2023Futebol InternacionalChampions da Ásia: grupos, jogos, chaveamento, times e maiores campeõesFutebol Internacional03/10/2023

da esport bet： + Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

+ Tem promoção exclusiva de boas-vindas pra você! Aposte a partir de R$10 e receba até R$200 de bônus na Lance! Betting

Um dos maiores orgulhos de torcedores espalhados ao redor do mundo é o fato de poderem se vangloriar das seguidas temporadas consecutivas na elite de seus respectivos campeonato nacionais.

No futebol brasileiro, apenas quatro clubes que já disputaram o Brasileirão e estão atualmente na primeira divisão nunca foram rebaixados: Cuiabá, Flamengo, Santos e São Paulo.

continua após a publicidade

+ 5 fatos que colocam o Santos perto de um inédito rebaixamento

O Dourado, equipe do Mato Grosso do Sul, conseguiu seu acesso à elite do futebol nacional em 2021. Apesar de não ter a mesma longevidade do trio na Série A, a equipe entra no seleto grupo de times que nunca caíram.

No futebol mundial, gigantes como Atlético de Madrid (Espanha), Bayern de Munique (Alemanha), Manchester City (Inglaterra), Milan (Itália) e River Plate (Argentina) enfrentaram em, ao menos uma ocasião, as consequências do rebaixamento.

continua após a publicidade

CONFIRA OS PRINCIPAIS CLUBES QUE NUNCA FORAM REBAIXADOS

Attention is already turning to the new 2025/26 Premier League season, with promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

Liverpool, under Arne Slot, will be the defending champions, whereas Pep Guardiola is leading a Manchester City rebuild. Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will finally be hoping that this is their year, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to improve on their terrible domestic campaigns last time around.

Grok, the AI tool on X, relayed by Birmingham World, has already predicted the 2025/26 Premier League table, looking at how many points each team will collect, including their goal difference.

AI 2025/26 Premier League table in pictures:

AI Premier League table 2025/26
Rank	Team	Games	Points	GD
1	Liverpool	38	88	+42
2	Arsenal	38	80	+30
3	Man City	38	78	+28
4	Newcastle	38	72	+22
5	Chelsea	38	68	+18
6	Aston Villa	38	65	+12
7	Nottingham Forest	38	62	+10
8	Tottenham	38	60	+8
9	Brighton	38	58	+6
10	Fulham	38	55	+4
11	Man Utd	38	54	+2
12	Everton	38	52	0
13	West Ham	38	50	-2
14	Bournemouth	38	48	-5
15	Brentford	38	46	-8
16	Leeds Utd	38	42	-12
17	Crystal Palace	38	40	-15
18	Wolves	38	38	-20
19	Burnley	38	34	-25
20	Sunderland	38	30	-30

The next 10 Ballon d'Or winners predicted by AI

Who could win the Ballon d’Or across the next ten years?

By
Matt Dawson

May 31, 2025

20

20th: Sunderland

(30 points, -30 GD)

Starting the countdown at the bottom of the table, AI thinks Championship playoff winners Sunderland will finish in 20th place.

They believe Regis Le Bris’ side will accumulate 30 points, though, 18 more than Southampton, who were 20th in 24/25.

19

19th: Burnley

(34 points, -25 GD)

Another newly promoted side, Burnley are believed to be the next side to go down. Scott Parker worked wonders at Turf Moor in his first campaign, conceding just 16 goals in 46 games and ending on 100 points.

However, potentially losing some of those defensive stars, including goalkeeper James Trafford, could see the Clarets struggle.

18

18th: Wolves

(38 points, -20 GD)

Wolves have been flirting with the bottom three in the 23/24 and 24/25 seasons, and AI thinks 25/26 is the year they are going down.

After losing Matheus Cunha to Man Utd, the Old Gold will need to replace their top scorer and could struggle under Vitor Pereira.

17

17th: Crystal Palace

(40 points, -15 GD)

Just avoiding the drop are the 24/25 FA Cup winners Crystal Palace. AI claims that the fixture congestion from Europe could see them struggle in the Premier League.

Another problem for the Eagles is player sales, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Jean-Philippe Mateta all being linked with moves away from Selhurst Park.

16

16th: Leeds United

(42 points, -12 GD)

AI feels that Leeds United, the Championship title winners, could buck the trend and avoid relegation by finishing on 42 points.

If they do, the Whites, who won the second tier title in stoppage time on the final day, will be the first side since the 2022/23 season to get promoted and remain in the Premier League.

15

15th: Brentford

(46 points, -8 GD)

Despite a top 10 finish in 24/25, Brentford are next on the list, with AI believing Bryan Mbeumo’s potential departure could result in a drop-off for Thomas Frank’s side.

Mbeumo scored 20 of the Bees’ 66 goals last season but could be on his way to Man Utd, which may see them slide down the table.

14

14th: Bournemouth

(48 points, -5 GD)

Another side who finished in the top 10 last season, Bournemouth, could also be in line to lose some of their star players.

Already selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid, Milos Kerkez and Antoine Semenyo are also in demand, with AI feeling that any sales will negatively impact the Cherries.

13

13th: West Ham

(50 points, -2 GD)

One side that AI feels will slightly improve from 24/25 is West Ham, who finished 14th in the previous campaign on 43 points.

Graham Potter is preparing for his first full season in charge at the London Stadium and will be looking to make his mark in the transfer window.

12

12th: Everton

(52 points, 0 GD)

Another team AI think will finish one place higher than 24/25 is Everton. David Moyes came in and steadied the ship for the Toffees and will be leading them at their new stadium in 25/26.

It is added that keeping hold of star defender Jarrad Branthwaite and adding depth to the side is key, though.

11

11th: Manchester United

(54 points, +2 GD)

Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Man Utd in 24/25, so AI does have them finishing higher but still in the bottom half with 54 points.

‘Integrating new signings and addressing defensive frailties’ under Ruben Amorim in a 3-4-3 system could still see the Red Devils struggle, ending 12 points and four places better off.

Brazilian sensation Wesley became the 46th Brazilian player to join Roma. The full-back explained his tough beginnings and what it took to reach Europe.

• Wesley completes switch to Roma
• Former Flamengo star explained his journey
• Admitted he nearly quit the sport during initial days

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wesley's rise to the top of football is anything but ordinary. The 21-year-old right-back, who didn’t even kick a ball until he was 17, has gone from nearly quitting the sport to sealing a €30 million (£26m/$35m) move to Serie A giants Roma. His journey, however, took a dramatic turn after being noticed by Flamengo, where he quickly proved he belonged on the big stage. Roma's latest signing sheds light on his tough beginnings, stating that his initial days were filled with self-doubt.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wesley has signed a five-year deal with the Giallorossi and will wear the No.43 jersey. The young defender stated in his first interview with the club that he hopes to emulate national icon Cafu, who played for Roma in the same position. Despite his preference to play in a four-man defence, the former Flamengo sensation can comfortably slot in a right-wing back role, providing tactical flexibility to new head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. With his €30m move, he becomes the most expensive non-EU signing in club history.

• WHAT WESLEY SAID

  Speaking in his first interview as a Roma player, Wesley said: "I kicked my first real footy in 2017, when I started trying seriously in the youth teams. During that period, I started going on trials and failed four or five times, at Figueirense and Tubarão. I finally passed the trial with Figueirense, but the club wasn't in good financial shape. So I was informed that if I found a better option, I should notify the club, and they would let me go.

  "As soon as I started playing for Tubarão, Covid hit. At that moment, I thought about stopping playing and starting working. It seemed like a sign of destiny: I wasn't supposed to play football. So I started working with my mom and sister in a restaurant where my mom was a chef. I worked there as a parking attendant and by then I had little faith in football. I had just started and everything had gone wrong because of Covid.

  "[My sister] kept sending me messages on Instagram. They were motivational texts; she wanted to push me to get back into football. So at the end of 2020, I decided to return to playing after a year off, during which I hadn't trained at all. Tubarão contacted me asking if I would be willing to play five games with them. I accepted, since I wasn't doing anything. But I wasn't playing much.

  “I recorded a video and my agent sent it to all his friends. From that moment on, they started contacting me for trials, then Flamengo called, again in 2021, and that changed everything.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR WESLEY?

  The Brazilian international will be hoping to make his unofficial debut for the Serie A giants in their upcoming friendly, scheduled for July 31 against French fourth-tier side Cannes.

da brwin： When it comes to the greatest Chelsea players of the last 15 years or so, it’s impossible to look past Eden Hazard.

da betway： The Belgian wizard joined the Blues in the summer of 2012 and, over the next seasons, made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals, providing 88 assists, and winning a host of trophies, including two Premier Leagues.

The international superstar was more than just output, though; he was an entertainer, someone who could make something of anything, and a legend of the league.

So, fans should be delighted about reports linking Chelsea to another superstar who could become their new Hazard.

Chelsea target their new Eden Hazard

The transfer window reopens in just over a month, and as a result, Chelsea are being linked with some seriously exciting players.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, for example, has been touted for a £79m move to Stamford Bridge, as has Nottingham Forest’s defensive powerhouse Murillo.

Yet, while both would improve the Blues’ squad and potentially the starting lineup, neither can be described as the next Hazard, unlike Vinícius Júnior.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a few teams keen on signing the Real Madrid winger.

In fact, the report has revealed that, alongside Manchester City, the West Londoners are leading the race for the Brazilian’s signature, while Manchester United trail behind.

However, on top of the competition, the Blues will have to stump up a fee of up to £100m to secure the superstar’s signature.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Vini Jr’s immense ability, it’s one Chelsea should be all over, especially as he could be another Hazard.

Why Vini Jr would be another Hazard for Chelsea

Now, while Vini Jr obviously isn’t a carbon copy of Hazard, there are undeniable similarities between the two.

For example, in addition to sharing a position with him, the Brazilian is also a winger most would describe as an entertainer; he is not merely efficient.

In other words, the 25-year-old is more than happy to take on an opposition defender, is capable of scoring a myriad of goals and isn’t afraid of pulling off a trick or two, even if he sometimes gets heat for doing so.

While this is all obvious from simply watching the former Flamengo gem play, it’s also borne out in his underlying numbers.

For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, the top 3% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

Simply put, the São Gonçalo-born star is someone who wants to carry the ball into dangerous areas and is one of the very best at doing so.

With all that said, while Vini Jr has the entertainment side of Hazard to his own game, he’s also as, if not more, dangerous when it comes to backing that up with output.

Vini Jr’s Madird record

Appearances

340

Starts

267

Minutes

24,291′

Goals

111

Assists

92

Points per Game

2.15

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 340 appearances, for Los Blancos, totalling 24291 minutes, he has scored 111 goals and provided 92 assists.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.67 games, or every 119.66 minutes, which is even more impressive when you consider his slow start in Madrid.

With numbers like those, and the fact he’s one of the few players in the world guaranteed to get fans on their feet, it’s hard to disagree with Ronaldo’s assertion that he is “the best player in the world.”

Therefore, while it will cost an arm and a leg, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Vini Jr, especially as he could be their next Hazard.

Related Chelsea: Enzo Maresca provides major Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal

The Blues are set for a mouth-watering Premier League clash this weekend.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025