Window for negotiation opened ahead of mini-draft ahead of postponed maiden season

Matt Roller24-Sep-2020

Teams in the Hundred will be able to retain as many men’s players as they wish for the 2021 competition, as details for next season’s draft were revealed on Thursday.The Hundred, the ECB’s new flagship 100-ball competition, was due to be staged for the first time this summer before the Covid-19 pandemic caused its postponement to 2021. The competition’s regulations had initially allowed teams to retain up to 10 players at a mutually agreed salary band for the second season, but that has been extended to the full squad on account of the delay.In practice, teams are unlikely to retain their entire squads due to a number of factors, including the end of Kolpak status, a lack of clarity over the international calendar, and form over the last 12 months.ALSO READ: Women’s Hundred players given option for contract roll-overThe ECB is due to release a list of centrally-contracted players for 2020-21 – likely to be within the next two weeks – at which point teams will be able to negotiate to retain a player at a mutually-agreed salary. That could be higher or lower than their salary last year, meaning that Dawid Malan (a £40,000 pick by Trent Rockets) could negotiate up after an impressive 12 months, while a player who had struggled for form could agree a deal worth less. As revealed by ESPNcricinfo, all salary bands have been cut by 20% from last year.Teams will have from October through to January in which to negotiate with players and agents, with a mini-draft to follow at some point in early 2021. In that draft, each team will then have a ‘right to match’ option, allowing them to retain players with whom they failed to negotiate a deal, if they have a spot remaining in the draft at the salary band at which another team picks him.Each team will still be able to pick one ‘wildcard’ player, who will be chosen after the T20 Blast season in 2021 and will sign a £24,000 contract for the competition.The early stages of retention will depend on England’s red-ball central contract list, with the competition again set to overlap with a Test series, this time against India, and their Hundred deals falling outside of the main draft system. It is unlikely that many of the 10 players currently with deals will fall off the list, with Jonny Bairstow the main exception, but a handful of players – Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Dom Bess – will come under consideration for red-ball contracts.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Players with red-ball central contracts both years will be able to be retained. Ultimately, each team will have at least one, and at most two players with a red-ball central contract, which will be confirmed in October.A spokesman for the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) said: “The PCA was supportive of the process in confirming the retention details for the 2021 Men’s Hundred.”The players were consulted through PCA representatives, including those who were not originally contracted for the 2020 Hundred. The PCA Players’ Committee fed back their approval of the process to the ECB which allows players an element of control and freedom to negotiate for 2021 while offering opportunities for those who impressed during the 2020 Vitality Blast.”There will be several sub-plots regarding retentions, not least questions over the availability of certain players on Kolpak deals. Dane Vilas, for example, was signed by Manchester Originals as a top-price pick in last year’s draft. He hopes to continue playing as a local via a UK ancestral visa next year, but would be less likely to command a top salary if competing for one of three overseas spots. Cameron Delport, signed by Birmingham Phoenix, is in the same position.The process for women’s retentions has already been confirmed, with players given more control in that they are able to choose to roll their contracts over at the same salary if they choose to do so.

Aston Villa look to be stepping up their pursuit of a handful of key targets at present, as Unai Emery aims to strengthen ahead of participating in the Champions League next season.

The Villans appear to have a deal for Ross Barkley all but secured, while both Samuel Iling-Junior and Weston McKennie could also be on their way to Villa Park, as part of the deal for Douglas Luiz to join Juventus.

That impending exit could bring with it further midfield additions, however, with Emery and co looking at a couple of standout Premier League talents – according to reports…

Aston Villa eye dream Conor Gallagher alternative

It is no secret that the Midlands side are looking to sign Gallagher this summer, with Chelsea seeking a fee of around £50m in order for Emery to secure his services.

Given that Douglas Luiz appears to be leaving Villa, it is clear another midfielder is pivotal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

While Gallagher could be a solid signing, might Emery target another Premier League midfielder with bundles of talent instead? As Amadou Onana has emerged as a potential signing.

According to TEAMtalk, Villa have made contact with Everton over a swoop for the young Belgian starlet. The report states that Villa has touched base with the Toffees over a move but have yet to submit a proposal.

He could cost the same as Gallagher – £50m this summer – and the deal could perhaps represent better business than going all out for the Chelsea midfielder.

How Amadou Onana compares to Conor Gallagher

Gallagher performed across a variety of roles last term, predominantly operating as an attacking midfielder, but also slotting in slightly deeper when required, making 50 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with 16 goal contributions in the process.

Metric

Gallagher

Onana

Goals

5

2

Key passes per game

1.4

0.6

Aerial duels won

0.7

1.8

Accurate passes per game

47.7

29

Possession lost per game

9.4

6.8

Tackles per game

2.3

2.4

Balls recovered per game

6

5.3

Onana, on the other hand, is more defensive-minded, preferring to operate as either a central or defensive midfielder in the current Everton side. Despite this, he still registered three goals and an assist in 37 matches last term, indicating that he can get forward when needed.

The duo aren’t actually that far apart with regard to attacking statistics. Gallagher registered 3.14 shot-creating actions and 1.38 shots per 90 in the league last term, with Onana registering 2.41 shot-creating actions and 1.25 shots per 90 in the same time frame, which suggests that Gallagher perhaps is in the right place at the right time much more often.

Defensively, however, Onana comes out on top in a few metrics. Not only did he win a greater percentage of aerial duels (74.3% vs 47.2%) compared to Gallagher, but he also won a higher percentage of challenges (50% vs 42.9%) and more total duels won (six vs 5.7) in the top flight last season.

It is no surprise then to see the Belgian sensation dubbed a “warrior” by analyst Ben Mattinson in March this year, and he could be an ideal signing for Villa.

While he may not offer the same qualities going forward as Gallagher, Onana is wonderful when his side don’t have the ball, regularly winning aerial duels and adding a solid presence in the heart of the midfield.

He is still only 22 years old too, which means the midfielder has arguably yet to even hit his peak, suggesting that Emery could even stand to make a massive profit on the player should he blossom at Villa Park.

Aston Villa hold talks for dream £25m Gallagher partner

After sorting out PSR concerns Emery can shape his squad with talented new members.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 13, 2024

Gallagher has been excellent for Chelsea recently, but signing Onana may be the most logical move by the Spaniard this summer.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um resultado para chegar com o “pé na porta” e avisar que a intenção é brigar por mais. O Botafogo venceu o Coritiba no Couto Pereira por 1 a 0 na última sexta-feira e, mais do que nunca, confirmou que chegou para disputar uma vaga no G4 da Série B do Brasileirão.

+ Em nova reunião com empresários, Botafogo faz outra proposta de renovação a Rafael Navarro

Além de ter superado o líder da competição e ter entrado na zona de classificação à próxima Série A, o Botafogo fez o Coritiba amargar a primeira derrota no Couto Pereira neste Campeonato Brasileiro.

Até então, o Botafogo apresentava muitas dificuldades para se impor fora do Rio de Janeiro – não à toa, foi um dos piores visitantes do primeiro turno. Contra o líder e um território de força de uma boa equipe, deixou tudo isto para trás e conquistou um resultado importante ainda somando com bons conceitos dentro de campo.

RelacionadasBotafogoJogadores do Botafogo comemoram nos vestiários do Couto Pereira após vitória sobre o Coritiba na Série BBotafogo28/08/2021BotafogoEnderson exalta vitória do Botafogo, mas reforça caminho longo em busca do acesso: ‘A guerra continua’Botafogo28/08/2021BotafogoEnderson afirma que Gatito viajou com o Botafogo por vontade própria e elogia: ‘É uma referência no clube’Botafogo28/08/2021

O time já igualou a quantidade de vitórias conquistadas fora de casa no primeiro turno mesmo tendo jogado longe do Rio de Janeiro pela primeira vez na segunda metade do campeonato : uma.

Talvez seja um indicativo de que a postura, algo tão cobrado por Enderson Moreira em entrevistas antigas, tenha mudado. O Botafogo não apenas venceu fora de casa, mas superou um dos melhores mandantes da Série B.

Trent Alexander-Arnold insists trophies and medals are not his main inspiration amid links with Real Madrid.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Liverpool ace linked with Spain move
• Reds contract expires in 2025
• Says he is motivated by more than honours

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real when his contract expires at the end of the season, with the Spanish giants monitoring developments over his future. Now, though, the England international has suggested that trophies do not motivate him as he ponders his legacy once his career is over.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The right-back maintains that trophies and medals are not the be all and end all for him, as he is instead aiming to "maximise his potential", having been told that he could become a professional footballer from a very young age. Whether he chooses to do that in England or in Spain remains to be seen.

• WHAT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

  He told when asked if his biggest fear was not maximising his talent: "Yeah, for sure, this was a conversation I had last camp, when we were travelling to Ireland. I was on the coach down to the airport with (Eberechi) Eze and we had this conversation and I said, 'you know, there's a chance that I may never win another trophy in my career again, there's a chance of that, there's a chance I win many, many more', and I think you'll only know the morning after you retire, and you look at yourself in the mirror, and you'll have a feeling of either regret or satisfaction of what you've achieved.

  "I don't think you can value that on trophies and medals, goals, assists, anything like that, it's more 'I gave it absolutely everything, from start to finish I put everything into it' and as long as I can say that, that every single day I put everything into it, I tried to get better every day, I tried to improve myself, I tried to be the best player I could be for the team, tried to help the team win as many games as possible, and I believe I maximised the potential that everybody told me from a very young age that I had, then I'll be more than satisfied."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Alexander-Arnold could next be in action over the international break. England play Greece and Finland in the Nations League. Looking further ahead, Real Madrid will doubtless be tempted to make a move for him if he is available on a free transfer next summer.

Kohli is the only men’s player who has been nominated for all major awards

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2020

Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steven Smith and Joe Root are among seven players who have been nominated for the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the ICC male cricketer for the decade across formats. India offspinner R Ashwin is the only bowler in this list that also includes Kumar Sangakkara and AB de Villiers, who have both retired from international cricket.Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, the Australian pair of Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, England’s Sarah Taylor, India’s Mithali Raj, and West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor have been nominated for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award that recognises the best performer in women’s cricket across formats over the last decade.Kohli is the only men’s player who has been nominated for all major awards, including the Test cricketer of the decade, the ODI cricketer of the decade and T20I cricketer of the decade. England seamer James Anderson, the retired Sri Lanka left-arm fingerspinner Rangana Herath, Pakistan legspinner Yasir Shah, Williamson and Smith are among other contenders for the men’s Test cricketer of the decade award.Former India and World Cup-winning captain MS Dhoni, current India white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma and Sri Lanka quick Lasith Malinga are also part of the nominations for the ODI cricketer of the decade.Afghanistan’s ace spinner Rashid Khan, West Indies opener Chris Gayle, and South Africa legspinner Imran Tahir are among the contenders for the T20I men’s player of the decade honour. Sharma and Malinga feature in this list as well.Nepal’s Paras Khadka, Scotland’s Kyle Coetzer and Netherlands’ Peter Borren are among six players who have been shortlisted for the ICC men’s Associate cricketer of the decade award.Bates, Perry, Lanning, Raj and Taylor are also in with a chance to win the women’s ODI cricketer of the decade award.Players for various awards have been shortlisted based on their performances from January 1 2011 to October 7 2020. For the first time, the fans will have a say in selecting the winners – they will make up 10% of the voting while an expert panel will make up the remaining 90%. “The nominees for each of the categories have been determined by the Awards Nominations Committee according to on-field performances and overall achievements for at least five years during the period,” an ICC release stated.The voting opens at November 25 and closes on December 16.Nominees for Sir Garfield Sobers Award: R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Kumar Sangakkara, Steven Smith, AB de Villiers, Kane Williamson
Nominees for Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award: Suzie Bates, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Mithali Raj, Sarah Taylor, Stafanie Taylor
Nominees for men’s Test cricketer of the decade award: James Anderson, Rangana Herath, Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Yasir Shah, Steven Smith, Kane Williamson
Nominees for men’s ODI cricketer of the decade award: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Lasith Malinga, Kumar Sangakkara, Rohit Sharma, Mitchell Starc, AB de Villiers
Nominees for women’s ODI cricketer of the decade: Suzie Bates, Jhulan Goswami, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Mithali Raj, Stafanie Taylor
Nominees for men’s T20I cricketer of the decade: Aaron Finch, Chris Gayle, Rashid Khan, Virat Kohli, Lasith Malinga, Rohit Sharma, Imran Tahir
Nominees for women’s T20I cricketer of the decade: Sophie Devine, Deandra Dottin, Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Ellyse Perry, Anya Shrubsole

تمكن فريق البنك الأهلي، من تحقيق فوز صعب على نظيره غزل المحلة بهدف دون رد، خلال المباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم، ببطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وحل البنك الأهلي ضيفاً ثقيلاً على غزل المحلة، في ملعب الأخير، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السابعة من عمر بطولة الدوري.

وسجل ياو أنور هدف فوز فريقه البنك الأهلي، في الدقيقة السابعة، بعد عدة تمريرات أنهاها أسامة فيصل بتمريرة قابلها ياو أنور بتسديدة مباشرة سكنت الشباك.

طالع أيضاً.. بعثة الأهلي تصل مطار بومدين استعدادًا لمواجهة شباب بلوزداد في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وحاول لاعبو فريق غزل المحلة على مدار شوطي المباراة، تسجيل هدف التعادل، إلا أن الحالة الدفاعية الصلبة للبنك الأهلي حالت دون ذلك.

بهذا الفوز، يحتل غزل المحلة المركز العاشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 8 نقاط، فيما يتواجد فريق البنك الأهلي بالمركز الحادي عشر، ولديه 8 نقاط أيضاً لكن بفارق الأهداف. هدف فوز البنك الأهلي على غزل المحلة في الدوري المصري

The South Africa men’s team will make a statement of anti-racism when they take on England in the white-ball series starting Friday. Their action, which will not be the taking of a knee, has been unanimously agreed on by all members of the squad and will demonstrate their commitment to inclusion.A source close to the team told ESPNcricinfo that the decision was made in the last few days, upon reflection, after their stance on not taking a knee was made public and widely criticised. They will also be wearing black armbands in support of the fight against gender-based violence and to mourn the lives lost to coronavirus.ALSO READ: Mixed BLM messages epitomise South Africa’s moral mazeSouth Africa’s revised position comes after coach Mark Boucher initially indicated that the team would not make any gestures in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement because they felt it was “not something that we have to continue to show, it’s something you have to live.” That was followed by Kagiso Rabada confirming he was “100%” in support of BLM but that the team had collectively made a decision not to take a knee. Rassie van der Dussen was then prevented from answering a question on the subject by CSA.By Wednesday, former national fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who took a knee alongside current director of cricket Graeme Smith at the 3TC match in July, told he felt Smith should instruct the taking of a knee again as the international season begins. That afternoon the players sent out a statement reiterating their commitment to dismantling racism but saying that they regarded it as a “process, not an event”.The statement did not rule out the making of any gestures, but the rhetoric earlier in the week had appeared to. However, the team have since sought to find other ways to show their support for racial equality and will demonstrate them on Friday.Insiders confirmed that several members within the team were against taking a knee for religious reasons, as it thought that kneeling is an act to be done only before God, but that a new solution has been found.England’s players, who took a knee during their home series against West Indies and Ireland, but not for the visits of Pakistan and Australia, are likely to support South Africa in whatever gesture they perform. ESPNcricinfo understands they will also be wearing black armbands in solidarity with CSA on GBV and Covid-19.”As a team, as a squad, across all three formats, we’ve spoken about how we can create meaningful change over a period of time that is extremely authentic to every player and staff member within our group,” Eoin Morgan, England’s captain, said. “When we put our weight and our voice behind something, we feel that’s extremely powerful.”

After another disappointing season, Chelsea are reportedly open to offers to sell one player who only joined last summer, as Todd Boehly gets ruthless in an attempt to steer a sinking ship once and for all.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues wasted no time in getting their summer transfer business underway, welcoming Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Manchester City defender left Fulham at the end of his contract, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and land a free deal for new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Full of praise for Chelsea's new signing, Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea. Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.

"He is ready to make the step up to Chelsea and work alongside the talented players in our squad. We look forward to Tosin joining up with us for pre-season."

Chelsea eye Enzo Fernandez-like deal as Bayern Munich target agrees to join

The west Londoners have made a breakthrough in talks.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 15, 2024

As Adarabioyo arrives, however, a defender could be heading for the exit door just one year after arriving. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now open to offers for Benoit Badiashile, despite spending £35m to secure his signature from AS Monaco a year ago. The centre-back is one of several stars who have struggled since making the move to Stamford Bridge in a summary of Chelsea's dilemma.

Maresca may hope that Adarabioyo's arrival will cover any potential loss and quickly turn into a wise business. Badiashile, meanwhile, will be wondering where it all went wrong if he does head for an early exit from the London giants. Only time will tell whether he gets a summer switch away from the Blues and onto rediscovering his best form, however.

Chelsea may regret exit of "outstanding" Badiashile

As Chelsea found their form at the end of last season, it was Badiashile who found himself at the heart of their backline. But just like Mauricio Pochettino, he could be heading for the exit door in frustrating fashion. With Adarabioyo confirmed, the Blues seem willing to take a risk and attempt a return on their investment, though the numbers show that Badiashile is not a level below the new arrival.

At his best, Badiashile has also been at the centre of praise. Former Monaco assistant manager Joao Tralhao told Sky Sports: "In terms of personality, he is very cold. He does not shake if he is playing against Mbappe or Neymar, if the stadium is empty or full. He is a very balanced boy. His character is outstanding. He focuses on what he must do to perform. It is one of his best qualities.

"He has that maturity and that emotional control. That impressed Thierry a lot and he had no hesitation to play him. Some questioned that. He was 17 and centre-back is a position that requires some experience. Now we can say Thierry was right to bet on him."

Oleksandr Zinchenko admits Arsenal’s squad were left in “deep shock” after a bizarre stunt set up by Mikel Arteta saw him “destroyed” by a waiter.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Unconventional approach from Gunners boss
• Had pickpockets steal from players at training
• Got undercover freestyler to face Ukraine star

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gunners boss Arteta has become famed for the unconventional methods that he adopts in a bid to sharpen the focus of his players and get them performing at the peak of their powers. His decision to blast out ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ at training ahead of a trip to Liverpool was caught on camera by Amazon Prime for their ‘All or Nothing’ documentary series.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It has since been revealed that Arteta once brought a group of professional pickpockets into the Arsenal camp and encouraged them to swipe valuables from oblivious Premier League stars. A collection of watches and wallets were returned to the shocked victims.

• Getty
  

  WHAT ZINCHENKO SAID

  Zinchenko has now told of how he was set up by Arteta during a pre-match meal, with his club colleagues left stunned. The Ukraine international has said: “We stayed at the same hotel before a match and we knew all the waiters. But there was a new guy that day. So before we go to the stadium [Arteta] said: ‘OK guys, let me wake you up, because we need energy. Last time, Alex, we played staff against players and you beat [the set-piece coach] Nicolas [Jover]. Let’s do it the same, but freestyling. Everyone was like: ‘What? For sure, Alex will beat him, blah blah blah’.

  “Nico started to do something with the ball and then suddenly it looks like he got an injury. It was so obvious but weird. Then they called the new waiter. We didn’t know he was a professional freestyler. He destroyed me with his tricks and all of us were in deep shock. But then we were all laughing and we went to the game with good energy.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  While Arteta’s methods may not be plucked from a standard coaching manual, they are clearly working as Arsenal have become regular challengers for the Premier League title. They are back in that hunt this season, but will be looking for a positive response to a disappointing setback at Bournemouth when they return to Champions League action against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Aymeric Laporte scored the decisive goal as Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr edged out Esteghal 1-0 in the AFC Champions League in Dubai.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Al-Nassr beat Esteghal 1-0 in ACLLaporte emerged as difference-makerRonaldo played crucial part in goalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

Ronaldo was spotted having a long chat with Sadio Mane before kick-off. While it was hardly audible, the body language suggested that the Portuguese was urging his striker-partner for more link-ups and quick give-and-goes to break down Esteghlal. However, 45 minutes later, the duo hardly combined and the visitors looked sluggish as they strived to slice open a well-drilled defence. Although Ronaldo did create the two best chances for his side in the first-half he was seen shouting at his teammates, urging them to communicate better, before walking down the tunnel shaking his head in disappointment.

The match was clamouring for fresh impetus and Stefano Pioli responded by making three changes before action resumed in the second half. Despite the introduction of fresh faces, their performance hardly improved. The definitive final ball was still elusive and Esteghlal had little trouble keeping them at bay. However, with 10 minutes to go, Ronaldo once again emerged as the saviour with a stunning header from a corner. Although the goalkeeper somehow managed to get his hands on it, the rebound fell kindly for Laporte who made no mistake to tap the ball into a gaping net.

AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP

Ronaldo was arguably the best player on the pitch in what was a largely frustrating night for Al-Nassr. The spotlight was firmly on him which opened up spaces for his teammates and the 39-year-old looked to make the most of those. Although he didn't get on the scoresheet, he was the architect behind Al-Nassr's goal which helped them earn the three points on the road.

THE BIG LOSER

Mane has blown hot and cold this campaign and the Senegalese was once again an anonymous figure for Al-Nassr during the continental fixture. Soon after taking the lead, Pioli took him off and brought on a 19-year-old Wesley, who put on an impressive cameo and could have even got his name on the scoresheet, but for the woodwork. Warning signs for Mane!

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

After churning out a hard-fought win in the Champions League, Ronaldo and Co. will shift their focus back on domestic action as they are set to face Al-Kholood away from home on Friday in the Saudi Pro League.