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Southampton have been urged to appoint a 52-year-old manager instead of giving interim boss Tonda Eckert the job on a full-time basis.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert on a permanent basis

The Saints are preparing for a return to Championship action this weekend and look set to be under the leadership of caretaker manager Eckert once again.

The 32-year-old has won both of his matches as interim boss so far, defeating QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to take Southampton away from any relegation trouble.

A trip to Charlton Athletic is next on the agenda for Eckert, and recent reports have suggested that he is set to be given the Southampton job on a permanent basis.

Following the sacking of Will Still at the beginning of the month, a plethora of available and in work managers have been linked with the job. However, Sport Republic are yet to appoint a permanent successor.

Eckert appears to be in pole position after his start to life at St Mary’s with the first team, and he has impressed Finn Azaz, who said:

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

However, Southampton and Sport Republic have been urged to consider another rumoured target.

Southampton urged to move for Brendan Rodgers

Talking to Football League World, Southampton pundit Martin Sanders urged the Saints to appoint Brendan Rodgers.

Now out of work after leaving Celtic, Rodgers was linked with the St Mary’s vacancy at the beginning of November, although it doesn’t seem as if Sport Republic have made a move for the Northern Irishman who they admire.

Sanders said that Rodgers “ticks every box” and a move would “show real ambition”.

Rodgers has previous Championship experience with Swansea City, winning the playoffs with the south Wales side in 2011, and almost 15 years later, a return to the second tier could be what a number of Southampton fans would welcome.

Southampton can end Eckert experiment by hiring "insanely talented" manager

Sunderland fans will be hurriedly counting down the days now until their beloved Black Cats do battle again in the Premier League.

In an ideal reality, those of a Wearside persuasion love to have seen their high-flying team continue to play during the international break, instead of having to take an enforced pause.

Indeed, Regis Le Bris’ men find themselves in an uncharted fourth position in the Premier League table at the time of writing, which is some feat, considering the Frenchman has only just guided the Black Cats back up to the big time.

A huge part of their whirlwind success story so far has been Granit Xhaka, who is already being viewed as one of Sunderland’s most cherished figures of recent years.

How Xhaka compares to other Sunderland captains

Before delving deeper into Xhaka becoming an instant fan favourite at the Stadium of Light, he isn’t the only notable recent captain who plied his trade on Wearside.

Just last season, Luke O’Nien would bravely battle for the Black Cats all campaign long, donning the armband, with Sunderland’s former number one goalkeeper in Anthony Patterson, even going out of his way to hail him as a “leader.”

With three goals and 16 clean sheets under his belt, it’s clear why he was described in such glowing terms, with O’Nien arguably as important to his side’s promotion efforts, as Xhaka has proven to be in punching above their weight in the league above.

Other notable faces who have been given the weighty pressure of the Black Cats armband in recent years include John O’Shea, who made 256 appearances for the Wearside outfit, all of which came in the Premier League.

Of course, there was also the no-nonsense approach of Lee Cattermole, but not even his full-bloodedness for the cause, nor his six-goal contributions in the big time, could keep Sunderland from eventually slipping down to League One.

This is where Sunderland has undoubtedly hit the jackpot with Xhaka, with his £13m arrival through the door in the summer raising the standards of everyone around him, so much so that relegation already feels very unlikely.

The Swiss has also singlehandedly been a force to get Sunderland over the line in tense matches, too, with a goal fiercely put away against Everton at the start of November, securing a 1-1 draw, which was also collected off the back of the ex-Arsenal warrior, winning five duels to keep the Toffees at bay.

The concern will be that Xhaka, despite looking like a fine wine now, is 33 years of age, meaning he won’t be a long-term captain option.

Thankfully, Le Bris may already have a future captain on his hands.

Sunderland's future captain

While the majority of the talk so far this season has centred on the number of brand-new signings that have made the step-up to the Premier League look effortless, Le Bris should also be commended for what he’s managed to get out of stars who have been there since the club’s Championship days.

Wilson Isidor is already up to four Premier League goals after bagging 13 in the second tier last season. Moreover, Daniel Ballard has looked formidable in the heart of Le Bris’ defence when handed opportunities to shine, having been noted as a “diamond” for how much he puts his body on the line, early into his Sunderland career by his former Stadium of Light boss in Tony Mowbray.

In the here and now, much like Xhaka, he has become a dependable warrior for Le Bris to trust in, with the Northern Ireland international firing home that effort past David Raya last time out in league action to hand the hosts a shock one-goal advantage over top-of-the-table Arsenal.

His underlying numbers aren’t that far off the 33-year-old’s either, with his similar fight and passion, as Sunderland try to gain as many early-season victories as possible, standing him in good stead to succeed the midfield veteran as the Black Cats’ next dominant and assured captain.

Games played

9

11

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

0

3

Touches*

42.2

70.4

Accurate passes*

24.3 (83%)

44.9 (83%)

Clearances*

6.6

3.8

Total duels won*

6.6

6.1

Amazingly, despite starting just six Premier League games this season, owing to injury problems popping up, Ballard has trumped Xhaka notably in terms of duels won per match, with a mighty six won just against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

He isn’t a million miles away in other areas, either, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley highlighting Ballard’s sharp rise to become a Premier League-calibre defender as “phenomenal”.

For the time being, the Black Cats will continue to rely on the experience and know-how of their Basel-born midfielder.

Still, the commanding number five is definitely a worthy heir to Xhaka’s intimidating throne.

Talks open: Sunderland willing to make record £70m offer for Barcelona star

The Black Cats’ potential record pursuit could hinge on one key factor.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 10, 2025

Major League Baseball could never admit it but they would be bad business people if they weren't rooting for a New York Yankees-Los Angeles Dodgers World Series. The C-Suites at FOX were certainly not crushed when chips landed that way. No one can blame anyone for reaping the occasional dream matchup.

The part about this renewal of ancient October hostilities that gets a bit annoying is when people who have nothing to gain and don't particularly care about baseball act like every team in flyover country is an afterthought. And I'll be honest, my first impulse was to push back against this perceived coastal elitism and resist embracing Yankees-Dodgers with open arms.

It was helpful, then, to hear the message delivered by Jeff Passan on Ryen Russillo's latest podcast (12:20 mark).

"I've been waiting my whole life for this," ESPN's baseball insider said. "And this coming from somebody who grew up in Cleveland, who lives in Kansas City, who appreciates the plight of small markets. Who understands that baseball is not like basketball or football or hockey in that there is a gap among all of these teams and sometimes not just like a regular gap, sometimes two or three standard deviation gap when it comes to payroll. I think I'm supposed to be the person who looks at this World Series and says f— that, I don't want to see that, this says everything that's wrong about baseball. But to me it's just the opposite of that. This is everything that can be right about sports. Behemoths don't equal bad. Large markets don't equal problematic for someone who desires a level-playing field for some of the smaller-market teams. What I love is good baseball and stars being put in position to do things that we're going to talk about for years down the road."

Like Stefon describing the hottest New York City club, this World Series really does have everything. The biggest markets. Cash falling out of pockets. East Coast vs. West Coast. The largest player to ever play the game and perhaps the best. It's Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani but it's so much more. What American is giving up in the plucky underdog department they are gaining 10-fold in legacy and, most importantly, the highest-quality baseball on the planet.

If Passan can stop wearing his heartland on this sleeve and embrace it with open arms then everyone else who feels some type of way about the World Series can as well.

The New York Mets made a late-inning comeback to steal a victory from the Washington Nationals in 10 innings on Monday night. The Citi Field faithful were forced to be extremely patient for the big payoff, and that patience was especially tested during the bottom of the eighth, when a close play was sent into the replay center.

They may have thought they were getting a break when third base umpire and crew chief Andy Fletcher had some trouble communicating the decision. At first he indicated the Mets runner had been ruled safe before quickly correcting himself and making the out signal. It was the correct call, but who cares when sudden hopes are immediately dashed?

Umpiring is such a tough job. A slight misspeak can be met with a chorus of boos. During a time when all officiating decisions are being made at some other office. Not for the faint of heart.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been blessed by countless attacking talents over the years, many of whom have handed the supporters memories to last a lifetime.

Whilst he failed to claim any silverware in North London, striker Harry Kane will arguably go down as one of the best ever players to represent the Lilywhites.

The 32-year-old posted an incredible tally of 280 goals during his decade in the first-team squad, often being the go-to player in terms of producing the goods within attacking areas.

His subsequent tally saw him overtake Jimmy Greaves in the club’s history books, becoming the Lilywhites’ all-time leading scorer in the league and all competitions.

However, his departure in 2023 has left a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, with Thomas Frank yet to find a suitable successor during the early months of his tenure.

What Frank has made of Richarlison in 2025/26

With Dominic Solanke’s injury issues coming back to bite him in the early stages of the 2025/26 campaign, new boss Frank has had to rely upon Richarlison to provide the goods in the final third.

The Brazilian looked set to depart to join Galatasaray during the summer transfer window, but the Dane’s arrival seemingly gave the forward a new lease of life in North London.

He netted twice on the opening day against Burnley, also scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion – but has come under fire in recent weeks amid his lack of impact.

The 28-year-old has now failed to score in any of his last four outings for the Lilywhites, which has led to criticism from the fanbase over his long-term future at the club.

However, Frank himself has previously spoken about Richarlison’s impact, offering a glowing review of the forward and praising him for his form since taking the reins.

In a recent interview, the Dane stated: “Right now he’s my starting nine, he’s scored some fantastic goals. He is a very good player, and I’m very happy with him.”

Despite the praise, rumours have also been swirling around his future, potentially seeing him move to the MLS to join Orlando City in the upcoming transfer window.

There’s no denying that the hierarchy will be targeting reinforcements in such an area in the distant future, but they could save themselves millions by unleashing one player within their ranks.

The Spurs star who could be a Harry Kane regen

Whoever fills the void for Spurs in the centre-forward position will have huge expectations placed upon them, mainly due to the impact produced by Kane.

Losing a world-class level talent is always going to provide a near-impossible task of replacing him, as seen by the Lilywhites’ attempts in recent years since his departure.

Given Solanke’s recent issues with fitness and Richarlison’s inability to provide the goods on a consistent basis, a solution desperately needs to be found if the manager is to be a success in the role.

However, the £110m spending spree this summer may have a bearing on the levels of funds available next year, with the manager needing to consider utilising Will Lankshear.

The 20-year-old is a product of the Lilywhites’ academy, just like Kane, but the similarities go deeper than just his route to becoming a professional.

He was sent on his first loan spell last campaign, subsequently joining West Brom in January, but was unable to make the desired impact after failing to find the net in his 11 outings.

Kane suffered a similar fate back in 2010/11, with the Englishman struggling to set the world alight during his first loan spell at Leyton Orient in League One.

Will Lankshear – Oxford stats (25/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

9

Goals scored

3

Pass accuracy

78%

Chances created

1.6

Shots on target

1.2

Dribble success

57%

Aerials won

46%

Fouls won

1.9

Stats via FotMob

However, Lankshear has seemingly impressed in England’s second tier so far this season, already netting three times in his nine outings for Oxford United.

Such form has seen the forward be labelled a “Harry Kane regen” by one analyst, further highlighting the huge potential he possesses at present.

There’s no disputing that Lankshear will need to make a huge jump between starring for Oxford and the Lilywhites, but it’s something that Kane managed to do upon his break into the squad.

Such a move won’t be the supporters’ main one, but it’s a cost-effective one that could certainly make the club millions should he reach the levels achieved by his compatriot.

As for Richarlison, if the youngster manages to cement his place within the first team ranks, it could certainly spell the end for him in North London despite the manager’s hefty recent praise.

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Posts ByDan Emery Oct 15, 2025

Dale Benkenstein is the latest casualty of Lancashire’s disastrous start to this season’s County Championship, as it was confirmed by the club that he has left his position as head coach by mutual consent.Steven Croft, Lancashire’s former captain, has taken over the role in an interim capacity, with the club yet to record a victory in seven attempts this season as it sits just one point above rock-bottom Kent in the Championship’s second division.Benkenstein, 50, was appointed as head coach in December 2023 when Glenn Chapple stood down following seven years in the role. However, he oversaw the club’s relegation from the top flight last summer, and has been unable to oversee an upturn in their fortunes in this season’s first block of first-class fixtures.Although the return of James Anderson had given the team a short-term lift, with a dominant display in a drawn contest against Derbyshire, the nadir came at Grace Road last week with an innings-and-three-run loss to Leicestershire, this season’s unlikely pace-setters at the top of Division Two.That was Lancashire’s second crushing loss of the campaign, following a three-day defeat to Northamptonshire earlier in the month that led to the resignation of Keaton Jennings as the club’s red-ball captain.Prior to that, the club hierarchy had issued a public apology for the team’s performances, with Mark Chilton, director of cricket performance, describing their form as “not acceptable”, and adding that Lancashire would “make necessary changes” to improve the situation.Now, with the club’s attention switching from the Championship to their T20 Blast campaign, which begins against Worcestershire at Old Trafford on Thursday, Lancashire have opted for a clean slate.”Following a difficult start to the season, we feel that now is the right time to make a change, as we look to improve our on-field performances,” Chilton said.”After relegation at the end of last season, results have not improved so far this year and after much consideration, both Dale and I feel the team will benefit from a change in direction.”We would like to thank Dale for his hard work and commitment during his time at the Club. He leaves Lancashire Cricket with our best wishes for the future.”Croft was a key member of the last Lancashire team to win the County Championship in 2011, and also captained the side to victory in the T20 Blast in 2015. Having retired from all forms of cricket last season, he is set to take over the club training from Tuesday, and will be supported in the role by William Porterfield, Craig White and Karl Krikken.”Steven is a Lancashire legend, highly respected in the dressing room and has been working incredibly hard on his coaching career for several years,” Chilton said.”More recently, he has coached within our Second XI and Academy and has also joined a couple of England Under-19s tours, working with some of the brightest prospects in the country.”I’d like to thank Steven, along with the other coaches, for stepping into the role at short notice ahead of our Vitality Blast opener tomorrow evening.”

As anticipation builds for the season’s first Clasico, Barcelona’s young defensive prodigy Pau Cubarsi has claimed that Kylian Mbappe is “harder to stop” than Jude Bellingham, praising the Frenchman’s blistering pace and lethal finishing. With Real Madrid sitting top of the table with 21 points and Barca just two behind, the Santiago Bernabeu clash promises to be a defining early chapter in La Liga's title race.

Cubarsi sets the stage for upcoming Clasico

Madrid currently lead La Liga with 21 points from eight matches with the October 26 Clasico clash approaching, while reigning champions Barca sit in second with 19 points after their heavy 4-1 loss to Sevilla. In this charged atmosphere, young centre-back Cubarsi has spoken up, warning that the threat up front is different this season, claiming Mbappe is harder to handle than Bellingham and suggesting that stopping the French forward will require more than usual.

AdvertisementAFPCubarsi explains why Mbappe's unpredictability sets him apart

Cubarsi believes Mbappe’s dynamic playstyle gives him an edge. He highlights how the French forward can appear in unexpected spots- either out wide, drifting inside from the wings, or directly at your feet.

In an interview with , the Barca defender explains why Mbappe is more dangerous than Bellingham: "Both are difficult, because Mbappe is very mobile, attacks spaces well, and is very fast. You don't expect Bellingham because he comes from deep, from the second line. But I think Mbappe, because he's fast, finishes with his first touch and can score."

Barcelona need to fix defensive issues

Barca have been criticised for defensive lapses and lack of intensity, seen most recently in Sevilla, where they conceded four goals. Cubarsi has flagged these issues, said the team needs better pressing from the front, and emphasised that every player, forward as well as back, has to contribute. Los Blancos, by contrast, seem more settled under Xabi Alonso, with a coherence in style and fewer vulnerabilities.

Mbappe will hope to capitalise on the issues plaguing Hansi Flick's team, especially as he has an impressive record against the Catalan club, having scored 11 goals in eight matches. He is flying this season, too, with 14 goals in 10 games so far, while Bellingham is on the hunt for his first of the campaign.

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AFPInjury concerns ahead of the Clasico

Barca enter the clash weakened with Lamine Yamal sidelined due to a groin injury and in a race against time to be fit for the trip to the Spanish capital. Raphinha, Joan Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also missing out.

For Madrid, meanwhile, Dani Carvajal is out for around a month with a calf injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold is also sidelined with a biceps femoris injury. To mitigate these losses, Madrid may rely on younger backs or deploy versatile midfielders like Federico Valverde into defensive roles. With both sides battered by injuries, the Clasico showdown will test both side's resilience and define their title campaign.

Arsenal are now leading the race for a “world-class” Barcelona star, who has the same agent as Viktor Gyokeres, with Mikel Arteta personally keen on a creative midfielder.

Gunners eyeing new midfielder despite Zubimendi masterclass

After suffering a setback against Liverpool before the international break, the Gunners responded in perfect fashion against Nottingham Forest, chalking up a 3-0 victory, with summer signing Martin Zubimendi looking particularly impressive.

The Spaniard bagged the opening and final goal against the Tricky Trees, finding the back of the net with a superb volley from the edge of the box, which saw the 26-year-old pick up the Man of the Match award.

Arteta is well-stocked in the engine room, with the manager clearly a big fan of Mikel Merino, having trusted the 29-year-old to start ahead of Declan Rice against Forest, saying: “Mikel [Merino] comes back after scoring four goals in two games with a really high emotional state and I want to use that when a player is in that moment.

“I want to play him because he is going to bring something different with the qualities that they have and Declan comes in and it will have an impact immediately or he will play the next game.”

However, according to a report from Spain, Arteta has set his sights on bringing in another creative midfielder in the January transfer window, with Arsenal now keen on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Gunners are said to be the leading candidates for De Jong’s signature, despite interest from the Saudi Pro League, with the Dutchman keen to remain at an elite European club, although ideally that would be Barcelona.

However, the 28-year-old, who cost the La Liga club €75m (£65m), is yet to agree a new contract with Barca, which means his current employers could look to cash-in this winter.

"World-class" De Jong could take Arsenal's midfield to next level

There are perhaps some doubts over whether the Gunners need another central midfielder, having signed Zubimendi in the summer, who has made a flying start to life at the Emirates Stadium.

Related Arsenal intensify interest in signing "special" gem ahead of Liverpool

He’s a future star…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Sep 13, 2025

However, with Arteta’s side clearly at the stage where they can go deep into the Champions League, having reached the semi-finals last season, it makes sense to have a deeper squad, and De Jong could take their midfield to the next level.

Simone Inzaghi has suggested the Netherlands international could be one of the best players in the world in his position, saying: “Let me say that Frenkie de Jong is just sensational, he’s a world class player. Frenkie surprised me at same level as Lamine Yamal did.”

The Barca star, who is represented by HCM Sports management, the same agency as Gyokeres, has considerable experience at the top level, picking up 19 goals and 23 assists in 261 games for Barcelona, so it is exciting news that he could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium this winter.

Former South Africa offspinner and current Queensland and Brisbane Heat coach Johan Botha believes Matthew Kuhnemann will always wear the stigma of having his action reported regardless of whether he is cleared or not when he undergoes testing in the coming weeks.Kuhnemann, who plays under Botha at Heat, was reported by match officials for having a suspect bowling action during Australia’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last week.Related

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Botha had problems with his bowling action throughout his career and said Kuhnemann faces a difficult road ahead even if he is cleared.”It is a long process and unfortunately either way if you get cleared or not it will always be there,” Botha told SEN in Brisbane. “Guys think it’s a one-off and you get rid of it. That is not how it is. It is a bit of a process. For now he will have to bowl at a very similar speed and revolutions as he did in the Tests. Nothing gets changed now.”He needs to try and prove himself not guilty and from there on if it is a ball or so over 15 degrees he will obviously have some work to do, then a long process starts. It never goes away because there is always someone in the crowd, someone in the opposition, or a match referee who wants to have a say or wants to feel a part of it.”Unfortunately this will be part of it now. It is never the guy who gets 0 for 100. It is the guys who get wickets and affect games. They are the ones under scrutiny. Guys want to have a look at it and try and find fault.”Kuhnemann has never been reported previously in an eight-year professional career, including when he first played ODI cricket for Australia in Sri Lanka in 2022 and when he made his Test debut and played three Tests on the 2023 tour of India.Johan Botha has his action tested in 2006•Getty Images

Botha added it is possible his action came under scrutiny at the back end of the second Test because of fatigue.”He bowled quite a lot balls in the Test series. As you get tired your action gets put under pressure,” Botha said. “I know he likes to bowl. He bowled quite a lot during the Big Bash. He went to Australia training when they were at the Gabba during the Big Bash.”I’d be interested to see when the umpires thought or the match referee thought it was not as clean as they would have liked it. And I would guess it could be later in the game. When you start getting tired, the ball is older and softer and you have to try and generate a little bit more pace. Whereas with the new ball it obviously comes off the wicket a bit quicker so I don’t think you need to force it so much.”Botha said his own experience had taught him that it is hard to recognise problems in your own action. He was first reported soon after his debut Test in January 2006 and was subsequently banned from bowling by the ICC. Another examination in August that year found his action to be illegal once again and he was cleared to bowl only in November.In 2009, following an ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth, Botha was reported once again and this time the ICC ruled that his action while bowling the doosra was illegal and he was banned from bowling it. His other deliveries, however, were found to be within permissible limits.Botha was again cited in 2013 while playing an Australian domestic 50-over match for South Australia. He was once again tested and was cleared entirely.”I’ve looked at my stuff over the years and it doesn’t feel like it looks at times,” Botha said. “There’s a whole lot of different things. It’s a big process.”Hopefully for Kuhney’s sake it’s just a little hiccup and it’s nothing serious. I really thought in the last couple of days about things I did to change it which I might pass onto him. But I think for the first bowling test you’ve got to go and bowl as close to as you did in the Test match. There’s no use trying to change things now. That could make it worse.”Kuhnemann will now have to undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited centre with Brisbane the likely location. Bowlers are permitted 15 degrees of flex in their elbow during their bowling action but anything more than that is deemed illegal.Kuhnemann is still available to play Sheffield Shield or Dean Jones Trophy (Australia domestic 50-over games) matches while undergoing testing but he cannot play in international matches during the process. He did not play in Tasmania’s 50-over clash with Victoria on Thursday.

Sky Sports man Anthony Joseph is now reporting that Celtic are eyeing another striker alongside Michel-Ange Balikwisha this summer.

Celtic reach agreement in principle to sign Balikwisha

The Hoops haven’t always had things their own way during the current transfer window, with Brendan Rodgers recently hinting at his frustration at a lack of business.

“It’s not my decision in the end. You know, I can prepare the team, the staff, and the players that are here have been fantastic over pre-season. We are all clear on what we need to improve, and for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to do that. So now we are in this position and we have to accept it, not dwell on it and try to come through it for Saturday and for Tuesday.”

On the plus side, one recent report has claimed that Celtic have reached an agreement to sign Royal Antwerp forward Balikwisha, who has been a long-time target for the Scottish Premiership champions.

The 24-year-old could be just what Rodgers is looking for in the coming days, as he looks to bolster his attacking options, not least in order for his side to give a better account of themselves in the Champions League this season.

Celtic pushing for striker alongside Balikwisha

Now, Sky Sports reporter Joseph has claimed that Celtic are “looking to sign another striker” alongside Balikwisha before the windows slams shut.

That said, he also states that “two new wingers” are also potentially being looked at as an alternative option, allowing Daizen Maeda to then take up a centre forward role, with Adam Idah, Shin Yamada and Johnny Kenny the backup players in that position.

Celtic fans would love to see an extra striker signing for Rodgers, especially as it would show plenty of ambition after a lack of it has arguably often been on show this summer.

Brendan Rodgers makes transfer demand to Celtic board after Parkhead chants

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ByCharlie Smith Aug 21, 2025

It remains to be seen who the striker in question with Balikwisha could be, but some names have been touted of late, including Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.

At 38 years of age, the Englishman’s very best days are now long behind him, but that’s not to say that he couldn’t be a success in the Scottish Premiership for a year or two.

Vardy could be an older addition alongside Balikwisha, allowing Rodgers to bring in both relative youth and vast experience, with the former Foxes hero still possessing the pace and finishing ability to trouble defences, as well as the character to make him an instant favourite among the fanbase.