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Tottenham have opened talks to sign another player in a “separate deal from Savinho”, according to Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, with the Lilywhites moving to support new manager Thomas Frank with late fresh faces before deadline day.

Spurs recently lost Son Heung-min to LAFC, who drew the curtain on his memorable 10-year stay at the club with an emotional farewell in Seoul, while star playmaker James Maddison is set to be absent for most of 2025/2026 with an ACL rupture.

This series of blows comes amid Dejan Kulusevski’s lengthy lay-off with a knee injury too, so the need for new attacking options is glaringly obvious.

Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange attempted to shore up Frank’s forward line with a £60 million deal for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White last month, and the deal was so advanced that Spurs even had a medical booked in for the Englishman.

However, after Forest blocked the move, threatened legal action and convinced Gibbs-White to commit his future to the City Ground, Tottenham were forced back to square one in pursuit of a new number 10.

With just three weeks to go until the transfer window closes on September 1, Spurs have now upped the ante in search of proven attackers to fill the voids left by Kulusevski, Son and Maddison.

On Sunday evening, it was first reported by Romano that Tottenham opened club-to-club talks with Man City over a deal for Savinho, and the Brazil international winger is open to moving down south in what would be a statement deal.

The 21-year-old is expected to cost in excess of £45 million, but considering Savinho’s age, flair, pace, proven top-level experience and contribution going forward at Eastlands, this could be a very good value deal.

Savinho bagged 13 assists in all competitions for City last season, and was a key member of the Girona side that finished third in La Liga and briefly contended for the title in 2023/2024 – racking up 21 goal contributions.

His playing style can be likened to that of ex-City and Leicester star Riyad Mahrez, with the prospect of him joining Spurs a pretty tantalising one for supporters.

Now, in another bit of very promising news, Tottenham are in negotiations for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze as well.

Tottenham open talks for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Frank’s side have been linked with a potential swoop for the 27-year-old in the last few days and earlier this summer, but discussions are reliably believed to be underway.

According to Romano via X on Tuesday morning, Spurs talks for Eze have reopened, with Levy and co trying to sign the England international again as they also work on a deal for Savinho simultaneously.

What’s more, Eze is also keen on a switch to N17, dealing a major worry to arch rivals Arsenal, who’ve been actively pursuing a deal for some time.

The former QPR star’s 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term explain just half the story, with Eze spearheading Palace to their first ever major trophy by scoring their FA Cup final-winning strike at Wembley in May.

He is by far Palace’s standout attacking asset. Eze averaged more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates in the top flight last season, with the CAM also able to fill Tottenham’s ‘locally trained’ Champions League quota in another potential boost.

There are plenty of reasons for Tottenham to move, and even more reasons for fans to clamor for his signature.

After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have now reportedly turned their focus towards an alternative option who’s more clinical than the Frenchman.

Newcastle's current striker shortlist

Whilst Ekitike did sit top of their striker shortlist before Liverpool entered the race and left them reeling, Newcastle still have a number of options that they could turn towards. The striker market is wide open. Even after watching Joao Pedro join Chelsea and Liverpool take the lead in the race for Ekitike, the likes of Victor Osimhen and Yoane Wissa remain on the market.

That said, even Howe couldn’t hide his frustration about how the transfer window has gone so far on Tyneside, telling reporters: “It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes.”

“Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.

“There has been a lot of work, transfer wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far. But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season.”

£50m England international now "very" open to joining Newcastle this summer

He’s got the same agent as Dan Burn…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2025

Howe’s verdict suggests that Newcastle’s work is far from over this summer. After missing out on Ekitike, all involved at St James’ Park will be desperate to ensure that their next pursuit goes off without a hitch – be it for Wissa or, as some reports have suggested is possible, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

At this stage, the most ideal scenario for Newcastle is welcoming a striker who is even better than Ekitike and that’s exactly what one Bundesliga alternative would offer them.

Howe personally plotting Sesko move

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Howe is now personally plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko for Newcastle, having previously instructed St James’ Park chiefs to take a look at the Serbian.

The Magpies would once again have to spend big to secure his signature, with Leipzig reportedly demanding around €90m (£78m) to sell their star striker, but Sesko could prove to be worth every penny.

Bundesliga stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Ekitike	Sesko
Starts	31	30
Goals	15	13
Assists	8	5
Expected Goals	21.6	10

Ekitike may have outscored Sesko last season, but it was the latter who proved to be the more clinical finisher – outperfoming his XG by three goals whilst the Frankfurt star underperformed significantly. That would suggest that, in a side offering him more chances, Sesko’s numbers would soar.

It should come as no surprise that the talented forward has earned previous praise from the likes of former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, who said: “Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player.

“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

أعلن مدرب نادي ريال مدريد، تشابي ألونسو، عن تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة إسبانيول ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

ويسعى ريال مدريد إلى تحقيق الفوز على إسبانيول، من أجل مواصلة صدارته لبطولة الدوري الإسباني، حيث يقدم الفريق الملكي مستوى مميز هذا الموسم.

ريال مدريد يحتل صدارة الدوري الإسباني برصيد 12 نقطة من أربع انتصارات متتالية وبالعلامة الكاملة متفوقًا على برشلونة صاحب المركز الثاني برصيد 10 نقاط.

أقرأ أيضًا .. “آس” تثير القلق حول مستقبل فينيسيوس جونيور مع ريال مدريد

وشهد تشكيل ريال مدريد إجراء عدد من التغييرات، ومن أهمها التعويل على جونزالو جارسيا في خط الهجوم، حيث سيلعب اللاعب الشاب على الأغلب كجناح أيمن على حساب فرانكو ماستانتونو الذي يتواجد اليوم كصانع ألعاب.

كما عاد فينيسيوس جونيور للتواجد بشكل أساسي في لقاء اليوم، بعدما جلس الدولي البرازيلي كبديل أمام أوليمبيك مارسيليا في دوري أبطال أوروبا الأسبوع الماضي. تشكيل ريال مدريد لمواجهة إسبانيول بالدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: داني كارفاخال، راؤول أسينسيو، إيدير ميليتاو، ألفارو كاريراس.

خط الوسط: فيديريكو فالفيردي، أوريلين تشواميني.

خط الوسط الهجومي: جونزالو جارسيا، فينيسيوس جونيور، فرانكو ماستانتونو.

خط الهجوم: كيليان مبابي.

ويجلس على دكة بدلاء ريال مدريد كلًا من: أندريه لونين، ميستري، ديفيد ألابا، جود بيلينجهام، إدواردو كامافينجا، إندريك، رودريجو، أردا جولر، داني سيبايوس ، فران جارسيا، إبراهيم دياز، خيمينيز.

Rangers manger Russell Martin has provided a new transfer update out of Ibrox, admitting to Sky Sports that he is “excited” with some of the Gers’ targets.

Rangers plan transfers as fixtures are released

Lyall Cameron has become the first addition of the summer in Glasgow after penning a pre-contract agreement earlier in the year.

Leaving Dundee for Rangers, the midfielder is expected to be the first of many through the door in that is the 49ers Enterprises and Martin’s maiden transfer market.

49ers could now sell £50m Rangers stars who Martin wants to keep at Ibrox

It wouldn’t go down well with the new manager.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 18, 2025

Next on the transfer to-do list ahead of the club’s Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos appears to be defensive signings.

Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons and Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady are two firm targets to bolster Martin’s ranks at the back, with approaches made for both.

Meanwhile, turning attention back to the pitch, Rangers have learned their fixture list for the 2025/26 season, with a trip to Motherwell being Martin’s first domestic game in charge of the club.

Rangers’ first 5 Scottish Premiership fixtures	Date
Motherwell vs Rangers	August 2
Rangers vs Dundee	August 9
St Mirren vs Rangers	August 23
Rangers vs Celtic	August 31
Rangers vs Hearts	September 13

The first league game at Ibrox will be against Dundee on Saturday August 9, whereas the first Old Firm clash against rivals Celtic is scheduled to take place on Sunday August 31 at Ibrox.

Martin “excited" as he shares Rangers transfer update to Sky Sports

Talking to Sky Sports following the Scottish Premiership fixture release, Martin was asked about the chances of any pending signings and revealed he is expected to “a few” to arrive before the first leg against Panathinaikos on July 22.

Martin was also quizzed on the future of striker Cyriel Dessers amid links of a move away from Ibrox, to which he said:

“The updates will come as and when they are actually real. At the minute, I’m expecting him to return on Monday and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

It looks as if there could be some real movement in the weeks to come, and it’ll be interesting to see if the likes of Aarons and Coady are the players Martin is excited about and if they arrive in time to take on the Greek side.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, they missed the boat on signing Jamie Gittens before the Club World Cup. The mini transfer window, which took place before the new look competition begins late this week, shut last Tuesday. The West Londoners only brought in Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr in that initial window.

Gittens was a huge target for the Blues, with Enzo Maresca’s side set to ‘insist again’ according to Fabrizio Romano, who explains ‘the player wants the move’ at some stage this summer. The two parties have already agreed on personal terms ahead of the proposed move.

That deal will not be the only one Chelsea are working on whilst the Club World Cup goes on. There are other targets the club are trying to sign.

Chelsea’s defensive transfer target

Such is the way of modern football, it is a busy period for Chelsea. Just weeks on from their UEFA Conference League success, they will look to win the Club World Cup and also make signings to strengthen their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

One of those players they are trying to bring in is Jorrel Hato. Romano explained over on YouTube, via GiveMeSport, that Chelsea ‘remain interested’ in signing the Dutchman. They have seemingly had contact with Ajax over a potential deal.

However, they are not the only London-based Premier League side who have made contact. North Londoners Arsenal have been ‘calling to be informed’ about Hato’s situation.

Whichever club it is who wins the race will have to spend a reported £43m on the defender, according to Caught Offside.

Why Hato would be a good signing

Should the Blues bring Hato to Stamford Bridge over the summer, he would be joining the club with a high reputation. Described as a “special talent” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, he is a hugely exciting young player.

A versatile defender, the 19-year-old can play as a centre-back, but did primarily feature as a left-back last season for Ajax. He played 50 games across all competitions, showing attacking nous by grabbing six assists and scoring three times along the way.

In a separate post over on X, Mattinson described Hato, who was born in Rotterdam, as an “exceptional athlete”. That is something that certainly stands out when watching him play, as the video below shows. He is incredibly physical, which has helped him at such an early stage of his career, often allowing him to get the better of attackers.

His numbers going forward are impressive, too. Not only did he register six assists last season, but some of the underlying stats on FBref show just how good he can be in advanced areas.

He is certainly progressive, averaging 3.89 passes into the final third per game, which places him in the top 21% of full-backs from the Eredivisie.

Hato passing stats vs. Eredivisie full-backs
Stat (per 90)	Hato number	Rank
Passes completed	54.11	94th
Pass competition rate	89.4%	99th
Assists	0.21	94th
Passes into final third	3.89	79th
Progressive passes	4.17	64th
Stats from FBref

Well, perhaps Chelsea fans can get excited about a partnership forming with Hato and Gittens. The Dortmund winger, who is going to the Club World Cup with the Bundesliga side, made some major contributions for his side last term.

In 48 appearances for the German side last season, Gittens managed 12 goals and five assists, featuring as a left-winger in 37 of those games.

One of those goals was a strike away to Real Madrid, in which he became ‘the youngest English player to score’ against Los Blancos, as per TNT Sport.

Just imagine the progression in the final third of Hato combined with the goal threat of Gittens; it could be a match made in heaven for Chelsea. The pair could make each other unplayable, and combine to form a deadly partnership.

On top of his attacking construction, the Blues would be signing a superb young defender. Just as Mattinson pointed out, he is athletic and physical enough to cope with the demands of the Premier League.

For £43m, this could be a bargain for the team on the Blue side of West London. Chelsea would be adding a dynamic young defender who offers lots going forward, and can build an unstoppable partnership with Gittens on that left-hand side.

Better than Garnacho: Chelsea targeting "electric" £49m Gittens alternative

Chelsea are looking to sign a new winger this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 12, 2025

Arne Slot’s first season as Liverpool manager has been nothing short of sensational, taking the club to new heights during the first few months of his tenure.

The Dutchman has already led the side to the Premier League title, losing on just four occasions, two of which have come after they confirmed top spot against Tottenham Hotspur.

In his 55 matches in charge of the Reds, the 46-year-old has won 38, achieving a win percentage of 69%, creating a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jurgen Klopp.

It’s safe to say he’s been a breath of fresh air in England’s top flight this campaign, but he can’t rest on his laurels and will need to strengthen this summer.

The club have gone from the hunters to the hunted, with added quality and depth desperately needed if they are to have any chance of retaining their position in 2025/26.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer

With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave at the end of the season, it appears that Liverpool have wasted no time in targeting a replacement, with Jeremie Frimpong set to complete a switch to Anfield.

However, he may not be the only Bayer Leverkusen player to move to Merseyside this summer, with Florian Wirtz also on their radar ahead of the upcoming window.

Despite the attention on the aforementioned Bundesliga stars, Xavi Simons is the latest player from a German side to be linked, that’s according to a report from Spain.

The report claims that the Reds could be willing to enter talks to sign the 22-year-old, who may be tempted by a summer switch to England’s top division.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £60m during the off-season, and is seen as a Luis Diaz replacement should he depart for Barcelona in the coming months.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has managed to resurrect his Liverpool career this season, taking his stint at the club to new heights after the arrival of compatriot Slot.

The Dutchman struggled to make a huge impact under Klopp after his £34m switch from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, mainly being utilised as an impact player.

He started just 12 games in the Premier League, but has been a crucial cog in their success during their title-winning campaign – starting all but one outing, highlighting his importance to the manager.

Such a fee now appears to be a bargain, with the 22-year-old having the potential to improve further over the next few years at Anfield and become one of Europe’s leading midfielders.

However, a move for Simons could see a repeat of Gravenberch, with a Dutch star arriving on Merseyside from a Bundesliga outfit and cementing his place in the starting lineup.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a huge investment from the board, it would be a deal that would improve the options at Slot’s disposal – handing him another threat in attacking areas.

When delving into his stats from the current campaign, he’s starred in numerous key areas, with his talents taming the squad up a gear in their ambitions of retaining their crown.

Games played

25

Goals & assists

17

Pass accuracy

83%

Chances created

2.2

Successful dribbles

1.4

Tackles won

75%

Duels won

5.7

Simons, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former Dutch star Rafael van der Vaart, has registered 19 combined goals and assists in all competitions – having the tools to star himself and provide others with the ammunition to succeed.

He’s also managed to notch a total of 2.2 chances created per 90, along with 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning 75% of the tackles he’s entered and winning 5.7 duels per 90, showcasing his work rate and ability to regain possession for his side.

If he can replicate such levels at Anfield, Simons would be a superb addition to the squad, offering Slot an added creative presence at the heart of his already impressive Liverpool squad.

Should he get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Gravenberch on Merseyside, it would be a £60m signing that would be worth every penny – allowing the club to have yet another impressive youngster on their books.

Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace

Liverpool may land their next version of Alexis Mac Allister during the summer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025

Chelsea’s desire to sign a new defender this summer is no secret. After conceding 57 goals across all competitions this term, it is clear another centre-back or two is needed.

Much will depend on just how much money Enzo Maresca has to spend when the transfer window opens.

A few players might be sold in order to balance the books, although if the club achieves Champions League qualification, Maresca will need to strengthen his side.

Several defenders have already been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, although one has chosen Real Madrid instead…

Chelsea targeting defenders in the transfer window

Dean Huijsen was a name on the list of targets for Chelsea, but defender ended up joining Real Madrid, who activated the £50m release clause that was in his Bournemouth contract.

The Blues must move on, and they have already earmarked an ideal alternative to the Spaniard. Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is the latest name linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Hato, who is currently valued at £42m, only turned 19 in March and has the advantage of being able to play either at centre-back or on the left side of the defence.

The chance to play Champions League football with the Blues could give them a boost in their pursuit and he would make for an interesting signing.

Despite showing interest in both of these young, talented defenders, Maresca has someone in his squad who came through the Cobham academy and is valued higher than Hato and Huijsen; Levi Colwill.

Why Chelsea have struck gold on Levi Colwill

Colwill may have had to wait until the 2023/24 season to make his debut for Chelsea after a number of loan spells, but he has been a regular ever since.

Under Maresca, the Englishman has played 36 times in all competitions, even breaking through to earn three caps for England.

Metric

2023/24

2024/25

Accurate passes per 90

38.2

67

Clean sheets

4

9

Total duels won per 90

5

4.5

Tackles per 90

2.1

1.4

Possession lost per 90

10

8.9

Colwill has missed just three Premier League games this season for the Blues and, throughout the campaign, he has won 56% of his total duels per match, kept nine clean sheets and recovered 3.5 balls per game in the top flight.

Furthermore, when compared to his peers in the division, Colwill ranks impressively, notably sitting in the top 12% for passes completed (67.32) per 90, along with ranking in the top 32% for aerials won (2.32) per 90 for Chelsea.

He is still only 22, meaning he could be a cornerstone for the club over the next few years. Indeed, his performances have even seen his value rise exponentially with some reports noting last year that the club now value him at a whopping £100m.

This means he is worth even more than both Hato and Huijsen put together, signifying just how impressive a player Maresca has on his hands.

His performances were praised during a loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion during the 2022/23 campaign, with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming he was a “world-class talent”.

If he continues on this upwards trajectory, Colwill could become one of the best players for the Blues over the coming years, and they have certainly struck gold on him.

Chelsea readying huge £70m bid to sign their new version of Mason Mount

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay the release clause for a star who could be Mason Mount 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is currently waiting to find out a player’s feelings about joining the club this summer, following Gunners talks with him in January, and it is even believed he visited the Emirates Stadium that month.

Arsenal urged to sign new midfielder amid Berta arrival

The Italian has a few key tasks on his agenda following his official appointment last weekend.

Arsenal set for talks to sign "underrated" star after Berta decision this week

The Italian is stamping his mark as Edu’s replacement.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

As per GiveMeSport, Berta and the Arsenal recruitment team could splash up to £300 million on seven new arrivals, including a new “second-choice goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger and striker”, with the north Londoners also pondering an alternative for Bukayo Saka.

While supporters will be eager to see Berta finally bring the club’s long wait for a prolific striker to an end, the need for a centre-midfielder will be prevalent, as Mikel Arteta is set to be minus two solid options in the middle of the park.

Everton (away)

Today

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Thomas Partey and Jorginho will leave upon the expiry of their contracts on June 30th as things stand, leading to Arsenal’s talks over a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international is apparently “very likely” to join Arsenal and is “almost definitely” happening, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent suggesting that it is imperative for Berta to reinforce Arteta’s engine room.

“Another midfielder, a holding midfielder,” said Bent when asked what Arsenal need most this summer.

“I love Thomas Partey, I think this season his form has been brilliant but you have to look long term. There’s talk about Zubimendi, I have reservations. I know he’s a good player.

“I thought he was brilliant in the second half of the Euros final when he came on for Rodri but the Premier League is a different animal. You have to be able to run, be strong, get your foot in. But that’s an area I’d look at as well.”

There are suggestions that Arsenal could move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes as well as Zubimendi, with the Brazilian’s contract also including a release clause.

Another midfield technician they’ve been seriously interested in, with talks already held, is Rosenborg sensation Sverre Nypan.

Andrea Berta waiting on Sverre Nypan decision to join Arsenal

As per GiveMeSport and reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, Berta is waiting for Nypan’s final decision on potentially joining Arsenal.

The Norwegian, rumoured to command a price tag of £20 million, visited the Emirates in January and reliable news outlets at the time reported that Arteta’s side held winter talks with Rosenborg over a deal.

The teenager bagged eight goals and 10 assists in all competitions across the 2024 campaign for Rosenborg, even drawing comparisons with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, but he has many other suitors – including Man City (Fabrizio Romano).

“Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting,” said Norwegian pundit Jesper Mathisen to TV2 last year.

“I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Ødegaard break through as a boy.”

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Oct-20249.1, Rishad Hossain to Samson, no run
Good length, no turn, beats his slog, hits the pad, but headed down leg9.2, Rishad Hossain to Samson, SIX runs
Too full as he often was last match. Samson clears the front leg, and eases him back over his head for another nonchalant-looking six9.3, Rishad Hossain to Samson, SIX runs
He is having his way with Hossain. Again, right in the drop zone. This is poor spin bowling. You can’t bowl so full that a batter can hit you down the ground without using his feet. Goes over long-off this time9.4, Rishad Hossain to Samson, SIX runs
Dead straight, lower in trajectory, but a third straight six. Again Samson doesn’t even have to stretch himself. Not a half-volley but this is a true pitch9.5, Rishad Hossain to Samson, SIX runs
Goes slower in the air, but gives him another half-volley. This is just average bowling. He clears the front leg, and goes over long-on for the fourth six in a rowAround the wicket.9.6, Rishad Hossain to Samson, SIX runs
That is five sixes in a row. Not a bad ball, but Samson goes deep in the crease to manage to pull it with a vertical bat, and goes over deep midwicket for a small six. Does that matter when it is the fifth in the over? Samson into the 90s

It is 17 years since England’s last tour, but many of the squad have already had a taste

Matt Roller18-Sep-20221:26

‘PSL gave me chance to better myself as a player’ – Dawid Malan

On the morning of March 4, 2017, Dawid Malan and Chris Jordan had a decision to make. They sat in their rooms in a Dubai hotel texting family, friends and each other to work out whether or not they should travel to Lahore for the final of the second season of the Pakistan Super League.Eventually, they decided they would take the leap of faith, putting their trust in the PCB’s extensive security protocols and joining the second tranche of international players to travel to Pakistan since the attacks on Sri Lanka’s team bus in 2009. The game took place without a hitch and their side, Peshawar Zalmi, cruised to victory in front of over 22,000 fans.”It was a fantastic occasion,” Malan recalled in Karachi on Saturday. “I don’t think any of us thought that us coming over would have played such a big part in cricket coming back to Pakistan. It’s a cricket-loving nation who were starved of their star players for a long time… to play a small part in that has been very special.”Related

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• England T20 squad living in the now with an eye on the future

• 'Adaptable' Curran embraces multi-purpose role at England with 'open mind'

The trip barely lasted 24 hours as the PSL took a tentative first step towards a return home after launching in the UAE the year before, but Malan and Jordan’s involvement was hugely significant: they were the first England cricketers to play professionally in Pakistan since the 2005 tour and paved the way for others to follow.The PSL is a popular product in its own right, widely regarded as the second-best short-form league in the world behind the IPL, but has also acted as a diplomatic vehicle to bring leading players – from England and elsewhere – back to Pakistan. As a result, boards can no longer hide behind claims that their players are unwilling to travel,”It did feel like a big push to get those international players involved,” Mickey Arthur, who coached Karachi Kings in the PSL’s first four seasons, recalled. “We needed individuals to come to Pakistan to help break the barriers down and the PSL was instrumental in that. It certainly helped in the perception of going to Pakistan.”The number of English players involved has grown year on year, to the extent that as many as 23 made at least one appearance in the 2022 edition. Exactly half of England’s 20-man squad for the T20I series that starts on Tuesday have played in Pakistan before; those that hadn’t spoke to their team-mates before the team’s departure to calm any nerves.”We’ve heard a lot from the PSL boys,” Sam Curran said. “I spoke to most of them to ask what to expect.” Jos Buttler said that the scale of English involvement in the PSL had “allayed some concerns” around the security situation: “They shared their positive experiences from being here – more than anything, how much the public here love their cricket.”English involvement in the PSL has not been limited to players. James Foster and Peter Moores have coached teams in it; David Gower and Nick Knight have commentated; Richard Illingworth and Michael Gough have umpired. Reg Dickason, the ECB’s security director, has also been employed as a consultant by the PCB.No Englishman has played more PSL games in Pakistan than Alex Hales•PSL”In many ways, the PSL has been a vehicle for the full return of international cricket to Pakistan,” Imran Ahmad Khan, who led player recruitment for the PSL from 2017 to 2021, said. “Just in terms of slowly changing perceptions across the cricketing world around being in Pakistan.”So many different international stakeholders get involved in the PSL’s ecosystem: players, coaches, support staff, production crew, commentators. They’ve all been able to experience Pakistan through the PSL and they’ve gone on to share that experience with others in their respective countries.”The benefits have been mutual: Pakistan has welcomed English players with open arms while the players themselves have had the opportunity to test themselves in unfamiliar conditions against high-quality players.”The PSL was a stepping stone for me,” Malan said. “It’s been fantastic for me: it taught me what I needed if I wanted to go one step further.” Countless others have benefited from the platform that the tournament has provided.Relations between the two teams are better than ever. Saturday night’s training session – the first of the tour to feature both sides – saw a number of players catch up with one another: Moeen Ali and Shan Masood, Liam Dawson and Asif Ali, Phil Salt and Shadab Khan. The bad blood that has characterised some previous tours will prove difficult to sniff out.And so, despite their 17-year absence, England are not going into this series blind. They are anticipating skiddy pitches in Karachi but sticky, bouncier ones in Lahore. “Having that experience of playing here before is a big thing,” Alex Hales, who has played more PSL games in Pakistan than any other Englishman, said.”England touring Pakistan hasn’t happened in a vacuum,” Khan said. “It’s been a result of stakeholders gaining that experience through the PSL and being able to build that confidence around playing Pakistan.” Whatever the result in Tuesday night’s series opener, the fact it is taking place at all is a victory for soft power.