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Sunderland's fanbase have had more to cheer about over the last two seasons after getting promoted back to the Championship after four years in League One.

Following the departure of previous manager Alex Neil only a few games into the 2022/23 season, it looked like the Black Cats could make a quick return to League One, however, the arrival of vastly experienced manager Tony Mowbray changed that.

The former Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers manager guided Sunderland to an incredible sixth place last season, meaning they qualified for the playoffs, although they were knocked out in the playoffs by Luton Town.

This turn in form has helped the former Premier League side bring in some of the Championship’s top talent, such as Jobe Bellingham, who is the younger brother of England star and Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham.

However, it’s not always been plain sailing for the side who play at the Stadium of Light, while in the top division, they harboured some of the most disappointing signings in the Premier League, such as Jack Rodwell from Manchester City, although one of the worst of these signings came in 2013 when they brought in Danny Graham.

How much did Danny Graham cost?

Sunderland had a reasonable 2011/12 campaign, finishing 13th in the league with 45 points, and to try and thwart the possible threat of relegation in 2013 Sunderland spent £33m on transfers during the season.

Graham was one of the players recruited during the January window, costing the Black Cats £5m from Swansea.

After signing for the north east outfit, the then-27-year-old announced that he wouldn’t have wanted to move anywhere else.

He said:"As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table.

"I was born and brought up in the north-east so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world – it's special and there's nowhere else like it."

Name

Age

Fee

Steven Fletcher

25

£13m

Adam Johnson

25

£11m

Danny Graham

27

£5m

Alfred N'Diaye

22

£4m

Carlos Cuellar

30

Free

Louis Saha

34

Free

Kander Mangane

29

Loan

Danny Rose

22

Loan

What happened to Danny Graham?

The Englishman suffered a horrific time while at Sunderland, during his first spell with the club, he would make only 42 appearances and play 2.1k minutes over three seasons, scoring only one goal and providing four assists.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo in 2015 before his first goal, Graham was adamant that when he scored his first the goals would come flooding in.

He said: "It would be massive (to get that first goal). Obviously, as a striker you want to be scoring goals and doing well for your football club, but that's not been the case so far for me.

"I know that, I'm not going to hide. It's up to me to work hard and make sure I get in the positions and not shy away from an opportunity when it comes my way.

"Once one goes in, I'm sure a lot more will follow, but the most important thing is the team. We need to pick up points and make sure we're not going to struggle come the end of the season."

It would take until 2015 (more than two years after he signed) and over 20 games for Graham to score his first goal for Sunderland, in a 2-0 win over Everton.

Furthermore, in 2015 Graham was on £30k-per-week, which works out to £1.5m per year and if you combine that with the £5m fee, it means the Black Cats hierarchy paid a shocking £6.5m per goal he scored and paid £155k per appearance.

During his time with Sunderland Graham publicly came under fire from his managers – speaking in May 2013 to the Independent then manager Paolo Di Canio questioned if the striker could actually play football.

He commented: "When I arrived Danny, simply, was not fit

He was not fit enough to play in the Premier League, in my opinion. I do not want to point just the finger at him because that was a general thing.

"He had a long face as he walked around the field during the first few training sessions and I thought, 'Can he play football?’.”

Furthermore, in 2014 Gus Poyet revealed he had no choice but to loan out Graham.

He revealed: "It was a difficult situation for Danny to go into the team. You need something to happen – a cup game where you play and show something different, an injury, a sending-off, to have a chance.

"We didn't have enough time for Danny to have that opportunity”

Frustratingly for Sunderland fans, the 38-year-old went on to perform well for his next club Blackburn, where he played 191 times, scoring 57 goals and providing 24 assists.

Is Danny Graham Sunderland’s worst signing of all time?

Another failed signing in some of the darkest days of Sunderland’s history, was the £4m transfer of Will Grigg from Wigan in 2019.

The 32-year-old had played 150 times for the Tics, scoring 65 goals and providing 14 assists, making him an obvious target to try and pull the Black Cats out of League One.

However, this was not the case, the striker only played 62 times for Sunderland, scoring just eight goals and providing three assists, on top of this the Wearside club were unable to gain promotion and finished fifth.

Grigg signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Sunderland but went on long loan twice, first to MK Dons and then to Rotherham.

After moving to Rotherham in 2021 Grigg revealed to the Sunderland Echo that he never thought it was going to work at Sunderland.

He said: "It is just football and life in general. It just didn't work and it seems like it was never going to.

"Sunderland did not work out how everyone expected. It is one of those things. If I could put my finger on it, I would have changed it and made it work a long time ago.

"It is just one of things. I signed last minute and we lost in the play-off final and it did not quite happen"

Although Grigg’s time with Sunderland was poor – costing £500k per goal – it was nowhere near as bad as Graham’s £6.5m per goal price tag, which could make him the worst value for money transfer in Sunderland’s history.

He had been appointed in the role in January 2016, for a term of two years

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jan-2018Makhaya Ntini and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have parted ways, with the former South Africa quick leaving the role of Zimbabwe’s bowling coach behind. He had been appointed in the role in January 2016, for a term of two years.In a release, ZC said: “It is with regret that Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announces that Makhaya Ntini, the National Team Bowling Coach, has tendered his resignation from ZC, with immediate effect.”Makhaya has brought a wealth of experience and practical knowledge to ZC, and ZC and its players and coaching staff were fortunate to have had an opportunity to work closely with him during this period, and to learn from his many years of playing for Cricket South Africa at the highest level.””While reluctantly accepting his resignation, ZC fully appreciates and respects the reasons behind Makhaya’s decision, and wishes him all the very best for the future.”In September last year, ESPNcricinfo had reported that Ntini’s contract was unlikely to be renewed.The Zimbabwe job was Ntini’s first foray into coaching after his international retirement in 2011. After almost six months under Dav Whatmore, Ntini was appointed interim head coach when Whatmore was sacked in May 2016. Ntini was relieved of the head coach job in October, when Heath Streak took over, but he stayed on as a member of Streak’s support staff.

سجل لاعب فريق ألانيا سبور، أحمد حسن كوكا، هدف التعادل في المباراة الجارية حاليًا ضد بشكتاش في بطولة الدوري التركي.

ويلتقي الفريقان في خضم منافسات الجولة السادسة والثلاثين من الدوري التركي، موسم 2023/24.

وتمكن المحترف المصري أحمد حسن كوكا من تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح ألانيا سبور، في الدقيقة 79 من عمر المباراة. هدف كوكا أمام بشكتاش في الدوري التركي

وتشير النتيجة في الوقت الحالي إلى التعادل الإيجابي بين الفريقين بهدف لمثله، حيث تقدم بشكتاش بهدف في الدقيقة 61.

Arsenal are reportedly still seeking a move for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, as Mikel Arteta eyes further moves in the transfer window with the help of sporting director Edu Gaspar.

The Gunners have had a strong summer so far, equipping the title-challenging side with the likes of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, as well as the expected arrival of goalkeeper David Raya.

With over £200m spent, the north Londoners have made sufficient signings in the bid to challenge Manchester City once again in the Premier League, with the opening game against Nottingham Forest fast approaching.

Could Arsenal sign Elye Wahi?

As reported in France during the January window, Arsenal were eyeing a move for Wahi, who has since been linked with a move to the capital once again.

Chelsea look most likely to capture the 20-year-old at present, according to Fabrizio Romano, however a separate report has thrown the Gunners back into the mix.

TEAMtalk claimed that Arteta’s side have ‘enquired’ about the €40m (£34m) striker, and prepare to battle their rivals for his signature.

Should Arsenal sign Elye Wahi?

On paper, chasing Wahi seems like a positive move for Arsenal considering the latest injury blow to first-choice no.9 Gabriel Jesus.

Arteta announced that the Brazilian is expected to miss the start of the Premier League season due to a knee injury that will leave him sidelined for a “few weeks”, with the manager confirming that the 26-year-old had a “little procedure” to resolve.

It’s worrying news for the Gunners, who were without the former City forward for several months last winter due to an injury sustained at the World Cup, relating to the current niggle.

While Jesus made his return in March following surgery on the initial issue, a recurring problem in that area implements additional concern as to how fit the striker can stay over the course of a demanding season.

In Wahi, Edu could sign a “powerful” forward, as lauded by ex-Caen academy director Francis de Taddeo whom he played under – although it may not be the best move for Arsenal.

The Spaniard has built something special at the club, expelling any negativity or deadwood surrounding the squad, which was made evident last summer through the replacement of Alexandre Lacazette for Jesus.

The Frenchman led the line at the Emirates competently to a degree, however, there was always a lack of consistency to his level of clinical play.

Subsequently branded as “not good enough” by writer Jason Soutar, Lacazette left north London last year with four goals in his final Premier League season, in which he made 30 appearances.

Since, the 32-year-old frontman has returned to France and netted 27 goals in Ligue 1 for Olympique Lyonnais, which is where doubts over Wahi’s suitability for Arteta’s side lie.

The 20-year-old scored 19 goals in the same league last campaign, showing form in the final third, but whether his fairly raw talents could be translated to the English top-flight remains a gamble.

Given Arsenal’s progression, if the Gunners were to swoop in the market for a forward, the target shouldn’t be angled at a forward succeeding in Ligue 1, with those at the Emirates well aware of the difficulty some attackers have in replicating form amid the difference in quality of the two competitions.

Edu could be heading for a transfer disaster here, considering the evidence above.

كشفت تقارير صحفية حقيقة إسقاط التهم، البالغ عددها 115، الموجهة ضد نادي مانشستر سيتي فيما يخص خرق قواعد اللعب المالي النظيف.

وتلقى مانشستر سيتي تلك الاتهامات، في فبراير من عام 2023، والتي تخص وجود انتهاكات من قِبل النادي ضد قواعد اللعب المالي النظيف، والتي وجهها له الدوري الإنجليزي.

وتتعلق الاتهامات بالفترة ما بين 2009 و2018، حيث أكد المسؤولون أنه سيتم إحالة الأمر إلى لجنة مستقلة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. الدوري الإنجليزي يوضح تطورات محاكمة مانشستر سيتي

ولم يتم البت حتى الآن في تلك القضية، بينما ظهرت شائعات اليوم تفيد أنه قد تم إسقاط التهم الموجهة ضد مانشستر سيتي، حيث أن التحقيق لن يستمر بعد الآن.

ولكن الصحفي مايك كيجان من صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية نفى الأمر، وكتب: “هناك شائعة تدور حول إسقاط التهم الموجهة إلى مانشستر سيتي، قيل أن هذا ليس صحيحًا”.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is open to letting Harry Kane leave this summer should a club match the price he has in mind, according to Dean Jones.

A number of top European sides have interest in signing the English forward this summer, but the North London side have publicly maintained the stance that he is not for sale.

Will Harry Kane be at Tottenham Hotspur next season?

As it stands, Spurs are not planning on losing Kane this summer window.

That's according to the Times, who have stated that the club have offered their all-time record goalscorer a new deal worth an incredible £400k per week, which would make the England national team captain the joint highest-paid player in the division alongside Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City.

However, it seems that the striker wants to keep his options open during the window, and reportedly has no intention of signing the deal until the closure of the transfer window. This puts the club in a tricky situation as the forward only has 12 months remaining on his deal, and could leave for free next summer should no deal be agreed.

A number of sides are interested in the Spurs talisman, however German giants Bayern Munich remain the most interested. The club have launched multiple bids in an attempt to bring the striker to the Allianz Arena, with manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly having held talks personally with Kane in his own home in order to try and convince him to make the move from London to Munich.

Both offer have been rejected by Spurs, and according to journalist Jones, who was speaking to GIVEMESPORT, it would take a club record transfer fee from the Bavarian club to convince Levy to sell: "Daniel Levy has a real conundrum if Bayern commit to a bigger offer because this is his last chance to get big money for Kane and, at the same time, get him out of the country so that he can’t harm Spurs in the next couple of years. It’s probably the most intriguing part of this.

In a year’s time, he could end up at [Manchester] United or Chelsea or at another rival club on a free transfer, but if he joins Bayern now, he’s almost certain to stick with them for a couple of seasons while he collects his trophies. Now, that totally goes against everything briefed because Spurs are adamant still that Kane is not for sale — in England or abroad. But everyone is wondering if the businessman in Levy can genuinely stick to that line of thinking. And actually, I’m told there is a point at which he would listen to offers.

Here’s what I’ve heard: If Bayern make an overall offer that gets above and beyond £100m, then it would have to be considered. And when I say beyond, I’m talking £120m. So let’s face it — that is unlikely. Bayern are serious about trying to sign Kane and they have been given assurances that he is willing to do it. But can they actually get to the levels needed? It’s true Spurs are putting a new contract offer in front of Kane but, of course, there is no chance of him signing that at the moment."

Should Tottenham Hotspur sell Harry Kane?

It is an incredibly interesting dilemma that can be argued both ways.

Should Spurs let go of their talisman for a fee in the region of what Jones reported, those funds could help to fund the rebuild that the North London side is currently undertaking. They have already added keeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli and attacking midfielder James Maddison from Leicester City, whilst reports have linked the side with Bundesliga centre-back duo Micky Van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba. Spurs could use the money from Kane's departure to fund moves for both central defenders rather than having to choose one, and could also move to replace the England international with Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who they have been linked with.

However, should the club manage to convince their club legend to sign the new mega-money deal and commit his future to Spurs, new manager Ange Postecoglou would have arguably the best striker in the world on his hands, which would be a fantastic building block for the Australian as he looks to form his new-look team. Keeping Kane would also be a big help for keeping Spurs fans onside during potential transitional years, as they would appreciate the ambition shown to keep their home-grown star at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

It is one of the biggest decisions in recent Spurs history, and all parties will be hoping it gets solved soon.

Luke Wells’ 90 not out guided Sussex to a five-wicket victory on the final afternoon of the Specsavers Division Two Championship match against Leicestershire

ECB Reporters Network12-Jun-2017
ScorecardLuke Wells continued his productive run of form•Getty ImagesLuke Wells’ 90 not out, guided Sussex to a five-wicket victory on the final afternoon of the Specsavers Division Two Championship match against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.Needing early breakthroughs when Sussex resumed chasing 232 to win, Leicestershire did dismiss nightwatchman Danny Briggs when only five runs had been added to the visitors’ overnight score of 100 for 2. Clint McKay found the edge of the right-hander’s bat, and Paul Horton at first slip held a brilliant catch one-handed to his left when the ball seemed to have gone past him.Wells, having resumed on 27 not out, had played himself back in though, and he received solid support from Stiaan van Zyl in compiling a partnership of 70 for the fourth wicket. Neither batsman took unnecessary risks, though Wells did go to his half-century in style, hitting offspinner Colin Ackermann for a beautifully timed straight six.He lost van Zyl shortly before lunch, when the South African unaccountably decided to leave a delivery from Ben Raine bowled from around the wicket which went on to knock his off stump out of the ground.Luke Wright went shortly after the break, edging a catch to Horton at first slip off Zak Chappell, and if Ned Eckersley had held a Wells edge behind the stumps off the same bowler shortly afterwards, Leicestershire might have had entertained hopes of an unlikely victory. The chance was spilled, however, and Wells and former Leicestershire player Michael Burgess saw the visitors home.

West Ham United have “enquired” about a deal to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

Is Callum Hudson-Odoi leaving Chelsea?

The Blues academy graduate was sent out on a season-long loan to Bayer Leverkusen last term in the hope of finding him some regular game time, but having only started seven games out of 34 in the Bundesliga, the left-sided winger had an underwhelming spell on the road.

With the Premier League starlet’s contract at his parent club expiring at the end of the next campaign, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to hold crunch talks with the 22-year-old this week regarding his future in SW6, and should he depart, he seemingly won’t be short of potential suitors.

Back in August 2022, 90min credited the Irons with an interest in signing England’s former international before he made the temporary move to Germany, and despite a deal failing to materialise at the time, David Moyes is looking to take a second bite of the cherry.

Are West Ham signing Hudson-Odoi?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs name-checked West Ham as potential suitors for Hudson-Odoi but admitted that the Chelsea attacker is yet to make a full decision as to where his next destination will be. He said:

“As has been reported, a move to Saudi Arabia is certainly an option for Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer. But nothing has been decided just yet. Hudson-Odoi is assessing his future and may prefer to stay in Europe. Despite a relatively underwhelming loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season, there is no shortage of interest in the 22-year-old.

“Keep an eye on Brentford and Fulham. Crystal Palace and West Ham have also enquired. Newcastle are a historic suitor, but not currently considering a move. There is also some initial interest from Atalanta.”

Should Moyes take a chance on Hudson-Odoi?

West Ham will know that Hudson-Odoi wasn’t handed as many minutes as he would have hoped at Bayer Leverkusen hence why he only recorded one goal and assist during his time there, but he still has the potential to pose a threat in the final third.

Last season, the Adidas-sponsored gem, who pockets £120k-per-week, ranked in the 87th percentile for progressive carries so loves to take on his marker and push his team up the pitch, but he also recorded 3.86 shot-creating actions per league game which was the third-highest total throughout Xabi Alonso’s squad, via FBRef.

Chelsea’s “monster of a talent”, as dubbed by journalist Nizaar Kinsella, would further add excellent versatility to the manager’s ranks with his ability to operate all across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so with the game time that he’d receive in E20, it’s well worth bringing him to the London Stadium.

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Khephren Thuram this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's progress in getting a deal done.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Khephren Thuram?

According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the Merseyside giants could be handed the opportunity to sign the OGC Nice midfielder, despite the French club being keen to hold onto him.

Jacobs revealed on The Football Terrace YouTube channel: "I still think Khephren Thuram is the one to watch now in terms of Liverpool.

"It seems like there is less now in terms of Kone, who is another player who Liverpool have looked at. There are reports Nice wants to keep the player but the feeling is that Nice are going to have to sell some of their assets, so there is an opportunity there for Liverpool."

Will Liverpool sign another midfielder this summer?

The Reds have already secured the signing of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister this summer in an attempt to add more quality and youth to the centre of the pitch.

A midfield rebuild has been long overdue at Anfield with the former Brighton and Hove Albion star becoming the first permanent midfielder signing since the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich three years ago.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner have all been moved on upon the expiry of their contracts this summer and Thuram could be the dream replacement for the latter who will be joining Brighton this summer.

Milner has played a huge part in Liverpool's success over the last half a decade with the 37-year-old playing a number of midfield roles, and his versatility is something that the centre of the pitch has sorely missed as he has reached the latter stages of his career and seen less game time.

Now Klopp can replace that unrivalled work ethic and diversity in skill by landing a deal for Thuram who is renowned for his wide range of capabilities and has no trouble gliding from a deeper role in midfield to break the lines of attack.

Over 35 Ligue One appearances last season, the Frenchman offered a potent attacking threat with two goals scored, four assists registered and nine big chances created, as well as averaging 1.1 shots on goal, 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game.

Not only that, Thuram has not sacrificed his consistency in his defensive responsibilities as the Nice star averaged 1.1 interceptions, 3.8 duels won and 1.5 tackles per game, according to SofaScore.

For context, no Liverpool central midfielder provided more goal contributions in the Premier League, whilst only three players in the squad averaged more key passes. Meanwhile, defensively, he managed more tackles per outing than the likes of Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip, via WhoScored.

Milner, meanwhile, could only average 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game with 0.4 key passes to show for his efforts. Thuram, therefore, would represent a colossal upgrade at Anfield.

Possessing a reported €40m (£34m) price tag – he has been attracting a lot of attention and earning high praise over his short career so far, with U23 scout and football journalist Antonio Mango outlining the Frenchman's super capabilities:

"At a staggering 6'4ft, Khéphren's presence can't go unnoticed as he stands out above most players on the field. Khéphren excels in his defensive duties, ball-carrying & retention. Khéphren is big, strong, physical, athletic and brilliant in possession, a true diamond, right?"

With that being said, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will add more depth to the centre of the pitch this summer but Thuram is looking like the one to watch and could be a huge presence in midfield if a deal is done ahead of next season.

Sure, batsmen have sped their way to doom, and of course, they have played too many loose shots, but switching to all-out defence is not necessarily the answer either, Angelo Mathews said ahead of the third Test.Aside from opener Kaushal Silva, and perhaps Dimuth Karunaratne as well, each of the other batsmen in Sri Lanka’s top order is of an attacking bent. Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva all strike at more than 60 in domestic cricket. And though Angelo Mathews and Upul Tharanga are capable of defending (Mathews in particular), they have generally fared better when they have attacked.The Sri Lanka top order knows that they must pare back some of those attacking instincts, but Mathews is also wary that his men don’t trim so much from their natural game that there is not much of it left.”You’ve got to play on merit,” Mathews said. “When the bowler is bowling well you’ve got to respect him, and whenever you get the loose ball, you try and capitalise on it. It’s a bit of a balance of both. You can’t go negative, you can’t go over-positive. Cricket is a game where you have to score runs. Whether you score 100 off 300 balls or whether you score 100 off 70 balls it doesn’t matter, as long as you work your game out. You just need to score runs.”Yes, we have been repeating the same mistakes, which is frustrating. But we’ve got a set of players who are looking to score runs and I always encourage that. And yes, by looking to score runs in these conditions maybe you can get a good ball. Even if the ball is not good enough, you can still get out because of the conditions.”Sri Lanka’s batsmen have employed varying approaches to this Test series, none of which have worked•Associated Press

The prescription that Mathews has repeated this series is increased concentration. All but two batsmen had starts in the second innings at Newlands, and yet, none could cross 50, and the team total fell short of 225.”In these conditions, when you get a 20 and a 30 you suddenly feel that you’re set, you can still get a good ball,” Mathews said. “We need to try and push hard and concentrate hard. Whoever gets a start needs to convert that into a big innings.”Mathews suggested that Sri Lanka would retain the same XI from the Newlands Test, and also that Kusal Mendis and de Silva will remain at No. 3 and No. 4. Mendis has had more success at second drop, and de Silva has been good in the lower middle order, but a vacuum in the no. 3 position has forced both batsmen up.”The selectors are looking long-term,” Mathews said. “Yes, they are two of the best batsmen we have. They are young and fearless and they want to score runs. Dhananjaya is quite matured – he has played a lot of first-class games, but Kusal Mendis hasn’t. These are extremely talented guys and they are still learning the game. As they play more Tests, they will definitely keep learning.”All Sri Lanka’s batsmen will have to have done plenty of learning in the break between Tests. The Wanderers track is reputed to be one of the quickest and bounciest in the world, and though perhaps not as green for this Test as it has often been, still retains a covering of grass.”It looks a lot greener than the previous two wickets, so obviously there will be swing seam and bounce right throughout the Test match, which we kind of expect,” Mathews said. “We’ve always expected a greentop when we tour South Africa. We’ve got to play on whatever we get. We will not complain or make a fuss about it.”