In quite the twist, Newcastle United are now reportedly the frontrunners to land one of their top targets who has given PIF the green light to move forward with the deal.

Howe: "Complex" Isak situation "far from ideal"

Whilst Newcastle continue to chase transfers of their own, the saga of the summer has been threatening to unfold between Alexander Isak and those at St James’ Park. After deciding to train away from the club and at former side Real Sociedad, it looked as though the Swede had done enough to open the door to his exit as Liverpool came calling with an opening offer.

Ultimately, however, the Reds didn’t do enough and have since had the door slammed in their face by Newcastle, who are demanding as much as £150m to sell their star man. Liverpool’s offer worth £110m was, therefore, always likely to be turned down.

Whilst some around St James’ Park may celebrate Liverpool’s latest stance, it’s Eddie Howe who has been left to pick up the pieces of the Isak saga.

He told reporters when asked about the situation: “I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home. I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it.

The Newcastle boss then went on to say when asked if he knows where Isak is: “I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it’s difficult for me to go into any detail. The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”

Meanwhile, as that situation continues to unravel, another key factor in any potential deal has reportedly progressed in Newcastle’s favour.

Sesko chooses Newcastle

Delo, the number one newspaper in Slovenia, has revealed Benjamin Sesko ‘has made a decision’ and ‘will continue his career with Newcastle United’, while also confirming the rival interest from Manchester United.

And according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle have now matched Sesko’s price-tag with a blockbuster “formal bid” worth as much as £70m. Jumping ahead of Manchester United in unexpected fashion, the Magpies could now solve their striker problem with what would become their biggest ever signing.

After a summer of rejections, the news that they are now leading the race to finally sign the striker that they’ve been craving will be music to the ears of all those in Tyneside.

He's Sesko 2.0: Newcastle ready to battle for £60m "absolute powerhouse"

Newcastle United track one of Europe’s hottest talents after Benjamin Šeško setback

ByWill Miller Aug 2, 2025

There’s still a way to go, of course, but there’s no doubt that Sesko would be an excellent addition. Described as “special” by former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, the towering forward looks destined for the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White this summer has already been one of the sagas of the window, with the Nottingham Forest star at the heart of the controversy.

Nearly two weeks ago now, the Lilywhites triggered the 25-year-old’s release clause within his contract, but that’s where the issue over the currently lies.

His clause was seen as a secret within his contract, leading to Nuno Espírito Santo’s side claiming Thomas Frank’s men made an illegal approach for the midfielder’s signature.

It now appears as though Forest have ceased all negotiations with Spurs, putting the deal in potential doubt, with the player himself expected to join the Reds squad on their pre-season tour.

As a result, other summer targets are now being considered by the hierarchy, as they look to back Frank in his quest for success during his first year at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher has been touted as a potential option for Spurs in the midfield department during the current window.

It remains unclear how much a deal for the former Chelsea star would cost this summer, but the hierarchy have wasted no time in pursuing a move after making contact with the LaLiga side over a potential deal.

However, he’s not the only player currently on their radar this window, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa a player firmly in their sights, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist claims that the Lilywhites have been in talks with the Bees over a move for the 28-year-old, who registered 19 league goals during the 2024/25 season.

He also states that Newcastle United and Forest are in the race for his signature, but any deal could be an expensive one given his current £50m price tag.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Gibbs-White

There’s no denying that, given his tally of 15 combined goals and assists in the Premier League last season, that Gibbs-White would be a tremendous addition for Spurs.

However, the current scenario could have repercussions such as a hefty fine or even a transfer embargo should the club be found guilty of their actions.

It’s also unclear what role he would play within Frank’s side, especially considering James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have mainly operated in such a role in recent times.

A deep-lying option is more of a priority within the midfield department this summer, with a new talisman also needed to provide competition to Dominic Solanke.

The aforementioned scenarios would make Wissa an ideal option for Frank’s side this summer, not to mention he enjoyed his best-ever campaign under his guidance last time around.

When comparing his stats to those of current number nine Solanke, he’s managed to outperform him in key areas, showcasing why he’d be an excellent addition for the Lilywhites.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, massively outscored the Englishman, whilst posting a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.

He also managed to complete more of the passes he attempted, whilst also notching more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to allow players around him to thrive in North London.

The DR Congo star’s dominance is further reflected in his aerial success rate, winning more duels and subsequently offering Frank’s side a needed focal point.

£50m may appear to be a hefty fee for the 28-year-old, but given his recent withdrawal from Brentford’s pre-season tour, he could well be available for a cheaper fee.

If he can replicate his form across the capital with the Lilywhites, it would be a phenomenal pickup, landing a player who would certainly have more of an impact than Gibbs-White.

Bigger star than Vuskovic: Spurs make club-record bid for "phenomenal" ace

Tottenham Hotspur’s heavy spending this summer has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 23, 2025

It’s hard to think of another summer quite like this one for Arsenal.

Preseason hasn’t even started yet, and the club has already signed four players, including Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, for a combined £112m.

Moreover, talented centre-back Christian Mosquera is set to have a medical today, Viktor Gyokeres looks likely to have his on Friday, and Eberechi Eze continues to be linked.

As if that wasn’t enough, rumours concerning a £80m move for Rodrygo keep popping up, although to complete a deal to sign him on top of everyone else, the Gunners will surely have to make some sales, and it looks like they will.

Why Arsenal want to sign Rodrygo

Even though it would require a massive financial commitment, and he’d become their second most expensive signing of all time, it’s really not hard to understand why Arsenal would want to bring in Rodrygo.

Firstly, he may be a natural left-winger, but as the last couple of seasons have shown us, he can still be incredibly effective off the right and even up, which could help massively if the Gunners endure another torrid year with injuries.

More importantly, though, is the fact that the Brazilian has remained incredibly effective even out of position over the last few years.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

For example, since the start of the 23/24 season, the “special” talent, as dubbed by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.

Finally, with two La Liga titles and two Champions League titles among an array of other trophies under his belt, the 24-year-old dynamo would bring a real know-how to the Emirates, which is something the team have been lacking in recent years.

However, to afford Rodrygo’s wages and transfer fee, Arsenal will surely have to offload a few players this summer, and based on reports, it looks like one out-of-favour ace could be nearing the exit.

The Arsenal star who could be sold

With the signings already made, those set to be completed soon, and the additional links to players like Rodrygo, it’s no surprise to see speculation arise around the possible sale of certain players.

Transfer Focus

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

At first, there were reports about a possible move for Gabriel Martinelli by Al-Nassr, reports that were quickly rubbished.

Since then, Leandro Trossard has been linked with several moves, including a potential transfer to Bayern Munich, and Jakub Kiwior is also reportedly no longer in the manager’s plans.

However, there is now another player being linked with an official exit from the club this summer, someone who wasn’t even part of the squad last season: Fabio Vieira.

Yes, according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, the player’s representatives are currently working on getting him to a new team this summer, and have even been in talks with several interested clubs from ‘Turkey and Germany’s top divisions.’

Interestingly, the report reveals that an unnamed Serie A side would be willing to pay €18m for the Portuguese ace in a deal structured like Nuno Tavares’ to Lazio, but as Arteta and Co paid £34m for the player just three years ago, that is not a price they would entertain.

Whatever the final fee ends up being, it is probably time to move the 25-year-old on, as after two underwhelming campaigns in England in which he amassed 13 goal involvements in 49 games, he enjoyed a decent enough spell with Porto last year.

Appearances

39

33

16

42

Goals

7

2

1

5

Assists

16

6

3

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

0.24

0.25

0.26

For example, the “exceptional” midfielder, as talent scout Jacek Kulig once dubbed him, produced 11 goal involvements in 42 games, but eight of those came in just 26 league clashes.

In other words, this summer may well be the last time Berta and Co will be able to get decent money for the Santa Maria da Feira-born ace.

Ultimately, Vieira is not a bad player, but it just has not worked out for him in an Arsenal shirt, and if selling him this summer frees up space to sign Rodrygo, then that is a no-brainer.

Shades of Trossard: Arsenal target is now in London to undergo his medical

Arsenal could sign a player with shades of Leandro Trossard.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

Manchester City have now made contact over the signing of an £87m “superstar”, as manager Pep Guardiola is obsessed with him, according to a report.

Man City eyeing new forward amid Grealish uncertainty

Jack Grealish played a major role in Man City’s famous 2022-23 treble-winning campaign, but it would be fair to say the winger has otherwise failed to justify his astronomical price tag, and he is now set to exit the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Former scout Mick Brown believes it is a near-certainty the Englishman will leave City, saying: “I know he’s going to move from Man City, there’s no question about that, so the opportunity is there.”

Brown names Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur as potential suitors for Grealish, while there have also been widespread links to Everton over the past few days, so there is certainly no shortage of interest from rival Premier League clubs.

Man City eye half-price £40m swoop to sign "incredible" star who Pep loves

He’d be an ideal alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

As a result, despite already signing Rayan Cherki this summer, Guardiola may want to bring in another new forward this summer, and an approach has now been made over a La Liga star.

That is according to a report from Spain (via TEAMtalk), which states Man City have made contact over a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who has become Guardiola’s ‘big obsession’ to bolster his frontline.

City may have to break the bank to get a deal over the line, however, with Madrid set to hold out for a fee of £87m, amid rival interest from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Should the Blues be able to sign the Brazilian, they would be ‘fulfilling’ Guardiola’s dream, but formal negotiations are yet to get underway.

"Superstar" Rodrygo could be huge upgrade on Grealish

Grealish has remained a fan favourite, despite flattering to deceive over the past few seasons, and the love is very much reciprocated, with the 29-year-old praising the City faithful at an Oasis concert in Heaton Park.

However, after scoring just one Premier League goal last season, it is clearly best for all parties if the winger is moved on, and there are plenty of signs that Rodrygo could be an exciting replacement.

Luka Modric has dubbed his former teammate a “world-class superstar”, and he remained a consistent source of goals and assists for Real Madrid across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

30

6

6

Champions League

12

5

2

Copa del Rey

5

0

2

Supercopa

2

2

0

It will be a shame to see Grealish leave City, given his connection with the club, but Rodrygo is much younger than the winger at 24-years-old, and he could be the perfect long-term replacement.

Newcastle United are thought to be willing to sell a popular player this summer, despite the fact that he only recently signed a contract extension.

Strikers are dominating the headlines at St James’ Park currently, both in terms of Alexander Isak’s future and potential replacements for the Swede, should he ultimately move on to pastures new.

For now, Isak is still a Newcastle player, but Liverpool continue to lurk, with a second offer far from out of the question after seeing a £110m bid turned down last Friday. The Premier League champions will likely have to wait until a replacement is sorted, though.

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko appears to be the leading choice for the Magpies currently, as they battle Manchester United for his signature, but they could do with two new strikers after the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of last season.

Brentford ace Yoane Wissa has emerged as another strong choice to join Newcastle this summer, with Eddie Howe’s men confident of getting a deal over the line. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a switch to St James’, as has Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos, who could look for a move away from the reigning Champions League holders.

Newcastle willing to sell "great" player

According to a fresh update from NUFC Blog, Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravkla looks increasingly likely to leave the club this summer, with his representatives working on a move away. The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan move from Southampton has added more competition for places, and a “permanent move for the former Sparta Prague star has now been sanctioned” by the Magpies.

Dubravka has been a popular figure at Newcastle ever since his memorable debut, always proving to be a strong backup option in goal, being lauded by Howe last season.

The £40,000-a-week Dubravka only actually signed a new deal at Newcastle earlier this year, so some may find his exit odd, but receiving a fee for him makes sense at this point in his career.

Minutes are going to be few and far between for the 36-year-old in 2025/26, so he will surely prefer the idea of testing himself at a new club, enjoying the autumn of his career by being a regular starter.

The fast bowler was making a careful return to play early in the season after a winter overcoming a back injury

Andrew McGlashan12-Oct-2024

Quick bowler Lance Morris has suffered an injury setback having picked up a quad strain in training although it is hoped the layoff will be brief with the aim to return before the end of the month.Morris, who faced South Australia in Sydney in late September as part of a carefully managed return to action after another winter recovering from back problems, will miss Western Australia’s one-day game against Queensland on Sunday but is targeting the October 25 clash with Tasmania at the WACA as a return.Related

Cricket Australia looks to unify approach to managing quicks

Morris hopeful of early Shield return despite 'frustrating' injury issues

McAndrew five-for inspires SA to stunning victory against WA

A fully fit Morris, who made his international debut against West Indies last season, would be in contention for the Australia A four-day or Australia ODI squads which are due to be named early next week. He was a regular around the Test squad last season.Speaking last month, Morris had hoped to play Sheffield Shield cricket in the early part of the season but now won’t be in contention to face Tasmania from October 20. After that, WA’s next Shield match starts against Tasmania on November 1 which overlaps with the first Australia A game against India A and the start of the ODI series against Pakistan.”Frustrating to have to stop for a couple of months. I’m at that stage in my career with a Cricket Australia contract…. it’s a transition into a 12-month cricketer,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “But the silver lining is I’ve stayed fit and I feel stronger than ever. Whereas if I ignored it and cracked on with things, there’s every likelihood that I would spend 12 months on the sidelines.”Meanwhile, Mahli Beardman is in line for his first game of the season following the shock call-up to Australia’s squad in England last month. Beardman, who has only played one professional game for WA, was never officially added to the touring party having been brought in as cover amid a list of injuries to the fast bowlers.Western Australia squad Ashton Turner (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly, Hilton Cartwright, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Jhye Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Andrew Tye, Sam WhitemanQueensland squad Marnus Labuschagne (capt), Hugo Burdon, Jack Clayton, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Ben McDermott, Michael Neser, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Tom Straker, Mitch Swepson, Tom Whitney, Jack Wildermuth

Addition of Warwickshire allrounder the only change from squad that went to Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Oct-2024Jacob Bethell, the Warwickshire batting allrounder, has been drafted into England’s Test squad for next month’s tour of New Zealand, as a replacement for Jamie Smith, who will miss the entire trip on paternity leave.Bethell, who turned 21 earlier this week, made a solid impression during his white-ball debuts against Australia in September, including a matchwinning 44 from 24 balls in the second T20I in Cardiff. However, he has played just 20 County Championship games in his career, and has yet to make a first-class century.Bethell’s inclusion is the only change to the 16-man squad that slipped to a 2-1 series defeat in Pakistan last week. Jordan Cox, who was an unused batting reserve before being drafted into the white-ball squad in the Caribbean, is set to make his Test debut standing in for Smith as wicketkeeper.Bethell’s inclusion is the latest example of England’s move away from traditional selection criteria such as batting and bowling averages and proven experience, and towards players whom they consider have a high “ceiling”. Recent such picks include Leicestershire’s 20-year-old seamer Josh Hull, who debuted against Sri Lanka in the summer, and the spin pairing of Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, both of whom have been retained for the New Zealand tour.Speaking at the PCA Awards in London last month, where he was pipped to the Young Player of the Year trophy by Smith, Bethell had laid out his ambitions to be an all-formats player for England, insisting that a Test call-up remained his ultimate ambition.”It’s nice to tick off two of them [ODIs and T20I] but definitely the best one’s yet to come, hopefully. Test cricket has always been my dream, and I know it’s taken a different shape in the last three years but, definitely, that’s still my dream, to play Test cricket for England.”England Test squad to tour New Zealand•ESPNcricinfo LtdIn terms of his potential role in the Test side, Bethell acknowledged his lack of first-class experience means he’s “still finding that out”, but hopes that his second string as a left-arm spinner had enhance his credentials across conditions.”I definitely made my role clearer this year in the white-ball stuff, but I think at the minute I’m still very adaptable in red-ball,” he said, having made a career-best 93 against Nottinghamshire in April, while batting at No. 6.”I haven’t really found a place where I’ve gone, ‘right, this feels like home in terms of a place in the batting order’, but I think that could be anywhere from opening the batting to batting No. 7. Especially with bowling offspin, I’m hoping that I can get into a team being a genuine allrounder. so wherever that may be in the batting order it doesn’t really matter, it’s just actually getting into that team.”The series will begin at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Thursday, November 28, with the next two Tests beginning at Wellington on December 6 and Hamilton on December 14.England Test squad to tour New Zealand: Ben Stokes (capt), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

Liam Delap will not need to undergo surgery on his hamstring injury, which clears the Chelsea striker to return to action in November. The English forward limped off in the first half of the Blues' 2-0 win over Fulham on August 30. He will miss the start of Chelsea's Champions League campaign but is expected back sooner than originally expected.

• Delap's return date revealed
• Won't require surgery after hamstring injury
• Will resume training in November

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Delap's injury lay-off is estimated to be around 10 weeks, which means the forward can resume training by November and potentially make his competitive return before Chelsea open their busy festive schedule. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following Delap's injury, Chelsea had initially planned to cancel Nicolas Jackson's loan move to Bayern Munich. However, they eventually agreed to sanction Jackson's move, and brought back Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland instead. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Delap continues his recovery, the Blues have some difficult matches ahead over the next two months. Enzo Maresca's side open their Champions League campaign away to Bayern Munich on September 17 and face a trip to Manchester United in the Premier League three days later, before hosting Liverpool on October 4.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  In Delap's absence, Joao Pedro will continue to step up and take responsibility for the team's primary goalscorer. The Brazilian forward has scored two league goals in three appearances since his summer move from Brighton. Maresca's side next face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday. 

عزز برشلونة تقدمه على حساب مضيفه ريال أوفييدو بالهدف الثالث، خلال اللقاء الذي يجري حالياً بين الفريقين ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

ويحل برشلونة ضيفاً على ريال أوفييدو في ملعب ” كارلوس تارتيري” ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم.

وأفتتح رينا التسجيل لريال أوفييدو في الدقيقة 32 بعد استغلال خروج خاطئ وتمريرة خاطئة من خوان جارسيا حارس برشلونة.

وفي الدقيقة 55 تعادل إريك جارسيا لبرشلونة بعد عرضية من أراوخو تابعها فيران توريس بتسديدة لتسقط الكرة من يد حارس أوفييدو ويتابعها إريك جارسيا.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | ليفاندوفسكي يسجل هدف برشلونة الثاني أمام ريال أوفييدو

وفي الدقيقة 69 نجح البديل روبرت ليفاندوفسكي أن يتقدم لبرشلونة بالهدف الثاني برأسية رائعة بعد متابعة عرضية الهولندي فرينكي دي يونج.

وفي الدقيقة 88 ضمن رونالد أراوخو فوز برشلونة والحصول على الثلاث نقاط بالهدف الثالث برأسية رائعة من ضربة ركنية.

ويحتل برشلونة المركز الثاني في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 13 نقطة بينما يأتي ريال أوفييدو في المركز ال18 بثلاث نقاط فقط.

South Africa power-hitter Heinrich Klaasen is set to be the top retention for Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2025. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Klaasen will get INR 23 crore (US$2.74 million approx.) as the first retained player. The franchise has also finalised two other retention deals: Australian allrounder Pat Cummins, who was Sunrisers captain in 2024, at INR 18 crore (US$2.14 million approx.), and India allrounder Abhishek Sharma at INR 14 crore (US$1.67 million approx).It is understood that Sunrisers are also likely to firm up the retentions of Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy soon. The IPL set October 31 as the deadline for retentions ahead of the mega auction that will be held later this year.Cummins, who had captained Sunrisers to the final last season, will continue as captain in 2025.Related

• SRH to retain Travis Head and Nitish Reddy as well ahead of IPL mega auction

• CSK waiting on go-ahead from Dhoni before retention deadline

• October 31 set as deadline for IPL teams to finalise retentions

• IPL mega auction: Six retentions, RTM back, Impact Player to stay

• Two-year ban for overseas players pulling out after IPL auction

Recently the IPL decided that a franchise can retain up to six players – including a maximum of five capped players (Indian or overseas) and two uncapped Indians – from their 2024 squads. Franchises can hold on to their players via any combination of retention deals and right-to-match (RTM) cards at the auction.The purse for the 2025 auction is INR 120 crore. The IPL also set various retention slabs – INR 18 crore, INR 14 crore, and INR 11 crore for the first three capped retentions, and INR 18 crore and INR 14 crore for the next two, with uncapped Indians fetching a maximum of INR 4 crore – but franchises are allowed to divide the capped retention pot of INR 75 crore among five capped players as they wish.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Successful units have always looked to retain their core, and hence it is no surprise that Sunrisers have decided to go down this route. Cummins, who was the second-most expensive buy at the 2024 mini-auction (INR 20.50 crore or US$2.47 million approx.), made use of his leadership experience in international cricket and combined well with Sunrisers coach Daniel Vettori to help steer Sunrisers to the playoffs after three disappointing seasons. In monetary terms, Cummins gets a 12.2% reduction on his 2024 price.The freedom the Cummins-Vettori leadership group allowed youngsters like Abhishek and Reddy helped them to flourish in the company of Head and Klaasen. Head and Abhishek formed arguably the most dangerous opening pair ever seen at the IPL, with both consistently hitting 200-plus strike rates. Head finished the season fourth on the overall run-getters list, with 567 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 191.55.Klaasen provided equally robust finishing touches, with his six count behind only that of Abhishek’s. While Abhishek made 484 runs at a strike rate of 204.21, Klaasen scored 479 runs at a strike rate of 171.07.Klaasen’s burgeoning reputation as one of the best T20 batters going around is reflected in a 338% increase from the INR 5.25 crore Sunrisers paid for him at the mini-auction ahead of IPL 2023. He has aggregated 927 runs in 26 innings at a strike rate of 174 in his two seasons at Sunrisers so far.Abhishek’s successful year in T20 cricket sees him rewarded with a value hike of 115%. He earned an India T20I call-up on the back of his IPL 2024 exploits, and will earn more than twice of what Sunrisers paid for him at the mega auction ahead of the 2022 season (INR 6.5 crore).Abhishek has a T20 strike rate of 194.84 to date in 2024, which is the highest for any batter who has faced more than 200 balls in the format this year. At IPL 2024, too, he had the highest scoring rate among the tournament’s top-ten run-getters.Twenty-one-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Reddy – who debuted for India in the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, smashing 74 off 34 in his second game – had proven a reliable support act for Sunrisers in 2024, with 303 runs at a strike rate of 142.92 and three wickets.If Sunrisers firm up all five of these retentions, and do not add a sixth to their list before deadline day, they will have one RTM card at the auction, which can only be used for an uncapped Indian.