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DeutschOpener Bean extends Yorkshire stay until 2028
Yorkshire opener Finlay Bean has signed a two-year extension to stay at Headingley until 2028.
The 23-year-old made his first team debut in 2022 after breaking the second XI record with a score of 441.
Bean has since scored six centuries across his 43 first-class matches, including 224 against Nottinghamshire in June.
In August, the left-hander broke the club record for scoring the fastest ever List A century in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Scarborough.
"I'm naturally delighted to be signing this new deal," Bean told the club website.
"My journey into professional cricket hasn't always been straightforward, but the belief shown in me by Yorkshire and the coaches has played a huge role in helping me reach this point.
"The next couple of years are exciting – not just for me personally but for the team as a whole. We're clear on what we want to achieve together and I'm really looking forward to seeing how far this group can go."
Sweden legend hails Celtic’s ‘fantastic player’, saying the best is yet to come
Former Sweden international midfielder Anders Limpar, has been admiring the impact that his fellow countryman Benjamin Nygren is making in his first season at Celtic…
Benjamin Nygren scores the winner. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Last night Nygren scored his 15th goal in the Scottish Premiership to give Celtic the three points in a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Aberdeen. That result means that Celtic move above the Rangers into second place in the table as the Champions close the gap on current leaders Hearts.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
And Limpar has revealed that in his opinion Celtic haven’t see the best of the Swedish goalscorer just yet. Speaking via bettingsidor.se, the former Arsenal and Everton midfielder is clearly a big Benjamin Nygren fan and believes that his performances and goal-scoring exploits for Celtic can help force him into the Sweden starting XI on a regular basis.
Like many Celtic supporters, Limpar is somewhat unsure of Nygren’s best position, noting that for Sweden his is playing up-front while at Celtic he’s been used as an attacking midfielder.
Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Obviously, Nygren moved from FC Nordsjaelland to Celtic and he has done so well scoring a lot of goals,” Limpar said. “I have seen him play many times for Sweden as well and he is fantastic.
“He is not as good as Isak or Gyokeres to play up front, and he is not as good as Forsberg, Elanga or Kulusewski to be in the starting eleven, but he is a hell of a player. When he plays, he is always creating so many chances and when he plays for Sweden he plays up front.
Benjamin Nygren at Ibrox. theRangers 2 Celtic 2. Sunday 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Playing for Celtic he is playing a different position, but he is so usable in many positions,”the former Sweden international noted. “He is good at set pieces and I don’t even think we have seen the best from him yet. He is a hell of a prospect but it is a shame for him he is playing in a golden generation for the Swedish national team, because he is not among the best eleven, but on the other hand with his performances for Celtic it will be tough to keep him out.”
“He can play so many different positions and is very usable.”
22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Benjamin Nygren’s goal celebration Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO
Benjamin Nygren can also divide opinions among the Celtic support but for all his faults his goals are the single biggest factor in Celtic still being involved in the title race. All he needs now is a goal, preferably a winning goal, against the Rangers and this Sunday would be the perfect time for that.
Here’s how Benjamin Nyrgen came off the bench last night at Pittodrie to score the winner for Celtic against Aberdeen, and don’t miss Sandman’s unique take on watching Celtic with his Definitive Ratings, with the link below.
READ THIS…Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic – Time for Sandman’s Definitive Ratings
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
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Sweden legend hails Celtic’s ‘fantastic player’, saying the best is yet to come
Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic – Time for Some Definitive Ratings
Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic – Forget the performance, those are three precious points
Report: Liverpool ready to pay €45m to sign French midfielder
Liverpool Eye Khéphren Thuram as Midfield Reinforcement Ahead of Summer Window
Liverpool’s recruitment team are already shaping plans for the upcoming summer transfer window, and one name gathering increasing attention is Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram. According to reporting by CaughtOffside, the Reds are among several Premier League clubs monitoring the French international as they consider midfield reinforcements ahead of next season.
The report states that “Juventus midfielder Khéphren Thuram is expected to be one of the most closely watched players in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation in Turin.” That level of interest reflects how far the 24 year old has developed since arriving in Italy.
Liverpool’s admiration appears particularly significant, with the club exploring the possibility of submitting a structured proposal to tempt Juventus into negotiations.
Liverpool Interest in Thuram Intensifies
Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been an ongoing process over the last two seasons, and Thuram’s profile fits many of the qualities the club value. As noted in the original report, “Liverpool are believed to be particularly interested in adding more physical presence and ball-winning ability to their midfield.”
Photo: IMAGO
The France international offers precisely that blend. Thuram has become known for his athleticism, powerful ball carrying and ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking phases. His physical profile would add another dimension to Liverpool’s current options.
Sources cited by CaughtOffside suggest Liverpool could explore “a package worth around €45 million plus bonuses” in an attempt to bring the midfielder to Anfield. Whether that figure would satisfy Juventus remains uncertain, especially considering the Italian club reportedly value him between €65 million and €75 million.
Still, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy has often focused on players entering their peak years. Thuram fits that model perfectly.
Growing Reputation in Turin
Since joining Juventus, Thuram has steadily grown into a central figure within their midfield structure. The report explains that he has “grown significantly since arriving in Italy, developing into one of Europe’s most coveted box-to-box midfielders thanks to his physical dominance and ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.”
His versatility also strengthens his appeal. Thuram can operate deeper to protect the defence, function as a traditional box to box midfielder, or surge forward during attacking transitions.
That adaptability has helped him feature heavily this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions.
One scout quoted within recruitment circles recently described him as “a modern midfield engine, someone capable of carrying the ball through pressure and still recovering defensively.”
Premier League Competition Emerging
Liverpool are not alone in their admiration. The CaughtOffside report confirms that “Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are among the Premier League sides assessing Thuram as a potential target.”
Manchester United’s interest is linked to long term midfield planning, particularly as they consider life after Casemiro. Arsenal’s approach appears more cautious, though their recruitment team reportedly appreciate Thuram’s ability to operate in high tempo systems.
Despite the growing interest, Juventus remain in a strong position. Thuram is contracted until 2029, meaning the Serie A club control negotiations and can demand a premium fee.
That reality means any Premier League suitor, Liverpool included, would need to present a compelling financial package to test Juventus’ resolve.
Transfer Battle Could Define Summer Window
With several English clubs circling, Thuram could become one of the defining midfield stories of the summer. His blend of physicality, tactical maturity and technical ability fits the demands of the modern Premier League.
For Liverpool, the pursuit appears aligned with a clear objective. Strengthening midfield depth with players capable of dominating transitions remains a priority.
If the reported interest develops into formal negotiations, Anfield could soon emerge as a serious destination for one of Europe’s most sought after midfielders.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the link with Khéphren Thuram is genuinely exciting. This squad still feels like it is searching for the perfect balance in midfield, particularly after the huge investment made last summer. Arne Slot delivered a remarkable Premier League title in his first season, yet the current campaign has shown there is still work to do.
Liverpool sit sixth with nine matches remaining, and one recurring issue has been control in the middle of the pitch. Thuram could help solve that.
His physical presence alone would add something different. Liverpool have technical midfielders and energetic runners, but a powerful ball carrier who can break lines through strength and stride length would give Slot another tactical weapon. Watching Thuram drive forward from deep positions in Serie A, you can easily imagine him doing the same at Anfield with runners ahead of him.
Another appealing aspect is his age profile. At 24, he is entering his prime years. Liverpool’s recruitment strategy often targets players at this stage so they can develop further within the system.
Competition from Manchester United and Arsenal makes the situation complicated, but Liverpool should absolutely be pushing hard for this signing. If the reported €45 million plus bonuses offer is real, it feels like a sensible starting point.
Supporters will hope the club follow through. Thuram looks like a player capable of transforming the midfield dynamic, and Anfield would welcome that energy immediately.