England and Lancashire County Cricket (LCC) legend Sir James, a.k.a. ‘Jimmy’ Anderson, has officially signed for Manchester Originals ahead of this year’s The Hundred campaign.
What a statement from the Greater Manchester side.
Now 42, the knight of The Oval and the realm is in the twilight of his career, but you’ll struggle to find many others of his ability and sheer amount of experience anywhere else in the competition.
Selected by Manchester Originals as their wildcard pick for the 2025 tournament, Anderson is set to become the second-oldest pro to ever play in the history of The Hundred.
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The fast-paced cricket format only began back in 2021, but has quickly gone on to become a fan favourite, with sell-out games over at the Emirates Old Trafford and, indeed, up and down the country.
Roping in veterans like the much-loved Northern lad will only help bring more eyes to the games.
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With more than 400 career appearances and nearly 1,000 wickets at international level alone over the course of more than two and a half decades in the sport, they don’t get much more iconic than Jimmy Anderson – it’s a big coup for Manchester Originals.
As mentioned, while the Lancashire-born bowler’s time in international whites may have come to an end, as well as serving as a key Roses mentor, he’s still an LCC star. Representing Lancashire Lightning in the year’s T20 Blast, ‘The Burnley Express’ has already claimed 14 wickets in his first eight matches.
Discussing his impending debut, the ‘King of the Swing’ said: “I’m really looking forward to The Hundred, and I’m really happy to be part of the Manchester Originals squad. I’ve loved my time with Lancashire this season, so I’m excited to have the opportunity to add value in The Hundred.”
“It’s a competition I’ve really enjoyed watching. When you’re at the games, you can really see that it does attract a slightly different crowd, a lot of younger people and families, and you can’t underestimate how important that is for our game. I can’t wait to get out there.”
The first lot of Hundred fixtures get underway on Tuesday, 5 August, with the first home match at Old Trafford Cricket Ground welcoming the toss the following day (Wed, 6 Aug).
You see the rest of The Hundred 2025 wildcard draft picks in full HERE.
Featured Images — Press shot (supplied via The Hundred)/ Dan Heap (via Flickr)
Sport
Manchester City reach ‘agreement in principle’ to sign winger Antoine Semenyo
Danny Jones
Yes, if the latest reports are to be believed, Man City are further bolstering their offensive options with a deal for another wide forward in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo, now virtually done.
Having emerged as one of the Premier League’s hottest properties over the past couple of years, Antoine Semenyo has gone from not only being an extremely prolific winger, but beyond a flavour of the month, with multiple teams expressing their interest in recent months.
That being said, despite being linked with local rivals Manchester United, current champions Liverpool and an already heavily staffed Chelsea side, it looks as though City have now won the race to sign Semenyo – one they seem to have been leading since the start.
According to sports journalists Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, the Blues have now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ for the Ghanaian international, meaning it is merely just a case of crossing Ts and dotting Is.
🚨 BREAKING: Antoine Semenyo's move to Manchester City from Bournemouth is now agreed in principle. Clubs in process of drafting paperwork.
Clarity on Semenyo's move date expected in the next 24 hours.
As per the update on New Year’s Day (and the opening 24 hours of the 2026 January transfer window), the talkSPORT correspondents claim that while final personal terms are still to be fully confirmed, the deal is effectively done.
Semenyo’s release clause was set at £65 million, which is approximately the same figure they sold former striker Dominic Solanke to Spurs for, but inevitable add-ons and bonuses are likely to set a club record fee in terms of player sales.
Writing on social media, Crook said: “Semenyo move from #AFCB to #MCFC pretty much done now. Deal agreed in principle, and contracts being drafted by the two clubs.”
Moreover, Semenyo joining City could also set a few other dominoes in motion once officially over the line and fully announced…
However, it is also thought that manager Andoni Iraola’s insistence that the draw against Chelsea was “definitely not” his last game suggests that City fans will still have to wait some more before they see him in the sky blue strip.
The Cherries’ boss has been clear that he wants his attacking talisman to feature in their upcoming game against Arsenal this weekend.
As a result, this will most likely see completion of the albeit all but done transfer delayed even further, hence why Pep Guardiola and co. will have to wait to try him in the starting XI.
It’s also worth noting that although the 25-year-old made it clear he doesn’t just want somewhere he can win trophies, but has already named the Etihad Stadium as his desired destination, many have suggested that he could end up losing momentum amid the wealth of attackers being rotated.
Happy with the business, Blues? And as for you neutrals, do you think it’s the right next step for him?
Manchester United recall three youth academy players from loan moves
Danny Jones
Manchester United have recalled three academy graduates from their respective loan spells.
With the January transfer window now officially open and Man United facing a mini injury crisis, it’s possible that at least one of them could remain with the squad.
Based on the positions that the first team is currently suffering from absentees, it’s possible that a pair could be restored to the wider squad.
First and foremost of those is Toby Collyer, who made his debut last year and has already made a baker’s dozen appearances for the Red Devils.
As you can see, Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion confirmed that Collyer would be returning to his parent club on New Year’s Day 2026.
The 21-year-old Worthing-born and 251st United academy graduate could be a useful rotation option for Ruben Amorim for the rest of the season.
With creative cogs Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo currently out injured, not to mention Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, fellow youngster Jack Fletcher, and even once again fit defender Lisandro Martinez sharing roles in the middle of the park, the midfielder could come in handy.
Fletcher’s twin brother, Tyler (both sons of former player Darren Fletcher), could also be set to play his first game for his boyhood club very soon.
As for the other two youth players having their loans cut short, BBC Sport has reported that defender Sonny Aljofree and goalkeeper Elyh Harrison are being recalled to the Carrington Training Complex.
United have officially recalled Toby Collyer from his loan spell at West Brom. Will be a few similar moves this month with Elyh Harrison and Sonny Aljofree also coming back to the club. United exploring various loan exits in January #mufc
In addition to Collyer having his progress hampered by injury problems, Aljofree and Harrison simply haven’t enjoyed enough regular playing time.
Despite making promising starts, both Aljofree and Harrison haven’t been part of the starting XI for Notts County and Shrewsbury Town, respectively, since September.
Who do you think could stay for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign and who do you think is likely to leave before the end of the month.
Beyond that, do you think Man United should bring anyone else in this winter?
Danny Jones -
15th July 2025 
