Category Uncategorized

Liverpool have confirmed that rising star Rio Ngumoha has signed his first professional contract with the club. The forward swapped Chelsea for the Reds a year ago and has enjoyed a rapid rise at the Premier League champions. The 17-year-old grabbed the headlines with his 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United earlier this season and now he has put pen to paper on a new deal.

Ngumoha pens new bumper Liverpool deal

Liverpool didn't disclose any details, but the left winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, is said to have committed his future at Anfield until the summer of 2028.

According to the , the teenager will now be on an annual salary of £52,000 ($69,000), which is the maximum for a first-year professional at Liverpool. He can, however, earn more through bonuses, but this still far eclipses the standard scholar's annual wages of £14,400 ($19,000) that he was previously on.

The Reds had to wait until he turned 17 last month before they were allowed to give Ngumoha this new professional contract. Incidentally, the Football Association's rules dictate that the maximum contract they can give a player of his age is three years.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool uncover latest gem

Ngumoha joined Chelsea's academy at the age of eight and spent the best part of a decade there before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2024. Last season, he featured for the Merseyside outfit's Under-18s, Under-19s, and Under-21s, before being handed his senior debut by manager Arne Slot against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup in January.

Shortly before he turned 17, Ngumoha netted a last-gasp winner for Liverpool in a 3-2 victory over Newcastle in the Premier League last month, prompting a deluge of positive coverage. He then made his Champions League debut in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid last week, before registering his first start of the season in the 2-1 Carabao Cup triumph over Southampton on Tuesday. The way things are going, Ngumoha – the youngest ever Liverpool goalscorer and he youngest from the club to play in the Champions League – could get plenty of game time this term.

Slot and Van Dijk praise Ngumoha

After Ngumoha's winner at Newcastle, his manager Slot and team-mate Virgil van Dijk both lauded the teenager's contribution.

The Dutch boss said, "Rio can finish so well for his age. I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident. For his age, he is a really good finisher."

Captain Van Dijk admitted, "I'm very pleased for Rio, I've said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can't take them for granted if you're in his position."

And Ngumoha himself added, "I think Dom [Szoboszlai] just knew I was there. He said to me in the changing room, 'I hoped you were there,' and then luckily he just looked, and then I was there. As the ball came, I just thought I could back myself to score and then…I don't even know, it's crazy."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportNgumoha targets more Liverpool game time

For all the praise that has come his way, and this new contract is a reward for his bright start to the season, Ngumoha still has a long way to go at Liverpool. He has had two cameos off the bench in the Premier League this term, and the youngster had a quarter of an hour against Atletico Madrid; but he did get 75 minutes at home to Championship side Southampton in midweek.

The England Under-19 international will hope to get some minutes away at unbeaten Crystal Palace in the league on Saturday, a side that beat them in the Community Shield final at Wembley in August. Before the Reds head off for the international break, Slot's team travel to Galatasaray in their next Champions League fixture on Tuesday, then head to Stamford Bridge in the league on October 4 to lock horns with Chelsea.

This is a great opportunity for Liverpool, who have won all five of their league matches so far this campaign, to stretch their lead at the top of the table, with Slot's players already five points clear of the chasing pack.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has adapted his system to compete in the Premier League after the club’s promotion from the Championship last season.

The German head coach predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 shape with Brenden Aaronson in the number ten position ahead of a double pivot, often including Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka.

It was always going to be a tough ask to be competitive away at Arsenal last weekend, but the change in shape to a 4-3-3 with a number six behind two eights worked perfectly against Everton.

Ampadu sat at the base of the midfield to protect the back four and Tanaka and Anton Stach used their technical ability and athleticism to cover the ground and connect play.

However, this change in shape, that has been seen in the first two Premier League games, does not mean that Farke will completely abandon the 4-2-3-1 that has served him well over the years, for Leeds and Norwich.

In fact, the manager admitted earlier this month that he would like to add a number ten option to the squad, and one player who has been linked with the club is Bilal El Khannouss.

What Bilal El Khannouss could bring to Leeds

It had been reported a couple of weeks ago that Leeds were leading the race to sign the Morocco international from Leicester City, but the latest reports suggest that Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are battling it out for his signature.

This could be viewed as a blow for the West Yorkshire outfit because El Khannouss is an impressive young talent who showed some promising signs in the Premier League last season, despite Leicester’s relegation to the Championship.

The Moroccan playmaker only scored two goals in 32 matches in the top-flight, per Sofascore, which was far from an impressive return in front of goal, but it was his creative skills that caught the eye.

El Khannouss, as you can see in the table below, ranked highly among his positional peers in the Premier League in a host of key creative metrics last season.

El Khannouss – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (per 90)

Record

Rank vs AMs & wingers

xAG

0.19

Top 46%

Assists

0.12

Bottom 35%

Passes attempted

43.85

Top 15%

Progressive passes

5.28

Top 14%

Passes into final third

3.67

Top 10%

Key passes

1.73

Top 37%

Through balls

0.45

Top 16%

Stats via FBref

This shows that he could bring a touch of creativity to the Leeds team at the top end of the pitch with his ability to create opportunities for his teammates with through balls, progressive passes, key passes, and passes into the final third.

Whilst the Foxes talent could be a decent addition to the squad, the Championship champions are reportedly keen on one of his former teammates, who could be an even better signing for Farke.

Leeds prepared to make move for Brighton midfielder

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leeds United are prepared to make a move to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton & Hove Albion if an opportunity presents itself.

The reporter claims that the Whites are yet to make an offer for the Argentine attacking midfielder, but are keeping tabs on his situation in case he becomes available on loan.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

He reveals that Buonanotte is one of a number of transfer targets for the West Yorkshire outfit, who have been expecting him to sign for a team with European football on offer, but that has not happened yet.

Meanwhile, journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reports that Leeds and West Ham United are the two teams leading the race to land the talented ace before the deadline slams shut.

Buonanotte, who has been valued at £30m by Brighton, may not have the option to sign for a team with European football and that could open the door for the Whites, or the Hammers, to swoop in before next Monday’s deadline.

Why Leeds should sign Facundo Buonanotte

Leeds should now be pushing to sign Buonanotte instead of El Khannouss to fill the number ten role within the squad, because he could be an even better addition to the group.

The 20-year-old whiz spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leicester and played alongside El Khannouss in the attacking midfield positions for the Foxes, and showed that he does have the ability to compete at that level.

Buonanotte, who was hailed as a “magician” by Rising Star XI on X, showcased his ability to provide a goal threat in the Premier League with a return of five goals from just 3.93 xG in the division.

Whilst playing in the same team, the Argentine talent produced even more of a threat at the top end of the pitch than El Khannouss did for the Foxes in the top-flight last term.

Buonanotte vs El Khannouss – PL (24/25)

Stat

Buonanotte

El Khannouss

Appearances

31

32

xG

3.93

1.31

Goals

5

2

Big chances created

7

8

Assists

2

3

Duels won per game

4.3

3.6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Buonanotte delivered 12 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 31 appearances, compared to the Morocco international’s ten goals and ‘big chances’ created combined.

El Khannouss also played roughly 700 more minutes in the Premier League, producing less in front of goal, which suggests that Leeds could get more out of the Brighton youngster if they offer him enough minutes on the pitch.

Buonanotte also averaged 3.84 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the top-flight last term, compared to El Khannouss’ 2.31 tackles and interceptions per 90, per FBref, which suggests that he could offer more to the team out of possession.

As a club looking to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, that added bite off the ball from the Argentine maestro could give him the edge over the Moroccan whiz as a number ten option for Leeds.

Related New Phillips: Leeds chasing big move to sign "generational" England star

Leeds United are eyeing up a move for an England international who could be their next Kalvin Phillips.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 26, 2025

Therefore, overall, Buonanotte would be a better signing for the Whites than El Khannouss because of his superior attacking statistics combined with his more impressive work rate out of possession.

كشف ماجد الفهمي، المتحدث الرسمي باسم الأهلي السعودي، عن الأسباب التي أدت إلى خسارة فريقه أمام بيراميدز في بطولة كأس إنتركونتيننتال، مشيرًا إلى أن عدة عوامل أسهمت في النتيجة التي خرجت بها المواجهة.

وتعرض الأهلي للهزيمة بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف في المباراة المُثيرة على ملعبه، ليحصد بيراميدز اللقب القاري الكبير الذي يجمع أندية أفريقيا وآسيا والمحيط الهادئ.

وأوضح الفهمي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “الميدان” السعودية، أن ضغط المباريات كان السبب الأبرز وراء تراجع الأداء، موضحًا أن الفريق بدأ الدخول في هذه الدوامة منذ مواجهة الهلال في الجولة الثالثة من الدوري السعودي، قبل أن تتوالى المباريات في البطولات المختلفة، وهو ما شكل عبئًا بدنيًا واضحًا على اللاعبين الذين يشاركون في أربع بطولات في آن واحد.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب بيراميدز: كنا نستطيع الفوز على الأهلي “العالمي” بنتيجة كبيرة.. وأشعر بالإحباط لهذا السبب

وأضاف أن الأهلي اعتاد مواجهة فترات ضغط المباريات في أشهر فبراير ومارس وأبريل، غير أن الموسم الحالي شهد بداية هذه الأزمة منذ انطلاق المنافسات، حيث لعب الفريق مباراة كل ثلاثة أو أربعة أيام، وزاد الإرهاق بعد العودة من رحلة الصين وخوض مباراة السوبر السعودي.

وأشار إلى أن اللاعبين لم يكونوا في كامل جاهزيتهم البدنية خلال لقاء بيراميدز، وهو ما انعكس بشكل سلبي على أدائهم، مقدمًا اعتذاره لجماهير الأهلي عن خسارة اللقب.

واختتم بالتأكيد على أن الطموح كان منصبًا على حصد البطولة الثالثة خلال أقل من شهر، غير أن ضغط الجدول وعدم مراعاة ارتباطات الأندية المحلية والقارية حالا دون ذلك.

Tottenham are battling Internazionale for the signing of a highly-rated player, according to reports, and the man in question has now decided which club he’d rather join this summer with personal terms agreed.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has overseen his first training sessions since replacing Ange Postecoglou as manager, with the Dane set to take charge of his first game this Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Reading.

Expectations around N17 are suddenly high after their triumph in the Europa League last season, and Frank is also braced for his debut managerial campaign in the Champions League.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The 51-year-old has never known pressure like this at his previous clubs, but chairman Daniel Levy is moving to back the tactician with an array of key signings to bolster his new squad.

Tottenham sealed a £55 million deal for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus last week, with the Ghanaian joining both Kota Takai (£5 million) and Mathys Tel (£30 million) to take their summer expenditure up to around £90 million.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White was meant to be added to this list of major incomings as well. The England international was scheduled to have a medical last Friday, but Forest have since blocked the transfer and are taking legal action against Spurs for an alleged illegal approach.

Reports suggested that Tottenham were still likely to sign Gibbs-White anyway. However, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, who originally broke the story, now shares another stunning twist – with Forest standing firm and adamant that he’s “going nowhere”.

Considering Spurs reportedly triggered his £60 million release clause, it remains to be seen if the Premier League will even allow Forest to halt Gibbs-White’s switch to N17, but this is a very bizarre situation.

Koni de Winter decides whether he's joining Tottenham or Inter Milan

In the meantime, Tottenham do have other transfer targets, and one of them is versatile Genoa defender Koni de Winter.

The former Juventus starlet has been sporadically linked with a move to Frank’s side before deadline day, and reports in Italy claim that Spurs are among the main contenders to sign de Winter.

According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, via FC Inter News, the Nerazzurri are also competing for his signature, and he’s decided which club he’d rather join.

It is believed that de Winter has expressed his preference to join Inter ahead of Tottenham, and there is already a “practically done” agreement over personal terms. A multi-year contract is “ready” for the 23-year-old to sign, but the Serie A side are yet to find an agreement with Genoa, who are asking for around £22 million.

He’s been praised as an “unreal” up-and-coming defender by U23 scout and content creator Antonio Mango, and while de Winter has his eyes on a move to Inter, you can never say never in the transfer window – given there is still time for Spurs to hijack this move.

West Ham United are now in talks over a deal for a “spectacular” midfielder, and they are leading their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Paqueta uncertainty

Lucas Paqueta has been one of West Ham’s key players over the past three seasons, picking up 18 goals and 14 assists during his time at the London Stadium, but it now appears as though the attacking midfielder could seek pastures new this summer.

Indeed, Paqueta now wants to leave the Hammers, amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, and the board are willing to cash-in, should they receive an offer in the region of £30m.

As such, Graham Potter’s side have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder to replace the 27-year-old, with targets being identified from the Belgian Pro League and within the Premier League.

Target

Current club

League goal contributions in 24/25

Harvey Elliott

Liverpool

3

Mario Stroeykens

Anderlecht

10

Not only are the Irons keen on an attacking option, but they have also made progress in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Rocco Reitz, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

The report states that talks over a deal for Reitz are now underway, with the Monchengladbach ace expected to leave in this window, given that the £17m release clause in his contract is set to become active next summer.

Everton in race with West Ham to sign midfielder who can leave for £25m

Everton are now involved in a Premier League race to sign an experienced international midfielder.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

The German side don’t want to lose the midfielder for such a low fee, and a transfer battle, which may drive up the price, could be on the cards this summer, with the likes of Brighton, Fulham and Inter Milan also keen.

A number of bids are now expected imminently, and the Hammers should be well-placed to win the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, given that they are thought to be ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Reitz could be "spectacular" signing for West Ham

England were ultimately triumphant in the U21 European Championships, defeating Germany 3-2 in the final, but the Monchengladbach gem impressed throughout the tournament, picking up two assists in five matches.

Not only that, but the German has flourished defensively over the past year, placing very highly across a number of key metrics, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

2.61 (99th percentile)

Blocks

1.92 (95th percentile)

Clearances

2.90 (96th percentile)

U23 scout Antonio Mango has also been left impressed by the maestro in the past, singling him out for praise after his Germany U21s debut.

As such, Reitz could be a fantastic signing for West Ham this summer, and it is promising news they are leading the race for his signature.

Chelsea’s signing of Liam Delap will likely be the first of many by Enzo Maresca this summer.

The Blues are getting ready to take part in the Club World Cup in the coming weeks and with the prize money for the winner standing at a reported $125m (£92m), then it is certainly within their interest to go far.

It would be an ideal time for the manager to get Delap settled into the squad, while also spending time making moves for other targets.

The Stamford Bridge side have enjoyed the talents of many a Spanish player over the previous two decades. The likes of Fernando Torres, Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata were all Champions League-winning stars for the Blues.

Might they be set to bring in another Spaniard to the club this summer?

Chelsea lodge bids for two new signings

Delap cost the club £30m due to a release clause in his contract that came into play following Ipswich Town’s relegation from the Premier League, with that marking the first move of what could prove to be a hectic summer, not least amid their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

As widely reported on Saturday evening, the Blues have lodged an offer in the region of £30m for the young Englishman, with an agreement having already been reached with the 20-year-old.

That comes amid reports in Spain – via TEAMtalk, which suggest that Chelsea have also submitted another bid worth €75m (£63m) to try and sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez.

Transfer Focus

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

With the La Liga side still enduring financial issues, they may be tempted to accept a bid of this nature, despite Lopez being one of the brightest talents.

Man United are also keen on securing a deal for the player, and it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.

Should the Blues succeed, Maresca might just be signing his very own Mata for the club.

Why Chelsea must sign Fermin Lopez

Mata arrived in London from LaLiga side Valencia aged just 23 – a year older than Lopez is – and he ended his association with the club by registering 86 goal contributions across 135 matches.

His creative ability and eye for goal made him a cult figure among the Chelsea support, and they haven’t quite replaced the quirkiness of the Spanish midfielder.

Lopez certainly has the same eye for goal. In 46 games for Barcelona last season, he scored eight times. Add in a further ten assists, and it is evident the youngster comes to life in the final third, having been hailed as the “whole package” by former boss Xavi Hernandez.

When compared to his peers in La Liga during 2024/25, Lopez ranked in the top 8% for total shots (2.95), top 6% for non-penalty goals (0.43) and in the top 4% for assists (0.36) per 90.

Fermin Lopez’s Champions League statistics last season
Goals	1
Assists	3
Big chances created	3
Key passes per game	0.5
Shots per game	1.5
Total duels won per game	2.1
Via Sofascore

Furthermore, the Spaniard also created eight big chances for Barcelona, while averaging one key pass per game in the Spanish top flight.

After helping his side win another La Liga title, Lopez was hailed for his contributions by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as “an intelligent & hardworking midfielder” who has “proven to be a superb impact player for Barça”.

High praise indeed and with Chelsea partaking in the Champions League next term, bringing players like Lopez – and Gittens – to the club will be vital.

The last time the club signed a diminutive Spanish midfielder with an eye for goal from La Liga, they went on to win Europe’s premier club competition.

This time, Lopez could be Mata 2.0.

Shades of Hazard: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "generational" star

Chelsea could be about to land themselves a star who can follow in the footsteps of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 7, 2025

It would be hard to deny that this season was a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have done well in the Champions League and finished second in the Premier League, but the club’s ambition was to win a significant honour, which they failed to do.

There were a number of players who failed to deliver, with Gabriel Martinelli being one of the attackers who really flattered to deceive.

Interestingly, the Brazilian’s inability to get back to the levels he showed in 22/23 might have cost him his place in the team, as recent reports have linked the club with an exciting youngster who could be an ideal upgrade.

Arsenal's chase for a new winger

Much of the chatter this summer has been about Arsenal’s need for a new winger.

Transfer Focus

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

Fortunately, they have several players on their radar, albeit that have yet to formally make a move for any of their targets.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been one name linked, as has another Spanish-based forward in Nico Williams. However, if they are unattainable, then they could look forwards the Bundesliga.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of a handful of teams interested in Leipzig star, Antonio Nusa, ahead of the transfer window reopening on Monday.

While the report claims that the interest from the Gunners is currently the most notable, other teams like Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, and Napoli are all keen on the dynamo, presently valued at €45m, which is about £38m.

It could be a somewhat complicated transfer to get over the line, but Nusa could be a special player, and someone Arsenal should pursue, especially as he could be an upgrade on Martinelli.

How Nusa compares to Martinelli

One of the significant strengths of Nusa is that he can play in a number of positions, be that off the right, up top or even wide midfield, but when it comes down to it, his most natural and best role is as a left-winger.

Therefore, if the “ridiculous” Norwegian entertainer, as dubbed by journalist Dean Jones, is to join Arsenal this summer, then one of his main competitors for game time would be Martinelli, so how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it would be fair to say neither was prolific, but even though he’s almost four years his junior, it’s the Leipiz star who comes out on top here.

For example, in 36 appearances for the German outfit, totalling just 2185 minutes, the Langhus-born ace scored five goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every three games, or 182.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 scored ten goals and provided six assists, but did so in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers, then? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the former Ituano, while he does do better in some metrics, like shots, shots on target, and passes into the penalty area, he comes out as a clear second-best in the vast majority of others.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.52

0.38

Progressive Passes

3.09

1.87

Progressive Carries

3.61

4.69

Shots

1.94

2.12

Goals per Shot

0.13

0.12

Shots on Target

0.75

0.94

Goals per Shot on Target

0.35

0.28

Passing Accuracy

73.2%

71.4%

Key Passes

1.57

1.56

Passes into the Final Third

1.65

0.47

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.37

1.40

Live Passes

30.8

25.4

Shot-Creating Actions

3.34

2.90

Goal-Creating Actions

0.28

0.25

Tackles

1.69

0.92

Blocks

0.88

0.73

Interceptions

0.52

0.16

Clearances

0.56

0.70

Successful Take-Ons

2.25

1.48

Ball Recoveries

4.38

3.10

For example, the former Club Brugge gem emerges victories in metrics like non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, tackles and many, many more, all per 90.

Moreover, the 20-year-old “1v1 specialist,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, also does far better when it comes to successful take-ons per 90, which could help make the North Londoners’ left-hand side so much more effective.

Ultimately, Martinelli could still be a valuable squad player for Arsenal next season, but it’s clear that, despite being considerably younger, Nusa is the better winger and, therefore, someone the club should be going all out to sign.

He's just like Saka: £68m winger is Tognozzi's dream target for Arsenal

The exciting wonderkid would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 13, 2025

The Liverpool and Manchester City duopoly in the Premier League continues. Arne Slot has taken the title from Pep Guardiola, ending four years of dominance and doing so in his first season at the helm.

As all of a Liverpool persuasion will be aware, it’s gearing up to be a significant summer for the Anfield side, with sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief executive of football operations, planning for a wave of first-team investment.

Last year, City enjoyed their record-breaking fourth Premier League title in succession, and most thought that they would retain their throne once more. Or, otherwise, fall against an Arsenal side that has been on the rise for several years now.

But it wasn’t to be. Liverpool, still bruised from Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held seat in the Anfield dugout, have been head-and-shoulders above their rivals since the early knockings.

Candidly, clinching the title has almost looked a formality since January, with the Darwin Nunez-inspired victory at Brentford lifting the Reds six points clear of second-place Arsenal, and with a game in hand at that.

But there’s been something missing. Nunez isn’t good enough and will be sold this summer, while various concerns relating to defence will call for change there too. However, Liverpool will jump on a new centre-midfielder if an opportunity presents itself.

The missing piece in Liverpool's midfield

In fairness, Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t need to undergo major surgery. Klopp’s dramatic rebuild of 2023 has proved a bona fide success, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch starting the lion’s share of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures and Wataru Endo earning cult status for his combative cameos.

Curtis Jones, 24, has also enjoyed the outstanding season of his career thus far, starting 17 league games and earning praise from his manager for his “complete” take on the midfield game.

It’s remarkable that these players have stepped up and delivered England’s prized trophy after FSG failed to convince Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to leave the Basque Country and join this new project.

Liverpool opted against signing a different deep-lying midfielder and were met with frustration from supporters, derision from rivals. Gravenberch’s incredible rise from a previously middling role has been the core of Liverpool’s successful season.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

34 (34)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

4

Touches*

28.8

67.3

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.7

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.6

Duels (won)*

2.8 (47%)

5.0 (58%)

Indeed, the owners’ decision has been vindicated now that Slot has sealed the club’s record-equalling 20th top-flight trophy.

There have been times when the engine room has looked a little tired of late, namely during costly defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

If the right player comes along, Liverpool will pounce, with one of the Premier League’s finest very much on Hughes’ radar.

Liverpool learn conditions for PL star

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have learned that it will take a mammoth fee of £80m to convince Crystal Palace to part with Adam Wharton this summer.

Liverpool are keen admirers of the deep-lying playmaker, who has been a revelation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last year for a £18m fee.

The 21-year-old is also on Man United’s radar, but given that he fits the profile to jockey with Gravenberch for that number six spot, it might be the perfect move for Slot’s fluid system.

Why Adam Wharton is perfect for Slot

Liverpool’s current midfielders have cemented their legacies and then some, joining the illustrious names of old: Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso.

Wharton has the talent to add his name too, hailed as an “unbelievable talent” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan after his incredible start to life in Oliver Glasner’s Palace team last season.

This term, despite injuries, he has played a big part for his London-based side, actually earning praise from respected journalist Henry Winter for being a “passing machine” as Aston Villa were comprehensively defeated in the FA Cup semi-final, also hailing him as “the best player on the pitch.” Big-game quality, confirmed.

As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for both progressive passes and ball recoveries, the top 12% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for assists per 90, perfectly illustrating his passing prowess and an athleticism that Slot seems to desire so greatly.

Wharton still has much to learn, but with such exciting ball-playing skills, he could take the shape of a former Liverpool star like Alonso, slotting into a similar role for the Reds’ flourishing coach.

Alonso might be one of the most esteemed managers at present, leading Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible domestic double last year and now the firm favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but he was once a superstar of a midfielder.

A Spanish maestro, Alonso starred across, winning the Champions League and FA Cup across five campaigns before walking that well-trodden path from Anfield to the Spanish capital, sold to Madrid in a £30m package back in 2009.

Gerrard once claimed that Alonso was his “favourite partner for club and country,” with the 43-year-old’s silky and cerebral approach to the midfield game something that opened up new lanes from which the robust Three Lions star could travel.

Wharton boasts a similarly high footballing IQ and could take the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch to the next level.

Transfer Focus

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

Adding Wharton to the fold would certainly serve to elevate Slot’s existing midfield options, with the young playmaker operating in a deep-set role to influence and advance fluency in a similar vein to a former Liverpool hero named Alonso.

Liverpool could sign their best forward since Salah in £87m "superstar"

This talented player is open to leaving his club this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025

Manchester United were left frustrated once again in the Premier League on Sunday when they had to fight to scrape a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

It took a 96th-minute goal from Rasmus Hojlund, who deflected an effort from Manuel Ugarte into the bottom corner, to secure a point against the Cherries, after Antoine Semenyo rifled the home team in front in the first half.

Ruben Amorim’s side created more than enough chances to win the match, though, as they racked up 2.52 xG and failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Bruno Fernandes, in particular, must have been particularly frustrated by the team’s wasteful finishing. The Portugal international created seven chances, including one ‘big chance’, and came off the pitch without an assist to show for his efforts.

Manchester United’s captain has been a shining light in a dim season for the Red Devils, once again, with the quality that he has provided in the middle of the park on a regular basis.

It is now down to the club and Amorim to ensure that they bring in the right players to complement his play in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Why Manchester United have let Bruno Fernandes down

The owners, the previous owners, the manager, and the previous manager, or managers, have all failed to build a squad that is equipped to make the most of Fernandes’ talent in the final third.

Manchester United’s captain has now created 14 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season and has only been rewarded with nine assists for his creative brilliance, which shows that his teammates have not done enough with the opportunities that he has created.

That is the story of Fernandes’ career at Old Trafford, particularly recently, as he has been an exceptional creative talent for the club throughout his time in the English top-flight.

The 30-year-old superstar, who has also scored 17 goals in all competitions this season, needs teammates who can make the most of the ‘big chances’ that he consistently creates.

Premier League

Big chances created

xA

Assists

24/25

14

9.24

9

23/24

21

13.16

8

22/23

32

17.27

8

21/22

15

8.81

6

20/21

20

11.47

12

19/20

4

2.75

7

Total

106

62.7

50

Stats via Sofascore & xA via UnderStat

As you can see in the table above, Fernandes’ teammates have only scored 50 goals from 62.7 xA created by the former Sporting star, which shows that they have significantly underperformed in front of goal.

These statistics show that Manchester United have not been able to recruit the quality of centre-forward that the attacking midfielder needs to finish the chances that he creates on a weekly basis for the Reds.

Manchester United are now, reportedly, eyeing up a deal to sign a player who would love to play alongside Fernandes, and who has the quality to thrive alongside him.

Manchester United close in on Premier League star

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Brazilian forward is ‘very close’ to joining the Red Devils from the Premier League side, as Amorim looks to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch.

Revelo adds that the Brazil international has a release clause, worth £53m, in his current contract with the Old Gold, and that United are ready to pay it to bring him to Manchester in the ‘coming weeks’.

It claims that there is already a verbal agreement in place between Cunha and Manchester United to join the club, which suggests that personal terms have already been agreed between the two parties.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

INEOS must, now, pay the release clause to wrap a deal up as early as possible in the summer transfer window, to avoid any other clubs swooping in ahead of them, as the attacker could be a dream signing for Fernandes next season.

Why Matheus Cunha would be a dream signing for Bruno Fernandes

The former Atletico Madrid attacker could be an ideal addition to the squad because he is a proven Premier League performer who could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, in theory.

This is Cunha’s second full season in the top-flight, having also been on loan at Wolves in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign, and he has shown himself to be a classy operator at the top end of the pitch for the Old Gold.

The 25-year-old star, who was directly involved in 22 goals as shown in the video above, could come in to provide Amorim’s side with a boost as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

His finishing qualities, in particular, will be of interest to Fernandes because his record in the Premier League since the start of last season suggests that the United captain would love him.

Matheus Cunha (Premier League)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

32

29

xG

9.49

7.86

Goals

12

15

Big chances missed

6

2

Big chances created

7

12

Assists

7

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Wolves superstar has vastly outperformed his xG, scoring 27 goals from 17.35 xG, and delivered 13 assists.

Cunha, dubbed a “special” player by his manager Vitor Pereira, has the quality to take high-quality chances when they come his way, outperforming how many goals the average player would be expected to score from the shots that he takes.

This is why Fernandes, who has consistently been let down by his teammates in that respect, would love the Brazilian ace at Old Trafford, because the forward could provide the finishing quality to make the most of his creativity.

Cunha and Fernandes could be a lethal pairing in the Premier League for United next season because the Portuguese ace could consistently create chances for the ex-Atletico Madrid ace to find the back of the net week-in-week-out, improving Manchester United’s attack.

Related Man Utd preparing £40m bid to sign full-back who is also wanted by Arsenal

Man Utd face a battle with Arsenal to sign an experienced defender.

Posts ByBrett Worthington Apr 28, 2025

This is why INEOS must get a deal done for the Wolves star as quickly as possible because he could be a fantastic signing to bolster Amorim’s squad, improving the team’s chances of success next term.

Some results have been good and some not so, but young C Andre Siddarth, now a part of South Zone for the Duleep Trophy final, has his priorities and roadmap in place

Deivarayan Muthu09-Sep-2025The last domestic season was one of highs for Tamil Nadu teenager C Andre Siddarth. In his maiden Ranji Trophy season, he played a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s run to the knockouts, scoring 612 runs in 12 innings at an average of 68. At 18, he was the second-youngest player, behind Vaibhav Suryavanshi, to be picked in the IPL 2025 auction, earning a deal with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).Before that, in late 2024, he had also made his maiden appearance for India Under-19s in Dubai. His strong form in the previous Ranji season has now earned him a maiden Duleep Trophy call-up. Siddarth, who turned 19 last month, isn’t satisfied, though, and is hungry for more.”I think I had a really good [2024-25] season,” Siddarth said at the CSK High Performance Academy ground on the sidelines of the pre-season Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai. “My takeaway was that at my age I had scored 600 runs. I was happy about it and [also] kind of disappointed. I knew that I had scored five fifties, but if I had scored two-three hundreds, I would have been more satisfied. Still, I’m kind of disappointed from last season.”Related

• Patience and precision: how Kartikeya turned the Duleep final on its head

• South Zone and Central Zone set for Duleep Trophy final with fresh faces in the mix

• Siddarth eager to carry forward legacy of uncle Sharath

• Vijay Shankar makes last-minute move from Tamil Nadu

• Jagadeesan hopes to build on recent gains

While Siddarth didn’t get a game for CSK at IPL 2025, a chat with his captain MS Dhoni during a training session rekindled the hunger to score big.”While we were at the Wankhede [Stadium in Mumbai] during our team practice, he [Dhoni] just told me one thing: ‘stay calm’,” Siddarth said. “I thought everyone says that. But he explained to me that while being calm, one thing that is important is trying to keep your mind blank. Keeping your mind blank is very tough and if you’re not in form or not on song, it’s really tough.”So, it’s about mental strength and you need to be hungry enough. I can’t be satisfied. For example, I got a 111 against Maharashtra [in the Buchi Babu tournament]. I was not satisfied. I wanted to make it a double-hundred that day.”With the experienced Vijay Shankar moving from Tamil Nadu to Tripura, Siddarth might be entrusted with more responsibility in the middle order this season. He has tuned up by working with former India players Robin Singh [consultant] and T Kumaran, the state side’s new bowling coach, at the TNCA academy.”Around a month back, we had a camp at the TNCA. I trained with Robin Singh and T Kumaran sir and it has improved my game,” Siddarth said. They have told me certain stuff that I have to improve and it has been reflecting in my game. It involved all three aspects – batting, fitness and fielding.”

“It [playing in the Duleep Trophy] is not on my mind right now, but it would be a good feeling for anyone. In my mind, it is about how I can improve and rectify my flaws. Because I know that more than the Duleep Trophy, representing my state is more important for me. And winning the Ranji Trophy is more important”

Siddarth is just eight first-class games old, but has displayed the gears and temperament to tailor his batting according to the situation in red-ball cricket.”I personally believe that the mental aspect of the game is more important than any skill,” he said. “I have been putting myself in difficult situations in practice and in my fitness or fielding. I think it has been reflecting in my matches recently. [At my club game], I played and batted 30 balls with [No. 11] Sandeep Warrier at AM Jain [college ground in Chennai].”I had to defend and save the game at the time. Against Maharashtra [at the Buchi Babu tournament], I knew that I had to attack. [Against Jammu and Kashmir], I had a situation where I had to just play for the team. Now I know that I have been equipped enough to take it to the Ranji Trophy.”After his IPL stint with CSK, Siddarth moved to his new TNPL team, Lyca Kovai Kings, but endured a difficult season, managing only 131 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 107.37. He has taken that in his stride and feels he has learnt to ride the lows along with the highs.C Andre Siddarth feels he has learnt to ride the lows along with the highs•ACC”Yes, I didn’t have a good TNPL,” he said. “But it was a matter of just time and I figured it out. I am really grateful for the experience. My fitness, fielding and even my batting has improved a lot since [the training sessions at CSK]. If I think too much about downs, I can’t grow as a cricketer and grow as a person. That’s what I think personally.”Two days after turning out for Tamil Nadu in the Buchi Babu final against Hyderabad in Chennai, Siddarth will join the South Zone side for the Duleep Trophy final in Bengaluru. While playing in the Duleep final will tick another box for Siddarth, his main goal is to help Tamil Nadu win the Ranji Trophy.”It [Playing in the Duleep Trophy] would be a good feeling for anyone,” Siddarth said. “In my mind, it is about how I can improve and rectify my flaws. Because I know that more than the Duleep Trophy, representing my state is more important for me and winning the Ranji Trophy is more important.”Tamil Nadu is still a powerhouse in domestic cricket. In the past two-three years, we have been qualifying [for the knockouts]. I think that this year, we can lift the cup. Winning trophies for Tamil Nadu – that’s the main thing I want to do.”