Durham 119 for 6 (Bates 34, Heath 29) beat Hampshire 33 for 2 by one run (DLS)Grace Thompson bowled an exemplary over just before it hosed it down to give Durham a dramatic one-run victory by DLS over Hampshire Hawks in the Women’s Vitality Blast.Durham had scored 119 on a slow track, thanks to Suzie Bates’ 34 and Bess Heath’s 29 – with Freya Davies and Bex Tyson each picking up two wickets.With heavy rain forecast, the race was on to bowl the five overs needed to constitute a match, Maia Bouchier got Hampshire ahead of the rate, but Trudy Johnson made sure the scores level on DLS at the five-over mark.Thompson, however, only conceded three runs in the following over before the rain got too heavy and umpires Ant Harris and Julia Jarvis took the players off – with Hawks two runs shy of a winning score.It handed Durham their first Blast victory and Hawks back-to-back defeats.On the same pitch that South Africa played Zimbabwe in preparation for their World Test Championship final, Hawks chose to bowl first – an obvious choice with heavy rain forecasted.Bates began with a crushing four, but it didn’t set a precedent for regular boundary hitting as the pitch didn’t offer a great deal of pace.Durham’s batting was summed by starts, regular wickets, and very little offside play; only 23 of the 119 runs not struck on the onside.Katherine Fraser was the first of six wickets to fall when she picked up to deep midwicket, with Freya Davies also bowling Emma Marlow to return figures of two for 20.Bates, the scorer of half the eight fours in the innings in her 34, was the first of two to get stumped off Bex Tyson, with Abi Glen following suit later in the innings.Hollie Armitage scored 18 before she was bowled by Mary Taylor and Mady Villiers powered to long on.Heath whacked a six over deep midwicket in a useful unbeaten 29 to take Durham to a challenging score.Hampshire knew they needed 23 runs if they didn’t lose a wicket in the five overs that were needed to constitute a match.But Mady Villiers ended Ella McCaughan’s three-match half-century run by getting her to chip to mid-off, before Charli Knott was bowled going back to Katie Levick.That upped the five over target to 30, which thanks to Bouchier hitting both Villiers and Trudy Johnson for back-to-back fours put the hosts in control.Hampshire were on exactly 30 at five overs – Johnson ending with two dots – so a tie would have been a result with the rain starting to come down, but it wasn’t enough to end proceedings.Thompson tied Freya Kemp and Bouchier up to only allow three runs in the sixth over, when five were required to win before the heavens truly opened and there was no argument that no further play was possible.
Newcastle United will hope to challenge for silverware once again this season after lifting the Carabao Cup last term, even in the wake of Alexander Isak’s high-profile rebellion at St. James’ Park and ultimate transfer to Liverpool.
Isak cost a pretty penny when arriving from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63m deal in 2022, but he has since lined the pockets of the owners, contributing toward a period of newfound success and joining Liverpool for a British record £125m fee.
Alexander Isak
In Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, Eddie Howe has a few new forwards with enough talent to lead the line with confidence through the Premier League and Champions League seasons, though it might be a tall order to expect them to hit the same heights as the Sweden striker from the beginning.
Newcastle's tough task replacing Isak
Wissa has plied his craft in the Premier League for four years, joining Brentford from Lorient in France, and he struck a new level of form last year, scoring 19 league goals and being praised by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam for his “sensational” ability in front of goal.
However, Wissa isn’t on the same level as Isak, who didn’t just bang them in for the Tynesiders but played with such smoothness and creativity too, with pundit Ally McCoist even hailing him as the “best all-round centre-forward”.
Woltemade arrives with potential, but he’s not Isak. Howe’s Newcastle system is steeped in efficient and slick transitional play, and that requires a striker both intelligent and coaxing a big chance into being and then deadly with the finishing touch.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
28 (17)
Goals
19
12
Assists
4
2
Shots (on target)*
2.6 (1.2)
1.8 (0.9)
Big chances missed
17
11
Pass completion
79%
72%
Big chances created
3
8
Key passes*
0.8
1.3
Dribbles*
0.4
1.1
Ball recoveries*
2.3
1.9
Tackles + interceptions*
0.8
0.5
Duels (won)*
3.4
4.4
The jury is out for both of them, however, Newcastle once had a number nine who has proven their quality at the very highest level in the Premier League and may well have been a success in Howe’s current title-challenging team.
Newcastle sold their original Isak
A decade ago, Newcastle signed young centre-forward Ivan Toney from Northampton Town. He was 19 at the time and considered one of the most underrated prospects in England.
It didn’t work out for the England international, who left for Peterborough in League One in a mere £500k deal before unearthing his prolific potential in front of goal, leading to destructive displays with Thomas Frank’s Brentford, with the manager hailing him as “a monster”.
With Posh, he enjoyed a mighty time of it, scoring 49 in 94. With the Bees, he was even better, netting 72 in 141 outings.
Indeed, after four loan stints while a Newcastle player, the 29-year-old has now realised his capacity to thrive as one of the most physical and threatening forwards in the business, with his tall frame and clever link-up play certainly reminiscent of Isak at the front of Howe’s set-up.
He might not have the same high-speed running as Isak, but Toney is unquestionably a striker of merit, versatile and confident in creating for his peers.
Toney’s clinical performances in the Saudi Pro League, having joined Al-Ahli for £40m in 2024, are merely a continuation of his consistent success in the Premier League, and while there are those who begrudge his decision to leave for the riches of the Gulf, there’s no question that he’d still make the cut at a team like Newcastle.
He scored 30 goals for Al-Ahli last season, and also with a five-goal return in his trail this season, so Toney actually outscored Isak last season, having previously hit 36 Premier League goals across three terms with Brentford.
While it would have been unreasonably expensive to sign Toney this summer, there’s no doubt that the previous Toon regime blundered with this one, and that a young Toney within the current project might have found the perfect environment to have realised his plentiful talents.
He's outscoring Woltemade: Newcastle must regret selling the original Wissa
Newcastle could do with this striker’s quality after selling Isak to Liverpool.
He suffered the injury while sub-fielding at the MCG but is expected to be fit for the Sri Lanka tour in late January
Alex Malcolm29-Dec-2024
Josh Inglis played two BBL games this summer•Getty Images
Australia’s spare Test batter and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has suffered a low-grade calf strain while fielding during the fourth Test at the MCG, which rules him out of the squad for the final Test in Sydney and puts his BBL in jeopardy as he is expected to be managed ahead the Test tour of Sri Lanka.Inglis was the sole spare batter with the squad on day three as allrounder Beau Webster was released to play in the BBL on Saturday. He shared sub fielding duties with spare bowler Sean Abbott but suffered a low-grade strain according to a Cricket Australia statement.Inglis has been released from the Test squad and officially ruled out of the Sydney Test although it was unlikely he would play barring injury. But he is expected to be fit for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka where he is a distinct possibility of making his Test debut as a specialist batter in Galle given his prowess against spin.But the injury is a major blow for Perth Scorchers. He was allowed to play two of Scorchers’ first four matches against Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades as the matches fell between the third and fourth Tests. But he will only have 22 days to recover from the calf strain before Australia’s Test squad depart for the UAE for a pre-tour camp prior to the first Test starting in Galle on January 29.CA will announce a replacement batter to join the squad for the fifth Test in Sydney. It does open the door for Nathan McSweeney to return to the squad given his ability to bat in multiple positions despite being dropped for Sam Konstas ahead of Boxing Day. Webster remains in the squad and available to play if required despite playing in the BBL on Saturday night.Jhye Richardson also remains with the squad alongside Abbott as fast bowling cover. There were some concerns over Mitchell Starc on Saturday after he received some treatment on-field for back pain. But Starc told SEN on the morning of day four that he was fine to bowl even though he wasn’t called upon before Australia picked up the final wicket of India’s first innings.
تعرض فريق برشلونة لهزيمة قاتلة على يد باريس سان جيرمان، مساء الأربعاء، في خضم منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2025/26.
واستضاف ملعب “مونتجويك” مباراة فريقي برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان، في الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
اقرأ أيضًا.. رجل مباراة برشلونة وباريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا
وكادت المباراة أن تنتهي بالتعادل الإيجابي بين الفريقين لولا هدف جونزالو راموس القاتل في الدقيقة 90، الذي منح باريس سان جيرمان نقاط اللقاء كاملة.
من جهة أخرى، يستعد برشلونة لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، وذلك يوم الأحد المقبل ضد خصمه إشبيلية. موعد مباراة برشلونة وإشبيلية في الدوري الإسباني
ويحل برشلونة ضيفًا على إشبيلية في الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني، وذلك في تمام الساعة 5:15 عصرًا بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.
ويتصدر برشلونة حاليًا جدول الدوري الإسباني برصيد 19 نقطة، بعدما انتصر على ريال سوسيداد بهدفين لهدف، في حين سقط ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدفين.
Sunderland is pushing ahead with more and more new signings this summer.
Some might have expected the Black Cats to slow down the intensity of their activity after Granit Xhaka’s statement arrival on the scene, but Regis Le Bris’ men are closing in on yet another exciting deal in the form of Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu.
Some unwelcome delays have been thrown Sunderland’s way regarding Guiu joining the Stadium of Light ranks, but all looks to still be in place for the Spaniard to eventually call Wearside his home on loan ahead of the forthcoming Premier League season.
Le Bris isn’t done here when it comes to additions up top, however, as frantic rumours continue to be churned out about Sunderland enhancing their attacking personnel.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris on the touchline
Sunderland offered chance to sign £50m attacker
The main rumour that will have caught the attention of the Stadium of Light masses is Sunderland’s alleged interest in RB Leipzig goal machine Lois Openda.
Sky Sports’ Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed early on in August that the Premier League newcomers have the clinical Belgian on their shortlist of targets, but a deal could be hard to reach, as Leipzig weigh up losing other key first-teamers in Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.
Instead, a more viable opportunity to land a deadly marksman could soon come in trying to secure a deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Of course, the obvious elephant in the room here is Mitrovic’s ex-Newcastle United loyalties, but Sunderland would be foolish to turn down an opportunity to land such a potent attacker.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Serbian is being offered out to a whole host of Premier League clubs as he eyes up a move away from Al-Hilal, in the wake of Darwin Nunez potentially heading to the Middle East from Liverpool.
Leeds United have been offered the £50m striker’s services, alongside the Black Cats, with Sunderland able to secure themselves an even bigger talent than Openda in front of goal if they’re able to convince Mitrovic to forget his Magpies past and defect to Wearside.
Why Mitrovic is an even better signing than Openda
Openda might well possess more credit in the bank in the here and now, as the Belgian terrorises Bundesliga defences consistently, while his Serbian counterpart plays in the much-maligned Saudi Pro League.
However, as is seen with his razor-sharp instinct against Arsenal to retrieve the ball home and slot home a finish, the 30-year-old is far more proven in the tough terrain of the Premier League, when weighed up next to Openda, away from just being a general menace wherever he’s been across his globetrotting career to date.
Premier League
129
38
11
Championship
126
85
16
Saudi Pro League
51
47
8
Jupiler Pro League
50
27
8
Indeed, when looking at the table above, it’s clear to see why Mitrovic was once dubbed a “natural-born goalscorer” by former Fulham teammate Harrison Reed, with an astounding 123 goals next to his name on English shores.
That’s before you even take into account his blistering output for Al-Hilal, where he has managed to bag a ridiculous 47 strikes from just 51 games, leaving the likes of Openda in the dust in the process, who has a lesser 41 goals next to his name in Germany.
The worry will be that his weakest return to date has fallen in the Premier League, but he will be eager to become Sunderland’s main man as the Black Cats attempt to steer themselves to safety in style.
Of course, Openda also has a reputation for being a lethal presence up top, as seen in his colossal tally of 105 career goals.
Yet, Sunderland might never get the opportunity again to win such a proven goalscoring “monster” – as he has been labelled by Saudi-based journalist Matt Monaghan for his continued heroics at Al-Hilal – as Le Bris and Co. now seriously consider snapping up the 30-year-old to gift themselves an almighty advantage in their aim to beat the drop.
On the hunt to end their search for a striker at long last, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling to sign an impressive target who outscored Alexander Isak last season.
Newcastle's striker search goes on
It’s been a disappointing summer for Newcastle, but it’s especially been a woeful last seven days. Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, it seemed as though the saving grace in that saga would be that Liverpool settled for the Frenchman rather than Isak on top. But the Swede has since dropped a bombshell on the Magpies.
Reports swiftly emerged earlier this week that the forward’s thigh injury was simply a smokescreen for his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to spark what could be an almighty battle between the player and club as the transfer window progresses.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Having his say on the matter, Eddie Howe told reporters: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons.
“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle isn’t even the latest of a long line of disappointing news this summer, however, with their pursuit to sign Yoane Wissa taking a major twist.
Now, with the Isak sage continuing and Wissa off the table for now, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on a familiar face.
Newcastle battling for Mitrovic return
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are now battling to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal this summer, with those at the club warming to the idea of bringing him back. The experienced goalscorer, who still loves the Magpies despite his time at the club not ending in the way he would have dreamed, could put his St James’ Park failure behind him once and for all with a return this summer.
Mitrovic at Newcastle
Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
72
Goals
17
Assists
10
Seven years on from leaving Newcastle, Mitrovic is far more well-rounded and even outscored Isak’s 27-goal haul last season with 28 of his own in all competitions and loves St James’ Park, once calling it his favourite away ground while at Fulham.
More prolific than Sesko: Newcastle targeting move for £87m "monster"
Newcastle are looking to bring in another striker or two this summer
ByRoss Kilvington Jul 27, 2025
It was during his time at Fulham that the Serbian earned the most praise, with manager Marco Silva going as far as to describe him as “phenomenal” in 2022. Now, at 30 years old, Mitrovic could return with a bang to St James’ Park to hand Howe an unexpected solution to his growing striker problems.
Even as Chelsea’s Club World Campaign continues, a lot of the main conversation regarding Enzo Maresca’s Blues centres on major transfer developments.
Yet, for the time being, the Blues will just be content that they secured their pathway into the quarter-finals of the global competition, beating Benfica 4-1 after 4 hours 38 minutes.
Bad weather meant the game was suspended for several hours despite Chelsea leading 1-0 with four minutes of normal time to go.
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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025
Todd Boehly and Co will hope that the rest of the transfer window doesn’t pan out in equally dramatic fashion. Here’s the latest…
Chelsea pursuing more deals after Gittens
The mega-rich West Londoners look to have now officially sealed Jamie Gittens’ coveted signature, with reports suggesting a bumper fee of £55.5m was enough on Chelsea’s end to close a deal for the Borussia Dortmund superstar.
The Premier League side are unlikely to be done there, with Brighton & Hove Albion menace Joao Pedro reportedly another option they’re keen on to enhance their attacking personnel even more.
It’s not all just transfer talk involving the spots up top, however, as a new target is now named on the ever-extending Chelsea shopping list that would really boost Maresca and Co. at the back.
As per a new report by The Mirror, Chelsea are now being offered the chance to land Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.
It’s stated that the Villans are resigned to the prospect of having to cash in on their Argentine shot-stopper as a way to try and correct their PSR problems, with the Blues perhaps capitalising on the unease at Villa Park in the process.
Manchester United are also named as the other Premier League party keeping tabs on the South American’s situation in the West Midlands, with it also being stated that Martinez might well prefer a move to United over relocating to Stamford Bridge.
Still, with Maresca no doubt wanting to upgrade on a shaky Robert Sanchez very soon, Martinez could be the perfect fix in the goalkeeping department for Chelsea.
Why Martinez is a more important signing than Gittens
If the Blues were to win the services of Martinez for a reported price tag of £45m, it might well be deemed an even better purchase than Gittens joining the growing group, with the 32-year-old now renowned for being a dependable stopper in the Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Of course, patience will be exercised on Chelsea’s end to ensure they get the very best out of the 20-year-old, off the back of him lighting up the Bundesliga last season with his promising and captivating displays.
In all competitions last campaign, Gittens helped himself to 12 goals and five assists, with plenty more to hopefully come from the youngster when he moves to English shores, knowing he might well be the Blues’ starting man down the left channel when you consider no one has really successfully nailed down that position.
Jamie Gittens
Maresca will be praying that Gittens can slot in instantly and perform to fill their Jadon Sancho-shaped hole, with Sancho tallying up five goals and ten assists on the temporary books of the Blues last season, before a sombre return to the Red Devils.
It’s a risky move for Chelsea, though, considering the 20-year-old had only amassed 14 more goal contributions for the Black and Yellow past his breakout 2024/25 offering.
On the other hand, Martinez has been at the peak of his powers for some time now as a reliable Premier League figure.
Games played
196
Saves made
573
Clean sheets
59
Goals conceded
241
Penalties saved
4
Wins
91
Looking at the table above, despite never making the first-team cut at Arsenal, Martinez has gone on to become a consistent top performer for Unai Emery’s men, with 573 saves and counting made in the challenging league.
Even when he struggled last season, Martinez still managed to collect 15 clean sheets in all competitions, five of which came about in the Champions League. To add context, Sanchez only amassed ten clean sheets and was undoubtedly one of the biggest underperformers in the Chelsea team.
In short, the Blues need to sort out their goalkeeper rankings more than their attacking options, with Sanchez giving away two penalties and making five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight last season. No ‘keeper made more errors.
Emi Martinez
As a result, the “world-class” Martinez – in the words of Gary Neville – would significantly improve Chelsea’s chances of winning more silverware next season.
He’d be seismic upgrade on the error-stricken Sanchez.
He'd be unplayable with Gittens: Chelsea hold talks over signing £60m star
Chelsea are looking to sign a versatile forward this summer
Newcastle United are “keeping a close eye” on a Premier League star this summer amid rival interest from Everton, with the player expected to leave his current club.
Newcastle pushing for attacking signings
The Magpies felt overly reliant on the goals of Alexander Isak at times last season, highlighting the need to bring in attacking reinforcements before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been mentioned as an eye-catching option, with the former Manchester United youngster impressing at the City Ground last term, helping them seal a surprise return to European football.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
Meanwhile, Celtic wide man Nicolas Kuhn is considered an alternative option to the Swede, should Newcastle miss out on him. The Hoops star bagged 13 goals and nine assists for the Scottish giants last season, but it also heavily linked with RB Leipzig.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has also been linked with a summer move to the Magpies, although the Serb would surely only come in if Isak departs, which is something many supporters will be dreading. Liverpool’s interest isn’t completely going away, but an enormous fee would be needed to prise him away.
Newcastle monitoring Premier League winner
Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown claimed that Newcastle are “keeping a close eye” on Manchester City ace Jack Grealish.
“Newcastle are still keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish. There’s been a lot of talk about Everton, but I think they’re still very much in the mix. Of course, they’re not the only club interested because everybody knows about Jack’s qualities and what he can bring to the side when he’s at his best. The thing is for Newcastle, they have a lot of areas of the team where they want to improve.
“I don’t think Grealish is at the top of their list of priorities, but that’s a risk because somebody else might jump in quickly and get it done. If the opportunity comes up they’re going to be one of the clubs in for him. For now, they’ll look elsewhere but from what I hear they’re keeping a close eye on the situation. His main aim is playing regular football, he’d like to play in the Champions League but if he’s not going to be starting I expect him to look elswhere. It’s an interesting one to watch, that’s for sure.”
Grealish may have enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at City after joining for £100m on £300k-a-week from Aston Villa in 2021, but there is a feeling that he underperformed there, and that he needs to get his career back on track.
The Englishman turns 30 this year, so signing him would be a gamble by Newcastle, but he has the natural talent and maverick style to be a hit for a few years at St James’ Park.
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Grealish may relish being given more attacking freedom by Eddie Howe, compared to arguably the more tactically rigid Pep Guardiola, and he has registered four assists against the Magpies in the past, never losing to them in seven appearances.
It could make more sense to signing a younger wide option instead, considering the City man may simply have peaked as a player at this point, but it is easy to see him enjoying a new challenge, having been called a “good leader” by Guardiola in the past.
Who’s ready to do it all over again next season? Arne Slot, for sure, will be champing at the bit, desperate to lead Liverpool out for his second season.
This time, however, the Dutch coach will not be an unknown commodity but a Premier League champion, having dominated the division to cement legendary status and join an exclusive list of triumphant debutants in the dugout.
Federico Chiesa will be frustrated with his minimal role across the campaign, especially since he’s the club’s only signing since Jurgen Klopp completed his midfield rebuild in August 2023, but injuries and Mohamed Salah’s brilliance have left the right-sided forward shackled to the sidelines for much of the year.
Chiesa’s future is undetermined, but one thing that is certain: FSG have rewarded Slot with a deep purse for summer spending.
Sporting director Richard Hughes is already working overtime, but there’s plenty more to come. Let’s have a look at how Liverpool could line up when all’s said and done come Autumn.
1 GK – Alisson Becker
Liverpool agreed a £29m deal with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer, and the Georgian will now join the Anfield side. However, he’ll be hard-pressed to oust Alisson Becker from his spot between the sticks.
Alisson’s brilliance has forced Caoimhin Kelleher, a fantastic goalkeeper in his own right, to search for pastures new, and Mamardashvili will have to wait to nail down the number one spot.
2 RB – Jeremie Frimpong
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Liverpool and sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer will be a contentious subject for many years to come, but Hughes and Co might just have struck gold in replacing him with Jeremie Frimpong.
The electric right-sider has left Bayer Leverkusen after Liverpool met his £29.5m release clause, and the contrast he will offer from Conor Bradley could add a wonderfully dynamic dimension to Slot’s team.
3 CB – Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool's IbrahimaKonatecelebrates after winning the Premier League
Ibrahima Konate continues to be non-committal on the contract front, but there have been tentative claims of late pertaining to progress at the negotiating table.
The 24-year-old is one of the best centre-backs in the business right now, a wonderful, athletic counterpoint to the skipper beside him.
4 CB – Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Like Salah (and unlike Alexander-Arnold), Virgil van Dijk signed a two-year contract extension at Liverpool in April and will continue his iconic career at the club.
Easily one of the best defenders of his generation, the Netherlands native is inspiring, influential and, above all else, an incredible footballer.
5 LB – Milos Kerkez
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Though a deal has yet to be wrapped up, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that “club-to-club talks are underway” between Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Andy Robertson, 31, has been a stalwart servant at Liverpool for so many years, but he was a clear weak link at times this year, and Kerkez, a decade his junior, would be the perfect long-term addition.
6 CM – Ryan Gravenberch
The Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award went to Ryan Gravenberch, and rightly so.
Has there been a more influential surprise package in the division this year? After a middling debut campaign on Merseyside, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength.
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
37 (37)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
28.8
66.5
Pass completion
83%
89%
Key passes*
0.6
0.7
Dribbles*
0.9
1.0
Ball recoveries*
2.8
5.2
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.5
Total duels (won)*
2.8 (47%)
5.0 (57%)
Liverpool failed to convince Martin Zubimendi to join their cause one year ago, but they won’t care a jot anymore.
7 CM – Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
There are rumours that Alexis Mac Allister is wanted by Real Madrid, but Liverpool will not let their midfield life-force leave this summer.
He’s almost underrated, Mac Allister, one of the biggest proponents of Slot’s tactical vision.
8 RW – Mohamed Salah
Liverpool's MohamedSalahreacts after conceding their second goal
Salah. What is there to say?
Thank you, perhaps. The Egyptian King has brought so much joy, so much success to Liverpool, and he’s deservedly a two-time Premier League champion, having obliterated any number of records across the term.
Will Salah, 33 this month, match this season’s haul of 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions?
Maybe, maybe not. In any case, the right winger will expect a higher calibre of attacking quality surrounding him.
9 AM – Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
What better way to reward Salah for his almighty campaign than to sign Florian Wirtz, who is regarded by sports media professional Cristian Nyari as a “truly generational talent.”
Liverpool have been locked in talks with Leverkusen for the 22-year-old playmaker, with the Germans holding out for a €150m (£126m) fee; some more talking may be required.
If Liverpool do manage to get this one over the line, it would be quite the way to offset the malaise enveloping Trent’s move to sunny Spain.
10 LW – Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon
Luis Diaz has given a lot to Liverpool over his years at the club, and the 28-year-old is entering the penultimate year of his contract with his stock sky-high. Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr are both keen.
Liverpool would need to replace their Colombian maverick, and, if Football Insider are to be believed, interest in Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon could be revisited.
Newcastle would want £80m for their prized winger, but Gordon is a boyhood Liverpool fan and would be curious at moving back to Merseyside.
Even though this season is still ongoing, there’s only one question on Rangers supporters’ minds: who will be the next manager in the Ibrox dugout?
Barry Ferguson is still yet to oversee a home win for Rangers in five attempts during his interim spell, following Sunday’s 1-1 draw in the derby, hoping to change that at Ibrox this weekend.
So, as much as he might want it, it’s very unlikely that he is going to get the job full-time and, while there appear to be two clear front-runners to be appointed right now, should Rangers turn their attention to a “world-class manager”?
Rangers new manager latest
At the time of writing, there are two clear favourites to be appointed as the next Rangers manager.
One is Steven Gerrard, with Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider reporting that he is ‘now the leading candidate’ to be re-hired, just under four years after leaving the club for Aston Villa.
Gerrard has been out of work since January, when he was sacked by Al-Ettifaq after, as John Duerden of the Guardian puts it, a generally ‘underwhelming’ spell in charge of the Saudi Pro League club.
Thus, a report by TEAMTalk claims that Gerrard ‘would be very open’ to the possibility of a return to the Ibrox dugout.
The other manager seemingly in the fray is Marco Rose, with Mark Pirie of the Daily Record stating that the German is ‘being considered’ by Andrew Cavenagh, Paraag Marathe and the rest of 49ers Enterprises, ahead of their proposed takeover.
The 48-year-old is also currently out of work, having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March; he’s previously been in charge of RB Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.
Both would be intriguing appointments in very different ways, but should the 49ers actually attempt to appoint a manager with vastly more experience?
Rangers could land a world-class manager
A report by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record back in March claimed that Rafa Benítez is a candidate to become the new Rangers manager, stating that the Spaniard is ‘aware’ of speculation linking him to the vacancy.
Everton's former manager Rafael Benitez.
Few active managers on the planet can boast quite as impressive a CV as Benítez, as outlined in the table below.
Real Valladolid
1995-96
25
Osasuna
1996
9
Extremadura
1997-99
92
Segunda promotion
Tenerife
2000-01
46
Segunda promotion
Valencia
2001-04
162
La Liga X2
UEFA Cup
Liverpool
2004-12
350
Champions League
FA Cup
UEFA Super Cup
Internazionale
2010
25
FIFA Club World Cup
Supercoppa Italiana
Chelsea
2012-13
48
Europa League
Napoli
2013-15
112
Coppa Italia
Supercoppa Italiana
Real Madrid
2015-16
25
Newcastle United
2016-19
146
EFL Championship
Dalian Professional
2019-21
38
Everton
2021-22
22
Celta de Vigo
2023-24
33
Benítez’s credentials are there for all to see, having won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Europa League twice, as well as various other trophies, managing some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, Inter and Chelsea.
His successor at Newcastle United, Steve Bruce, said that Benítez is unquestionably a “world-class manager”, even if his last two jobs, in charge of Everton and Celta Vigo, have both gone pretty disastrously.
He was never likely to succeed at Goodison was he, becoming only the second man, after William Edward Barclay in 1892, to manage both Merseyside giants.
Nevertheless, Dietmar Hamann, who played for Benítez at Liverpool, alongside Gerrard of course, described his former boss as a “genius” and a “fantastic manager”, adding that Rangers “could do a lot worse” in their search for a new head coach.
So, if the 49ers are looking for a manager who has vast experience when it comes to both British and European football, could the 65-year-old be the man tasked with overseeing the Rangers rebuild, pipping his former captain – and Rose – to the post?
Rangers: "Outstanding" 4-4-2 manager explodes into race to replace Ferguson
A high-profile European coach is now among the main contenders to become the new manager of the Gers.