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William Saliba remains fully committed to the Arsenal cause for now, having signed a new long-term contract, but he has admitted that any interest shown from Real Madrid will always be “tempting”. That admission will concern some in north London, with there no guarantees that the highly-rated France international defender will see out his fresh terms at Emirates Stadium.

New contract: When Saliba's deal at Arsenal expires

Saliba has become a talismanic presence for the Gunners, with a formidable partnership being struck up with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of their backline. A collection of assured performances over a prolonged period of time have been rewarded with a new deal through to the summer of 2030.

Arsenal hope that agreement will fend off any unwelcome interest from afar, with exit talk being brought to a close for now. Saliba is happy in his current surroundings, but is aware that speculation will forever rage when it comes to potential future challenges.

AdvertisementGettyTransfer talk: Why Saliba is ignoring interest from Real Madrid

There were plenty of rumours to be found regarding admiring glances from Spain prior to an extension being thrashed out at the Emirates, with La Liga giants Real Madrid considered to hold Saliba in the highest regard. However, no official offer from Santiago Bernabeu was ever tabled.

Saliba admits to having his head turned slightly, though, with it impossible to ignore Los Blancos and their collection of Galacticos. The 24-year-old told when asked about the links with Real: “Of course, it’s always tempting when a club like that tries to lure you, but for me, [my desire] was to stay at Arsenal. First, win trophies, before thinking about anything else.”

Trophy quest: Saliba targets silverware with Arsenal

Saliba has spoken on a regular basis of his desire to collect major honours with Arsenal. He has two Community Shield wins to his name, but is still waiting on the most prestigious of accolades.

He said after penning fresh terms with the Gunners and ignoring any transfer gossip: “To be honest, I was not really focused on the clubs from the outside, I was just focused on here. I knew that I wanted to stay here for more years, so I was not really focused on the other clubs. So I’m happy to be here and I signed a new deal, so full focus on my club.

“I didn’t win anything here except the Community Shield. I’ve done nothing for this club to think about leaving. I want to stay here and win a lot of trophies. I love this club. I cannot leave this club without giving them (the fans) something back. My first choice was to stay here and win everything first.

“We have a good team, we play well, we are good. We only miss trophies. The team and I will give everything to win this title. Of course, the people won’t remember you if you win nothing. So, at the end, it's trophies, trophies, trophies.”

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AFPPremier League title bid & World Cup: Challenges for Saliba

A move to Madrid would allow Saliba to reunite with Kylian Mbappe, a man who he represents France alongside and once worked with in the academy ranks at AS Bondy. When asked if they could become club colleagues again in 2026, Saliba told Le10 Sport: “No, no, the Bondy connection is with the French national team, for now.”

France are close to wrapping up qualification for next summer’s World Cup, with Saliba and Mbappe expected to help make Les Bleus fiercely competitive at that event – having claimed a global crown in 2018 and suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 final.

Saliba will hope to head to that event as a Premier League title winner, with Arsenal setting the early pace in English football. Mikel Arteta’s side have opened up a six-point lead on the chasing pack, as they look to secure domestic dominance for the first time since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 – with a Champions League clash with Slavia Praha and a trip to Sunderland set to carry them into the next international break.

Ryan Babel has finally closed the chapter on his first Liverpool home, a property that witnessed footballing dreams, life lessons, and unforgettable chaos. In a recent social media post, Babel shared one of the wildest moments the house had witnessed, when Dutch teammate Royston Drenthe built a nightclub inside and forgot to pay rent during his spell at Everton.

Babel rented Liverpool home to Drenthe

Babel joined Liverpool in July 2007, transferring for around £11.5m. Over four seasons, he made 146 appearances and scored 22 goals, leaving fans with memorable strikes, including against Manchester United in 2008 and Marseille in the Champions League in the same year. Off the pitch, Babel bought his first home in Liverpool after leaving his parents. The house became a hub of memories, laughter, and lessons and, for a brief spell, chaos. Dutch teammate Drenthe, known for his controversial lifestyle, took over the property, but skipped rental payments during his Everton days in 2011-12 season, and even built a nightclub inside the house, earning the title “tenant from hell,” from Babel.

AdvertisementAFPBad boy Drenthe lived it up in Liverpool

The former Liverpool player opened up about the memories and chaotic times he spent at his Merseyside home. Babel further claims some events were so drastic in nature, it's hard to make such stuff up.

"This house holds so many memories…it was the first place I moved into after leaving my parents’ home, full of excitement, mistakes, and lessons. When I left Liverpool, I rented it out to a few tenants… one of them being my good old Dutch teammate Royston Drenthe. Let’s just say he gave “tenant from hell” a new meaning…he somehow forgot to pay rent during his Everton days and even decided to build a nightclub inside my house without permission. You can’t make this stuff up!," Babel said in a social media post.

He further added: "Still, I’ve always been proud to own this place…it’s in a prime spot, filled with memories, laughter, and a bit of chaos. The only reason I’m selling now is because of that interest-only adjustable-rate mortgage I was talked into back when I knew absolutely nothing about real estate. Lesson learned the hard way!"

Drenthe was a controversial figure both on and off the field throughout his career. Known for his immense talent, he was often overshadowed by his turbulent lifestyle marked by disciplinary issues, late arrivals to training, clashes with managers, and partying, including sneaking girls into the training centre’s jacuzzi late at night. His volatile behaviour led to strained relations with teammates and coaches alike, with David Moyes famously confronting him over his attitude. Drenthe's off-field antics also fuelled his "bad boy" reputation.

Babel's journey post Liverpool

After leaving Liverpool in January 2011, the Dutch forward joined Hoffenheim, making 46 appearances and scoring six goals, before returning to Ajax for the 2012–2013 season, playing 29 matches and scoring 11 goals while mentoring younger players. He then moved to Kasimpasa, becoming a key attacker with over 60 appearances and 17 goals, followed by a short stint at Al Ain in the UAE. Babel later played 13 matches for Spanish side Deportivo, scoring three goals, and then joined Besiktas, contributing 15 goals in over 50 matches and winning the Super Lig title in 2016–17. A brief spell at Fulham preceded his time at Galatasaray, where he scored more than 22 goals in 85 appearances and became a veteran presence.

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AFPLife after football for Babel

Babel retired from professional football in November 2024 at age 38. Post-retirement, he has shifted focus to business ventures, particularly real estate and cryptocurrency investments, reflecting the lessons learned from his Liverpool house and career travels. From Anfield goals to managing tenants like Drenthe, Babel’s journey proves that life off the pitch can be just as eventful as the one on it.

It’s the same old story at Manchester United – even Saturday’s win can’t mask that.

Seven games into the Premier League season, United are ninth, having lost three times already and been dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town.

There have been signs of progress, no doubt, but it’s been a familiar tale for the Red Devils, whose fanbase recognise the importance of the juncture just ahead.

Ruben Amorim has gone through the wringer since making the move from Portugal, leaving two-in-a-row champions Sporting Lisbon and taking on a huge job at Old Trafford, who had parted with Erik ten Hag early into the 2024/25 season, with cup triumphs papering over the general lack of progress at the club.

And while all of a United persuasion would love to see the Portuguese tactician pull it together, he is nearly on borrowed time in the hot seat.

The latest on Amorim's Man Utd future

“What makes me suffer is to lose games, not to lose my job.” This is what Amorim said in his pre-match press conference, ahead of Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Sunderland in the Premier League.

He wore his passion on his sleeve as he addressed the reporters in front of him, advocating vehemently for his system and stressing that it has the capacity to thrive in the Premier League.

Amorim, at least, has spoken with candour about his and Man United’s situation. He knows things need to change, and he knows that results have not been good enough, having won 19 of 50 matches at the helm.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, at least outwardly, has given the 40-year-old is full support, but it can’t go on like this. Results need to change, fast. Should it prove more of the same after the October international break, INEOS may well bite the bullet and end Amorim’s stay.

Post-Fergie Man Utd Manager Win Records (PL)

Manager

Apps

Win %

Jose Mourinho

93

54%

Erik ten Hag

85

52%

Ole Gunnar Solskjær

109

51%

Louis van Gaal

76

51%

David Moyes

34

50%

Ralf Rangnick

24

41%

Ruben Amorim*

33

27%

*before Sunderland

Data via Statmuse

A number of candidates have already been earmarked, and there’s one who might strike fans as particularly curious.

Man Utd could sign a more radical coach than Amorim

Manchester United. Never ordinary. ‘Hated, ignored, but never ignored’ is more than just a mantra; it is a truth, and the club need a big personality with tactics proven to work in the Premier League.

Roberto de Zerbi, with this in mind, could be the perfect coach to take the hot seat at the Theatre of Dreams, having previously impressed as the manager of Brighton & Hove Albion before leaving in 2024 and joining Marseille.

Last season, the possession-based tactician guided Marseille to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1, having languished to an eighth-place conclusion previously. They are third this term, with four wins from six outings.

Well, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, De Zerbi is very much on Man United’s shortlist “if and when” they decide to move on from Amorim, very well regarded at the top end of the INEOS hierarchy.

Aged 46, De Zerbi might field a more conventional 4-2-3-1 formation than Amorim’s controversial three-back line-up, but he’s certainly more radical on the spectrum than most.

He has a fan in Pep Guardiola, who praised the “unique” style of football the Italian implements and remarked that he “monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.”

Finishing, the Manchester City boss made quite the claim, saying he is “one of the most influential managers of the last 20 years.”

A complicated, sharp-witted manager, De Zerbi’s Marseille completed more passes (3092) in Ligue 1 last season than any other side not hailing from the capital, and his desire to attack the press and implement through a short build-up is something not wildly different to Amorim’s vision, but perhaps could be better implemented at Old Trafford.

He has, after all, actually proven himself in the Premier League, instrumental in taking a Brighton side who had a reputation for attractive football after their promotion and then shaping them into something sustainable and competitive at the higher end of the division.

Across the 2023/24 campaign, only Man City completed more passes than the Seagulls, so it’s clear to see why he has a fan in Pep. If De Zerbi were to arrive at Man United and get a tune out of the underperforming Redmen, there’s no reason why this couldn’t be a style of football to propel the club back into the limelight, consistently challenging for the biggest prizes once again.

Premier League 23/24: Most Passes

Club

Final Position

Passes

Manchester City

1st

26,251

Brighton & Hove Albion

11th

23,547

Liverpool

3rd

22,515

Tottenham Hotspur

5th

22,488

Chelsea

6th

21,926

Manchester United

8th

18,074

Stats via Premier League

Last season, Man United finished fifth in the Premier League passing charts, having completed 15,931 across the campaign. FBref also reveal Brighton achieved an xG (expected goals) total of 56.8 that year, whereas United hit only 52.6 across the 2024/25 campaign.

Described as “one of the best coaches in the world” by his players at the Stade Velodrome, De Zerbi might be somewhat radical in his tactical vision, but he has proven himself in the Premier League and earned the admiration and respect of the division’s heavyweights.

This is what Man United need. Amorim might be a left-field thinker, but he’s trying to fit square pegs into round holes, and a freshen-up looks like it would be the best thing for all parties at this stage.

Related The new bomb squad: INEOS must axe £425k-p/w Man Utd trio with 760 games

Manchester United still have some deadwood that needs to be removed from the Old Trafford set-up.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Oct 3, 2025

Celtic hero Chris Sutton put it best when summarising the situation surrounding Adam Idah at Parkhead – “a total mess”.

A surprise late approach from Swansea City looked to have spelt the end for the Irishman’s time in Glasgow, only for the Hoops to hold fire amid the wait to acquire a replacement for manager Brendan Rodgers.

Heading into deadline day, the former Norwich City man ultimately sealed his bumper £7m switch to South Wales, bringing an end to a mixed 18-month stint in Scottish football.

Having been stung by the failure to replace Kyogo Furuhashi in January, the Celtic hierarchy had thankfully learned their lesson, with a successor to Idah already lined up months in advance.

Oh no, wait, that’s not what happened, is it? Instead, in the dying embers of the window, the Scottish champions were left scouring the free transfer market, even considering an approach for an injury-prone Patrick Bamford amid his recent Leeds exit.

As it proved, Rodgers got out the phonebook to reunite with Kelechi Iheanacho, having enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Nigerian at Leicester City.

As for Idah, while the manner of his exit – and the search to replace him – represented a ‘total mess’, were Rodgers and co actually right to sell him?

Why Celtic had to sell Adam Idah

The caveat to this, of course, is as explained above. The Premiership giants should only have sanctioned a sale if a suitable replacement had already been lined up.

That being said, a £7m fee for a player of his ilk was undoubtedly too good to turn down, with Celtic only taking a slight hit on their initial £9m investment.

In truth, that was a fee that should never have been dished out in the first place, with the Hoops gambling on a player who had scored just 17 goals – yes 17 – in 116 games in all competitions during his time at Norwich City.

Of course, the 24-year-old’s return of nine goals in 19 games during his initial loan spell in 2024 – which included that Scottish Cup final clincher – was reason for encouragement, although the subsequent burden of a £9m fee, and the No.9 shirt, appeared to weigh too heavy.

Yes, there were high points, including his brace at Villa Park and the 20 goals in all competitions last term, yet his overall record of 29 goals in 76 games makes for disappointing reading – as too does his 19 big chances missed in the Premiership in 2024/25, as per Sofascore.

Failure to score in the early knockings of the new campaign, alongside his shoot-out miss away at Kairat, appeared to pave the way for his departure, with Celtic left to reflect on an expensive gamble that simply didn’t pay off.

At Ibrox, meanwhile, Rangers could well have secured their own Idah figure with the eye-watering £10m capture of Everton’s Youssef Chermiti, while Celtic may have to rely on a familiar face to deliver the goods this season.

How Daizen Maeda's value compares to Idah and Chermiti

If the £9m dished out on Idah raised eyebrows, then the £10m that the Gers have forked out for Chermiti appears even more headscratching, not least considering that the Portuguese striker has failed to score a single senior goal during his time with the Toffees.

As Celtic have seen in the case of the ex-Norwich man, splashing the cash on a player doesn’t always lead to success on the field, with the club’s best work having come when plucking a bargain from the market.

Matt O’Riley’s £1.5m acquisition is a perfect case in point, as too is the £1.6m fee that was forked out to make Daizen Maeda’s initial loan move a permanent deal, with few deals having proven quite so fruitful.

Market Movers

It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Japanese speedster – having been guilty of his own spot-kick miss last month – but boy has he been effective during his three-and-a-half-year stay in Glasgow.

There are few better sights in football than the 27-year-old breathing down the neck of a defender with his relentless pace, having proven himself to be a physical “machine” in recent years, in the words of his former coach at Yokohama F Marinos, John Hutchinson.

A unique talent in European football, let alone Scotland, Maeda has more than warranted his growing cult hero status at Parkhead, having taken his game to even greater heights last season.

While an at-times profligate figure in his early Celtic days, having notably missed three big chances across just six Champions League group games in 2022/23, the ex-Yokohama man is now Rodgers’ go-to man.

Hibs

14

7

Hearts

12

6

Livingston

7

6

Rangers

21

5

Killie

11

5

Aberdeen

11

5

St Johnstone

10

5

Motherwell

11

4

Indeed, 2024/25 yielded a ridiculous tally of 33 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, including four goals during the club’s encouraging European run.

While only a solitary goal has followed this time around, the value of Maeda to Rodgers and to Celtic is immense. Indeed, according to Transfermarkt, he is now worth as much as €15m (£13m).

That not only eclipses the recent fees dished out for his fellow forwards Idah and Chermiti, but also the pair’s actual market values, deemed to be in the region of €6.5m (£5.5m) and €8m (£7m), respectively.

There will be much debate at Parkhead over who will take on Idah’s mantle as the starting striker, be it Iheanacho, Johnny Kenny or Shin Yamada, but in reality, if this season is to be a success, then it will be Maeda who is central to it.

Celtic interested in signing "explosive" 27 y/o free agent after Iheanacho

Can the Hoops strike a deal for another striker?

1 ByHenry Jackson Sep 3, 2025

Ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, Arsenal fans will possess a cautious sense of optimism ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in each of the last three years, hopefully going one better this season after making numerous key additions during the summer window.

The hierarchy have backed him in the transfer window, solving a problem position by landing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP after he scored 54 goals in the recent season.

Other areas of the pitch have also been subject to investment, with Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera arriving at the Emirates and bolstering the midfield and defence departments, respectively.

However, despite the heavy spending in recent weeks, another player has consistently been on their radar – in the form of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for Eze

Throughout the summer window, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been heavily mentioned over a move to join Arsenal, subsequently improving the options at Arteta’s disposal.

However, they face stiff competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest in his signature during the off-season.

Thomas Frank’s side have been in talks with the English international, with both sides looking to take advantage of the £60m valuation placed on his head by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

In recent days, it’s been reported that the Gunners could walk away from negotiations in the coming days, currently seeing his asking price as out of range, given the money already splashed this summer.

He’s not the only midfield star in their sights between now and the September 1st deadline, potentially seeing a move open up for a top-level European star.

Arsenal’s hunt for another midfielder this summer

Earlier on in the summer window, Arsenal were one of various Premier League sides linked with a move to land PSG youngster Warren Zaire-Emery ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, no deal could be reached for the Frenchman, unsurprisingly given the Ligue 1 side’s asking price, which saw a £100m price tag mooted.

He’s not the only European star who’s appeared on the Gunners’ radar as of late, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that Arteta’s side are closely monitoring a move for the Dutch international, who only has one year remaining on his current contract with the LaLiga giants.

It also states that with no new deal yet on the horizon, the 28-year-old could be open to exploring a move this window, resulting in a £35m asking price being raised.

Why Arsenal’s latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

Missing out on Eze would be a bitter blow for the Arsenal fanbase, especially given the huge rumours linking him with a move to the club over recent months.

Their misery would undoubtedly be compounded if the player himself were to move to Spurs, which would see the Englishman certainly make Frank’s outfit a stronger one.

However, it’s important that the Gunners don’t overspend this summer and pay over-inflated transfer fees – with other serious quality available in the current market.

A deal for De Jong could provide just that, possessing years of experience of operating at the very top-level of European football – something which will be vital if the club are to reach the next level.

Whilst the pair operate in slightly different positions, the 28-year-old has proven in Spain over recent years that he is a leading talent in the box-to-box area – able to add further quality into the heart of Arteta’s side

.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign highlight the quality he would add to the first-team squad, able to have a major say on their success at either end of the pitch.

According to FBref, De Jong, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Simone Inzaghi, ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (94%) and 97th percentile for progressive passes (9.5).

Frenkie de Jong’s stats for Barcelona (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	26
Goals & assists	4
Pass accuracy	94%
Progressive passes	9.5
Shot on target accuracy	60%
Passes into final third	11.1
Carries into final third	3.1
Tackles won	1.5
Interceptions made	2.4
Stats via FBref

Such numbers could allow him to pick out the likes of Gyokeres within the final third, allowing the Swede to have a huge impact during his maiden campaign in North London.

Despite featuring in a deeper position than Eze, he has still showcased the threat he possesses in front of goal, achieving a 60% shot on target rate – putting him in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe.

Out of possession, the former Ajax star has also impressed, winning 1.5 tackles per 90 and making 2.4 interceptions – able to break up the player before progressing the ball into dangerous areas.

Whilst another attacking-minded player is still high on the club’s shortlist, a deal for De Jong is one the hierarchy simply can’t pass up between now and the transfer deadline.

If he can replicate such talents in England, he would be a bargain transfer and one that can still help the club in their quest to end their two-decade wait for a top-flight title.

Arsenal could seal a better signing than Gyokeres & Eze in £100m sensation

Arsenal could land a better player than Eze & Gyokeres in sensational talent.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 16, 2025

Rohit Sharma has linked up with Mumbai’s squad for their training sessions ahead of the second phase of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, starting January 23. The group had a two-hour centre-wicket session at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, and are expected to train through the week as they build up to their sixth-round home fixture against Jammu and Kashmir.India Test and ODI captain Rohit’s participation in the game is not yet confirmed, but his keenness to train with the group in consultation with head coach Omkar Salvi suggests that there is a possibility he could be available for at least one of the two remaining fixtures. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is expected to announce the squad later this week.Related

• Kohli available for Delhi's Ranji Trophy game starting January 30

• Rohit Sharma keeps his spot as captain for England ODIs and Champions Trophy

• India's Champions Trophy squad: Will Bumrah be ready in time? And what about Kuldeep?

• India's decision-makers ponder the Rohit-Kohli question

• Shastri wants Rohit and Kohli to return to domestic cricket

Rohit’s return to train with his first-class side comes at a time when his Test future has become a subject of great debate. Rohit, 37, isn’t ready to give up just yet, having clearly stated his intention to continue playing in the longest format despite having “stood down” from India’s XI for the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney earlier this month.He had scored just 31 runs in five innings across three Tests on tour in Australia. Prior to that, he had averaged 13.30 over ten innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand during the 2023-24 home season, during which he led India to a shock 3-0 defeat to New Zealand, the first time ever that India had been whitewashed at home in a series of three or more matches.Rohit Sharma bats during a training session with the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team•PTI

After the SCG Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir had stressed on the importance of Test players turning up to play domestic first-class cricket as often as possible. He had also refused to speculate over the future of the Test future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, another veteran who has been well off his best in recent times.When asked about his thoughts on a long-term roadmap for the team in red-ball cricket, and whether it was time to invest in youngsters, Gambhir had said, “Look, it’s too early to talk about it. The series has just got over. I think we still have five more months to plan where we want to head towards. But it’s not the right moment right now for me to talk about that. Where are we going to be after five months?”A lot of things change in sport. Forms change. People change. Attitude change. Everything changes in sport. And we all know that five months is a long time. So, let’s see before the [England] series what’s going to happen. But whatever will happen, will happen for the best interest of Indian cricket.”Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, are primed to make the knockouts. They are currently third in Group A with three wins in five matches, only a point behind second-placed Jammu and Kashmir.

One thing’s for certain: Liverpool are primed for an eventful end to the summer transfer window.

FSG are diligent operators, with Anfield’s transfer strategy driven by two of the best in the business in Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, and this was clear through the swift signings of full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and the British-record signing of playmaker Florian Wirtz, which was wrapped up in June.

However, the pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been anything but expeditious, with the Reds having seen a British-record bid worth £110m plus add-ons rejected at the start of August, following weeks of intense speculation and suggestion that the Sweden international wants to move to Anfield.

Now, it’s getting messy. The 25-year-old is aggrieved about the way his and Newcastle’s transfer window has transpired, and is insistent that he has played his final match for the Magpies.

Liverpool need another striker, having sold Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal in a deal rising to £57m after parting ways with Luis Diaz, now garbed in Bayern Munich’s kit.

But did Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace make a comment on Arne Slot’s attacking line?

What the Community Shield told us

Last month, Liverpool signed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike for a £79m fee, adding one of the most talented forwards in Europe to Slot’s squad.

Isak’s future broods in the background, but the French forward stepped up and scored during the Community Shield at Wembley, expertly converting following Wirtz’s fizzed pass just four minutes into his debut.

The 23-year-old told Liverpool and the fanbase that he’s ready to become a major player at Anfield and in the Premier League, bearing the potential to rival the likes of Isak for a place as one of Europe’s top strikers.

Though defensive fragility and thinness were clear against the Eagles, the Merseysiders also lack depth up top. And though Ekitike is the real deal, it’s imperative that Hughes and co welcome another forward to Liverpool’s mix this month.

Liverpool lining up Isak alternative

Liverpool want Isak, but they are ready to pounce on other attacking targets should the need arise. And according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bradley Barcola sits right at the top of the shortlist.

Transfer Focus

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

Discussing the Premier League champions’ outstanding transfer plans this summer with GIVEMESPORT, Romano confirmed that internal discussions have been held behind the scenes over a move for Barcola, 22, who has emerged as a superstar at PSG.

Instrumental in driving Luis Enrique’s quadruple-winning 2024/25 campaign, the France international has been valued at around €100m (equating to around £87m) by the French giants, who hope to tie Barcola down to a long and lucrative new contract in Paris.

The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe has suggested Liverpool could move to sign a left-sided forward along with a nine such as Isak, and with that in mind, could the Reds not pull off a stunning double swoop?

Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola

Barcola has flaws in his game; he’s certainly not the finished product. But how exciting is that? The French winger, after all, posted 21 goals and 21 assists apiece across all competitions for PSG last season, winning four major titles, including the Champions League.

Already considered to be a “world-class player” by Liverpool and Romano, Barcola’s pace and potency down the left flank suggest he could be the perfect Diaz replacement and contrast to the more goal-focused Cody Gakpo. While the Frenchman may be the Swede’s alternative at the moment, we can envisage a team where they co-exist.

Isak is a striker of startling completeness, and that’s why he could work so fluently with Barcola, whose grasp of the technical side of the game would work well alongside the Scandinavian talent’s goalscoring qualities.

Last season, it was clear that Eddie Howe reduced the scope of Isak’s game, thus streamlining his prolific capacity and giving rise to his standout strength.

Alexander Isak’s Last Two PL Seasons
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	30 (27)	34 (34)
Goals	21	23
Assists	2	6
Touches*	26.8	33.3
Shots (on target)*	2.4 (1.4)	2.9 (1.4)
Big chances missed	21	18
Pass completion	80%	77%
Big chances created	5	11
Key passes*	0.9	1.2
Dribbles*	1.4	1.2
Ball recoveries*	1.3	1.6
Tackles + interceptions*	0.4	0.5
Duels (won)*	2.4	2.8
Data via Sofascore

Even so, Isak still enjoyed plenty of creative moments, with that fact further substantiated through his ranking among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Slot loves players who can do multiple things, and so Isak’s role at number nine would come with the ancillary duty of supplying teammates.

This would be helpful for Barcola, who enjoyed much success in front of goal last year, albeit not producing true clinical results. Indeed, across PSG’s league and European campaigns, the £109k-per-week talent might have scored 17 goals, but he also missed 33 big chances, highlighting ample room for improvement there.

Luckily, he’s got a knack for finding space and shooting, and his 21-goal return last year is hardly something to be sniffed at.

With great ball-carrying ability, creative focus and the potential to become a truly deadly goalscorer, Barcola is surely the perfect partner for a striker like Isak, whose intelligence and off-the-ball movement would accommodate the France star when he wants the headlines.

And when Barcola is the one tasked with supplying Isak? Well, expect a seamless connection, striking fear into the rest of the Premier League and indeed Europe.

Dream Van Dijk heir: Romano confirms Liverpool want £34m Guehi alternative

Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-back in the transfer market this month.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 12, 2025

This summer has to be one of Chelsea’s best in a very long time.

On the pitch, Enzo Maresca has led his men to Club World Cup glory, and off the pitch, they’ve been incredibly active in the transfer market.

The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens have all joined and improved the side, and yet the Blues continue to be linked with some of the most exciting players in the world, like Hugo Ekitiké.

In fact, one of the West Londoners’ current players is being linked with an exit, an exit that could free up space to sign the £85m Frenchman, although with Newcastle United and Liverpool both reportedly keen, they will have to move quickly.

Why so many teams want Ekitike

It was earlier this week that news of Newcastle’s interest in Ekitike began to gather pace, and then yesterday afternoon, more reports emerged claiming Liverpool were also looking at him as an alternative to an even more ambitious deal for Alexander Isak.

So are three of the biggest clubs in the Premier League all interested in signing the Eintracht Frankfurt forward this summer?

Well, simply put, he proved himself to be a lean, mean output machine in Germany last season and the sort of player who could help all three sides achieve their goals next season.

For example, in 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the prolific Reims-born forward scored a whopping 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

That means the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes – talk about world-class.

Moreover, that level of output would be incredible for a striker at the very peak of his career, but the Frenchman is nowhere near the peak, as he is still just 23 years old, and according to research carried out by The Athletic, he has another four years before he reaches it.

In other words, with the right coaching and the right team, we can expect his numbers to continue improving for some time, which is a scary yet exciting thought.

With all that said, due to his massive price tag and the hefty wages he’d probably demand, Chelsea would likely need to sell a player before moving for him, which, based on reports, they could do, and to a Premier League rival no less.

The star Chelsea could sell

With Delap and Pedro joining the side this summer and already impressing at the Club World Cup, it would make sense for Chelsea to consider selling a striker to facilitate room for Ekitike.

Transfer Focus

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

Therefore, the player in question who could well depart Stamford Bridge this summer is none other than Nicolas Jackson, who, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth, is being monitored by several top sides, including Manchester United and Aston Villa.

In terms of the potential fee the Senegalese star could generate for the Blues, reports vary.

On Saturday morning, the Sun revealed that the club had placed a whopping £100m price tag on his head, but then later that same day, French journalist Nabil Djellit claimed that the West Londoners would be willing to let the player leave for around €70m, which converts to £61m.

Whatever the final price ends up being, it appears that Chelsea will make a sizable profit on the £32m they paid for the “unbelievable” forward, as dubbed by Peter Crouch, two years ago.

Moreover, it’d free up more funds to sign Ekitike, who would be a massive upgrade.

Jackson scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2535 minutes last season, which comes out to an average of 1.94 goal involvements per match or one every 133.42 minutes.

Appearances

48

37

Minutes

3644′

2535′

Goals

22

13

Assists

12

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

133.42′

That is not a bad rate of return by any means, but it does pale in comparison to what the Frankfurt star was able to produce last season.

Ultimately, Jackson is a good player, but if selling him this summer allows the club to sign Ekitike, then Chelsea should be doing all they can to drum up even more interest, even if the fee ends up closer to £60m than £100m.

Chelsea in talks to sign £40m "superstar" who'd brilliantly replace Madueke

With Noni Madueke on his way to Arsenal for £52m, Chelsea remain “in contact” to sign one of the Premier League’s “brightest young talents” for £40m.

1 Jul 15, 2025

Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been called up; Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the first Test

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2024

Temba Bavuma is expected to be fit for the second Test of the series•AFP/Getty Images

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first Test in Bangladesh after scans revealed a muscle strain in his left triceps. Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the first Test, in Dhaka from October 21. With Nandre Burger earlier ruled out of the series because of a lumbar stress reaction, Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad.A CSA statement said that Bavuma will “travel with the squad to Dhaka on Tuesday and continue his recovery under the supervision of the Proteas medical team in preparation for the second Test”, which will start in Chattogram on October 29.On October 6, Bavuma was ruled out of the third and final ODI against Ireland with what was understood to be an elbow injury. He had retired hurt during the second ODI, on October 4, and didn’t field in that match. Rassie van der Dussen led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, with Markram rested for that series.Brevis, CSA said, has been called up “as cover” for Bavuma. He hasn’t played a Test match yet – he has only played two T20Is so far – but has played 12 first-class matches, most recently for South Africa A against Sri Lanka A in Benoni, where he scored 49 and 74 in a five-wicket loss.Ngidi, who played all three ODIs against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, picking up two-fors in the first two matches, now completes the fast-bowling department which also has Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder, the allrounder.South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh tourTemba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram (capt for first Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Kent’s slide towards Division Two continues with innings defeat at Edgbaston

ECB Reporters Network31-Aug-2024

Oliver Hannon-Dalby took six-for•Getty Images

Warwickshire banked their first Vitality County Championship victory of the season in the most emphatic fashion, by an innings and 21 runs over struggling Kent, before lunch on the third day at Edgbaston.Kent were bowled out in their second innings for 243 on the third morning as Warwickshire’s seamers completed the demolition job they start on their opponents on the first day.Bowled out for 156 first time round, Kent mustered little more at their second attempt even against the Kookaburra ball on an easing pitch as Oliver Hannon-Dalby took 6 for 43 (9 for 74 in the match).Only Joey Evison (65) offered prolonged resistance as the visitors’ dismal season delivered a sixth successive Championship defeat and another shunt towards relegation. Injuries to key pair Tawanda Muyeye and Grant Stewart only added to a grim three days in the West Midlands for Matt Walker’s side.After Kent resumed on the third morning on 157 for 3, they advanced comfortably enough to 171 before Hannon-Dalby hit them with a burst of 3 for 6 in 14 balls. Sharp in-duckers trapped Jack Leaning and Muyeye lbw and Charlie Stobo sent his first ball to Rob Yates at second slip.Hannon-Dalby was 60 percent of the way to taking all 10, but that pathway was ended by Ed Barnard who trapped Stewart lbw and followed up with the wicket of Matt Parkinson, who edged to wicketkeeper Michael Burgess.Alfie Ogborne edged Michael Rae to slip before Evison, running out of partners, lifted Barnard for six to reach a 93-ball half-century. Evison batted impressively in both innings but when another attempt to clear the ropes, off Michael Booth, found only Alex Davies at long-on, another Championship ordeal for Kent was complete.Their Division One status will expire shortly but Warwickshire’s appears safe for another year after this victory as other teams in the bottom half of the table struggle in their games around the country.