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Manchester United are on a roll following recent victories, including the morale-boosting win over deadly rivals Liverpool at Anfield. But the dust has settled on that fine win and boss Ruben Amorim has another landmark target to overcome when they face Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Mixed results so far for Man United

It’s been a turbulent period for Man United following a dismal 15th-place finish and a Europa League final defeat last season, the club also failed to qualify for European competition. Amorim's side currently sit ninth in the Premier League, but top-four ambitions have improved following recent, positive results. The new-look attack, featuring signings Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, have shown promise but the early exit from the Carabao Cup to Grimsby Town was damaging. With significant transfer activity and a lack of European football, the pressure remains on Amorim to deliver more consistent results and improve on the previous season's poor performance.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim facing injury worries ahead of Brighton

Amorim said: "The squad is fine. We have some doubts, we had some issues during the week, with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Knocks, but nothing serious. Licha (Martinez) is out, but the rest are ready for the game. I think it's always going to be like always, but it's going to be a very difficult game. It's a difficult team. They are fun to watch, really good with build-up, really strong with transitions in every aspect of the game and are doing well with set-pieces. I don't know (when he will return), he trained really well. Not with us, but on the next pitch and I was watching also the training. He's feeling well and the knee is responding really well, so I don't want to say one specific day or week, but he's near to starting the training with the team. Then it depends whether he wins a place or not. That will depend on him, but he is closer to returning to (full) training."

The numbers stack up for Amorim

Following their victory against Sunderland before the international break, Amorim's side secured that thrilling win at Anfield, achieving back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time under the Portuguese boss. The double gave United a significant boost and moved them within two points of Liverpool. Amorim's next challenge is to build on this success and guide United to a third consecutive victory, a feat the club has not accomplished in 49 games. That winning run came during games in February last year when they beat Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa, which was part of a larger winning streak under former manager Erik ten Hag.

On the win over Liverpool, Amorim said: "We use the good spirit of winning games we know that was a good weekend for us but our focus is on the next game. That is in the past and we need to understand that football changes a lot, especially this kind of club so we are not thinking about the last game, we are thinking about this game and it is going to be really hard to win."

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Getty Images SportAmorim lauds changing systems

Amorim said: "We have one identity, one way of playing but we adapt what kind of game we need to play in the moment. You could sense that the first half against Sunderland was not the same as the second half. We know how to manage that. Against Liverpool we scored right away in the first play and then we managed the game and played a different style because it was needed in that moment – that is a good thing. Then we have a good spirit and sometimes when you have a good spirit, you have a bit of luck that you need to win games."  

After the visit of Brighton, United have away matches at Nottingham Forest on November 1st and Tottenham on November 8th. Later in November, they will host Everton.

أكد عبد الرحمن سمير حارس مرمى نادي إنبي، أن ما يحققه الفريق البترولي من نتائج جيدة هذا الموسم في الدوري المصري هو نتاج عمل الجهاز الفني واللاعبين منذ أواخر الموسم الماضي، مشددًا على أن الفريق لديه هدف أهم هذا الموسم وهو تعويض ما حدث الموسم الماضي من أجل عودة اسم إنبي كبيرًا كبراند.

وكان إنبي قد تعادل إيجابيا مع الأهلي بهدف لكل فريق، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من عمر مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز. 

وقال سمير في تصريحات عبر إذاعة أون سبورت إف إم: “نعمل ونجتهد بشكل جيد كفريق من أجل تحقيق الهدف، ليس هناك نجم، الفريق هو النجم، وما نتدرب عليه نحاول تطبيقه في المباريات والحمد لله النتائج والأرقام والمستويات جيدة والقادم أفضل”.

وأضاف حارس مرمى نادي إنبي: “مباراة الأهلي مختلفة عن أي مباراة أخرى في الدوري، الجهاز الفني يطبق سياسة كل مباراة بطولة وهو ما يجعلنا نقاتل على كل نقطة، واجهنا الأهلي أحسن نادي في إفريقيا، بعد دراسة جيدة، كان لدينا ثقة كبيرة بإمكانية تحقيق الفوز وبالفعل قدمنا مباراة كبيرة وكنا الأقرب للفوز على الأهلي”.

طالع.. وليد سليمان يعاتب لاعبي الأهلي.. ويطالب بصفقتين هامتين

وتابع: “التعادل مع الأهلي ليس سيئًا، أصابتنا حالة من الاستغراب من مستوى لاعبي الأهلي، وشعرنا بوجود حالة استسلام منهم بعد هدف التعادل، شخصية الأهلي كانت غير موجودة والبطل الذي نعرفه لم يكن حاضرًا، والحمد لله نجحنا في استغلال تلك الحالة وكنا الأقرب لتحقيق الفوز على الأهلي”.

وأشار سمير إلى أن لاعبي إنبي شعروا بالظلم من تراجع الحكم عن قراره في واقعة طرد محمد الشناوي، مؤكدًا أن التحكيم يميل لمحاباة الفرق الكبرى مثل الأهلي والزمالك، والحكم راعى ظروف الأحمر الصعبة والأجواء غير الجيدة.

وواصل: “رغم ذلك لقطة محمد الشناوي كانت نقطة تحول في المباراة، منحتنا الثقة وجعلتنا نتعاهد بين شوطي المباراة على القتال من أجل الفوز، إنبي فريق كبير ونحن لاعبين كبار وما نقدمه يثبت ذلك”.

وشدد حارس مرمى نادي إنبي: “لقطة التصدي لتسديدة مروان عطية في الوقت القاتل من المباراة، كانت لقطة فارقة جديدة، منحتنا الثقة والقدرة للحفاظ على التعادل والأمل في تحقيق الفوز، ربنا كرمني في تلك اللقطة ونجحت في التصدي للكرة بتوفيق من الله وحافظت على التعادل”.

واختتم: “زعلت جدًا على التعادل مع الأهلي، كنا قادرين على الفوز بكل سهولة، ربما يستغرب البعض من كلامي، لكننا كنا أمام فرصة جيدة لتحقيق انتصار تاريخي على نادي كبير بحجم الأهلي”.

£25m very much appears to be the benchmark for any high-profile Celtic sale.

Matt O’Riley, Jota and Kieran Tierney have all been sold for that amount in recent years, with Nicolas Kühn’s move to Como this summer, for a reported fee of around £16.5m, not quite reaching that mark.

Given Celtic’s very successful player trading model, their entire business plan revolving around signing less-known players on the cheap, providing them with a platform on which to shine and then selling them for an enormous profit, many more players are set to follow suit in exiting for a big amount.

Well, could a breakout start of this season prove to be the next player to do just that, and it might not be who you think it is?

Sebastian Tounekti's start to life at Celtic

Sebastian Tounekti signed for Celtic from Hammarby for a reported fee of £5.2m, which is already looking like a bargain.

He has become the second Tunisian international to call Parkhead home, after Lassad Nouioui, who made 19 appearances for the club in 2012/13, with Tounekti, arguably, already making more of an impact, scoring his first goal for the club against Partick Thistle in the League Cup last Sunday.

In fact, Tounekti has started all three matches since making the move from Stockholm, including Wednesday night’s commendable 1-1 draw with Crvena zvezda in the Europa League, replaced in the 77th minute by fellow new recruit Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

The 23-year-old is hoping to be very busy over the next 12 months, set to represent Tunisia at both the Africa Cup of Nations in December and then the World Cup next summer, the Eagles of Carthage having qualified earlier this month, with Tounekti coming off the bench during their most recent international against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.

However, it is another of the new faces in Celtic’s side whose value could exponentially increase the most, catching the eye of onlookers.

Celtic's new star at full-back

Right-back has been something of a problem position for Brendan Rodgers in recent weeks, ever since Alistair Johnston suffered a hamstring tear during the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Kairat last month.

Then, reliable deputy Anthony Ralston sustained a foot injury which saw him withdraw from international duty, as well as miss all three club matches so far this month.

Thus, 19-year-old Colby Donovan has started against Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle and now Red Star Belgrade, having made his senior debut as recently as August against Livingston, but he has been earning widespread praise.

The teenager made 36 appearances for Celtic B in the Lowland League and SPFL Trust Trophy, as well as starting all seven UEFA Youth League games last season, and has seemingly transitioned into senior football seamlessly.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton labelled him “mature beyond his years”, while manager Rodgers hailed his “outstanding” performance in Belgrade, adding “he played with personality, composure and has a toughness to him where he’s not going to get beat easily.”

His statistics below emphasise his impressive showing at Stadion Rajko Mitić.

Tackles

3

2nd

Duels contested

11

1st

Duels won

6

2nd

Aerial duels contested

5

2nd

Accurate passes

34

10th

Touches

69

6th

After the match, speaking to TNT Sports, Donovan said that he was “over the moon” and it was a “dream come true”, praising the impact of the “brilliant” Rodgers on his confidence and development.

Thus, even if Ralston is back fit, he was an unused substitute at the Marakana, the teenager could keep his place for the visit of Hibernian on Saturday, before Braga visit Glasgow in the next Europa League fixture on Thursday.

As already alluded to, Celtic’s most-expensive academy sale of all-time remains the £25m Arsenal paid to sign Tierney back in 2019.

By the time he departed for London, Tierney had made almost 150 appearances in hoops, winning 12 Scotland caps, so Donovan certainly has a long way to go, but he certainly has the quality to follow in those footsteps as Parkhead’s next homegrown full-back sensation.

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There is less than a week until the transfer window closes, and West Ham United still have plenty of work to do.

Graham Potter’s side have made a few exciting signings this summer, like El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters, but as the last few games have shown, they need plenty more.

Moreover, while he ultimately underwhelmed during his time at the club, Edson Alvarez is now in Turkey, which has only made the Hammers’ need for midfield reinforcements that much more acute.

Luckily, they appear to be closing in on a deal for Soungoutou Magassa and, if reports are to be believed, they’re also making moves to bring in someone who’d be an even better signing.

West Ham United target better signing than Magassa

While their interest in Magassa likely stretches back further, reports of West Ham’s desire to sign the Frenchman started to emerge late last week.

Transfer Focus

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Impressively, the Hammers have moved unusually quickly to secure the services of the AS Monaco ace, as he underwent his medical with the club yesterday and could be announced before the end of this week.

The 21-year-old looks like he’ll be a great addition to Potter’s squad, but it now looks like the East Londoners are already moving on to new targets, including someone who is even better than Magassa.

At least that is according to Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Exequiel Palacios.

In fact, the journalist has revealed that the Irons have already made contact with Bayer Leverkusen to discuss a deal for the incredible Argentine.

Interestingly, while it is not clear how much the £83k-per-week ace would cost the club, the report states he could be available on loan, which makes him an even more enticing prospect.

It could still be a complicated deal to get over the line, but Palacios would be more than worth it, especially as he’s better than Magassa.

How Palacios compares to Magassa

It should be made clear that both Magassa and Palacios would be excellent signings for West Ham this summer, but there are a few reasons the latter would be that little bit better.

The first is his impressive experience, as, at 26 years old, he has spent far more time playing at the highest level and exceeding there.

For example, the Famaillá-born maestro has made 160 appearances for Leverkusen, 87 for River Plate and won 36 senior caps for Argentina.

Moreover, he has a genuinely spectacular trophy cabinet that includes a Bundesliga, a DFB-Pokal, two Argentine Cups, the Copa Libertadores, two Copa América titles, and a World Cup.

In contrast, the 21-year-old Monaco star has just an Olympic silver medal to his name, and while that may well change in time, he won’t be able to bring the same winning experience to the London Stadium.

The second, and arguably the most meaningful, reason the Leverkusen star would be the better signing this summer is that, when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, he comes out on top in most relevant statistics.

These metrics include things like expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes, shots, shot and goal-creating actions, passing accuracy, and so many more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.30

0.12

Non-Penalty G+As

0.55

0.09

Progressive Carries

1.17

0.53

Progressive Passes

7.58

5.53

Shots

1.01

0.70

Shots on Target

0.62

0.26

Passing Accuracy

90.1%

84.6%

Key Passes

2.19

0.61

Passes into the Final Third

7.58

5.88

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.48

0.88

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

1.67

Goal-Creating Actions

0.70

0.09

Tackles Won

1.17

2.19

Interceptions

1.02

1.84

In other words, while he might not be quite as defensively solid as the Frenchman, the “box-crashing” Leverkusen star, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is an all-action midfielder who is as much of a goalscoring threat as a creative one.

Ultimately, West Ham should sign both Magassa and Palacios to give themselves the best chance of making this season a success; however, for our money, the latter would be the better addition of the two.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 27, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

São Paulo e Fluminense se encontram neste sábado (1), às 16h (de Brasília), pela 13ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A partida acontecerá no estádio do Morumbi.

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Este seria mais um retorno de Fernando Diniz ao Morumbi. Desde quando saiu do Tricolor paulista, em 2020, enfrentou sua ex-equipe três vezes. E nestes três reencontros, não perdeu nenhum. Mas suspenso, Eduardo Barros deve conduzir.

O São Paulo terá algumas baixas importantes para a partida. Calleri, que apresentou um quadro de dores nas costas após o jogo contra o Tigre, não treinou durante a semana e será desfalque. Pablo Maia, por sua vez, treinou normalmente – a única dúvida é se começa com os titulares.

Outro novo desfalque será Beraldo, titular na zaga. A Cria de Cotia sofreu uma lesão ligamentar no tornozelo após uma entorse. Além dos dois, Caio também se junta aos desfalques. Por estar emprestado pelo Fluminense, por questões contratuais, o Tricolor teria que pagar uma multa milionária para tê-lo nesta partida. Assim, Patryck Lanza deve assumir.

Para os tricolores paulistas apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

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IMPERDÍVEL! Transmissão ao vivo dos jogos do Tricolor de Laranjeiras na Liberta por apenas R$1,00!

O Fluminense luta para engatar uma sequência de vitórias e entrar no G4 do Campeonato Brasileiro. Porém, a equipe terá de driblar obstáculos no confronto com o São Paulo.

André sentiu dores musculares e sequer viajou para São Paulo. Cotado como substituto de Nino, que cumpre suspensão automática, David Braz também se tornou baixa para o duelo de logo mais.

O Tricolor das Laranjeiras deve depositar as fichas em Felipe Andrade como opção para a zaga. O defensor atuou improvisado na lateral. Martinelli tende a atuar no meio, ao lado de Lima e Ganso. A confiança da equipe passa pelo trio Arias, Cano e Keno.

SÃO PAULO XTIGRE
Local:Estádio do Morumbi, São Paulo (SP)
Data/Horário:1/7/2023, às 16h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Anderson Daronco (Fifa-RS)
Assistentes: Guilherme Dias Camilo (Fifa-MG) e Michael Stanislau (RS)
VAR: Igor Junio Benevenuto de Oliveira(VAR-Fifa)
Onde assistir: Premiere e em tempo real noLance!

SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Dorival Júnior)
Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Alan Franco e Patryck; Méndez (Nestor), Gabriel Neves, Luan (Pablo Maia); Luciano, Wellington Rato (Rodriguinho) e Juan.
Desfalques: Ferraresi (cirurgia no joelho direito), Talles Costa (transição após sutura no menisco do joelho direito), Moreira (transição após cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Igor Vinícius (transição após cirurgia no púbis), Welington (transição após cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo), Galoppo (cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Erison (aprimora a forma física após estiramento em fibrose da coxa esquerda), Michel Araujo (estiramento na panturrilha esquerda), Calleri (dores nas costas), Caio (questões contratuais), Beraldo (lesão ligamentar)
Pendurados: Alan Franco, Rafinha, Raí Ramos, Caio, Rodriguinho, Wellington Rato, David, Luciano e Calleri. Além de Dorival Júnior e Lucas Silvestre.
Suspenso: –

FLUMINENSE (Técnico: Eduardo Barros)
Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Felipe Andrade (Luan Freitas), Felipe Melo e Marcelo; Martinelli (Thiago Santos), Lima e Ganso ; Arias, Cano e Keno.
Desfalques: Jorge (recuperação de cirurgia), Alexsander (lesão no terço proximal da musculatura posterior da coxa direita,) André, David Braz (lesionados), Vitor Mendes (afastado por esquemas de apostas), Manoel (suspensão preventiva por doping), Nino e Fernando Diniz (suspenso).
Pendurados: Fábio, Thiago Santos e Keno.

Crystal Palace are now targeting a “clinical” Premier League forward as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, amid continued interest from Tottenham.

Eze tells Palace to let him join Tottenham

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Eze has informed Palace of his desire to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with the move still expected to go through, despite the 27-year-old starting against Chelsea at the weekend.

Consequently, the Eagles will now be tasked with bringing in a replacement for the England international, and Ornstein names Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis as two potential options.

However, a deal for El Khannouss could be difficult to orchestrate, as the Moroccan’s release clause has now expired, and Leicester will be tough negotiators, while journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed Brugge are extremely reluctant to sell Tzolis.

As such, Crystal Palace may be forced to move on to alternative targets, and they are now eyeing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Hee-chan as a direct replacement for Eze, with Tottenham recently submitting a bid for the Englishman.

That is according to Lianos on X, who also states the Eagles are weighing up the possibility of bringing in the Wolves forward on a loan deal.

The interest in Tzolis and El Khannouss remains, but Brugge are playing hardball over the former, having already rejected a £26m offer.

Related "Elite" player tells his club to accept Crystal Palace bid

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025 "Clinical" Hwang could reignite career at Selhurst Park

The 2024-25 campaign wasn’t the South Korean’s best by any stretch, chipping in with just two goals in the Premier League, however, the forward has previously proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top flight.

Most notably, the 29-year-old chipped in with an impressive 12 goals and three assists for the Old Gold in the 2023-24 campaign, during which time he was lauded as “clinical” by journalist Alex Richards.

As such, if the Wolves ace, who is known to pocket £70k-a-week, were able to get back to those levels, he could be a solid signing for Palace, although there are doubts over whether the South Korea international should be brought in as a direct replacement for Eze.

Hwang has most commonly featured as a centre-forward throughout his career to date, and Palace need to bring in a player who specialises in attacking midfield, so El Khannouss, who has two assists in two Championship games this season, should be their top target.

Left-arm spinner was reported by umpires during one-off appearance at Taunton in September

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2024Shakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh allrounder, has been asked to undergo analysis of his bowling action by the England and Wales Cricket Board, after being reported by the umpires during his one-off appearance for Surrey in this season’s County Championship.Shakib, 37, claimed nine wickets for Surrey in a thrilling Championship clash with Somerset at Taunton in September, his first appearance in the competition since a brief stint with Worcestershire in 2010-11.As a left-arm spinner, he had agreed to a short-term deal to shore up Surrey’s resources for their title push, at a time when eight players were absent on England duty, including both of their frontline spinners, Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence.Related

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Despite his immediate impact, Shakib was not able to prevent Somerset from sealing a remarkable 111-run victory that briefly held up Surrey’s march towards their third Championship title in a row.He bowled more than 63 overs in the fixture, and though he was not no-balled at any stage for throwing, it has now emerged that the on-field umpires, Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns, subsequently deemed his bowling action to be suspect.He is not suspended from playing, but ESPNcricinfo understands that negotiations are ongoing for Shakib to undergo further tests in an approved location, with the expectation that this will occur within the next couple of weeks.It is thought to be the first time that Shakib’s bowling action has come under any scrutiny, in a career that has spanned two decades, and featured a total of 712 wickets across 447 international matches, including 246 in 71 Tests.Shakib’s international career is currently in limbo, following protests that accompanied his withdrawal, on security grounds, from Bangladesh’s Test squad to face South Africa at Mirpur last month. He had previously served as an MP for the longstanding Awami League-led government, which was toppled amid student protests in July.

A lot has gone very right for Chelsea so far this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s men overcame what many assumed would be too big a hurdle in Paris Saint-Germain to win the Club World Cup, and have been making some great moves in the transfer market.

The three big signings made so far are undoubtedly Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, but the club show no signs of stopping there.

For example, recent days and weeks have seen them linked to bona fide superstars like Rodrygo, who could cost up to £86m, and more up-and-coming talents who could develop into stars, like Xavi Simons, who appears to have a £52m price tag on his head.

However, it’s not all about bringing players in, as Chelsea have made several sales, and now it appears that one of the most important players has agreed to leave, which could help fund moves for the Real Madrid and RB Leipzig stars.

Why Chelsea want to sign Rodrygo & Simons

It’s certainly the case that, as things stand, Chelsea have plenty of attacking options in their squad. However, ultimately, having more can never hurt, and when they’re of the quality of Rodrygo and Simons, they could end up being hugely impactful next season.

For example, despite playing out of his preferred left-wing position for most of the last two seasons, the Brazilian “superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

That means the former Santos gem has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years, which is undoubtedly impressive.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

Moreover, when it comes to the Champions League, which the Blues will finally be back in again, his record is remarkable.

In his 64 appearances in the competition, totalling 3883 minutes, the 24-year-old has scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.64 games, or every 99.56 minutes.

However, what’s crucial to consider here is that eight of his 25 goals have been game-winning, and eight have come in the knockout rounds, so he could prove essential if the West Londoners want to make it far in the competition next season.

The Leipzig ace might not have the same pedigree when it comes to Europe’s top competition, but he was still seriously effective for the German outfit last season.

For example, in 33 appearances last season, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born monster scored 11 goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Moreover, despite turning 22 only a few months ago, he has already won 28 senior caps for the Netherlands, in which he has scored five goals and provided four assists, suggesting he’s not fazed by the big stages either.

In all, signing both players would make Chelsea a far more formidable proposition next season, but they’d likely need to make a big sale to do so, which, based on reports, they may well do.

The Chelsea star who has agreed to leave

While their incomings have dominated the conversation for fans, and understandably so, Chelsea have already made a few notable sales this summer, with Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga going to Arsenal for a combined fee of up to £57m, for example.

Transfer Focus

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

However, with the club still clearly looking to make some sizable additions to the squad, some more consequential sales may have to follow.

As things stand, the exits that feel most likely to happen include João Félix’s return to Benfica, Raheem Sterling’s move to an unnamed Champions League side, and potentially the sale of Nicolas Jackson for a tidy profit.

Yet, there is now another, far more important Blues star who is being linked with a massive departure: Enzo Fernández.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, the Argentine international is now a key target for Real Madrid, and a player their new boss, Xabi Alonso, has an ‘obsession’ with and sees as ‘essential’ to improve his midfield.

The report makes it clear that the West Londoners are reluctant to part with their midfield maestro, but he has already given the green light to the Spanish giants, who are working on an offer worth around €150m, equivalent to approximately £130m.

While that is a massive amount of money, and would go a long way in helping to bring in some other game-changing talents, this might be a move that’s hard to stomach for fans if it happens.

After all, the World Cup winner has now made 115 appearances for the Conference League champions, in which he has scored 16 goals, provided 23 assists, and really helped turn Maresca’s side into one that can give anyone a game.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen if this deal goes ahead, but if it does, BlueCo needs to ensure they use the entire fee on new, exciting additions, such as Rodrygo and Simons.

Their new Hazard: Chelsea set to hold talks to sign £95m "superstar"

Chelsea could be set to hold talks to sign a Dutch superstar

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 21, 2025

They say strengthen while you’re on top, and that is exactly what Liverpool have done this summer, with the runaway Premier League champions having already secured three marquee deals to bolster Arne Slot’s ranks.

After a quiet first summer in charge, the Dutch coach has so far welcomed Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez into the fold – alongside two new goalkeepers – with rumours still rife regarding a further move for Crystal Palace captain, Marc Guehi.

With Darwin Nunez’s impending switch to Napoli also heightening the need for a striker, the Reds don’t appear to be done just yet – a scary prospect for the chasing pack.

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

What is yet to be seen, however, is whether such incomings will spark a raft of further outgoings at Anfield to help balance the books, with speculation rife over Luis Diaz’s future at the club.

The latest on Luis Diaz's Liverpool future

Previously looking set to be the man to replace Sadio Mane on the left flank, Diaz found a new home for himself through the middle under the new Slot regime last term, resulting in his best return for the club to date with 25 goals and assists in 50 games in all competitions.

The 28-year-old appears to have properly found his groove in a Liverpool shirt, although with just two years left to run on his existing deal, it remains to be seen what the future lies in store, with talk of an extension having seemingly gone quiet.

That uncertainty has provided a potential opportunity for suitors to pounce, with recent months having seen Barcelona heavily linked with a move, while interest in the Colombian has also emerged from Saudi Arabia.

A further destination also presented itself in the form of Bayern Munich, with the Bundesliga side’s director of sport, Max Eberl, believed to have made contact amid the hopes of landing the £73m-rated forward.

As revealed by journalist Paul Joyce, that approach has been rebuffed by the Merseysiders, with Liverpool holding firm on their stance that the player is not for sale.

Diaz may yet stay at Anfield this summer it would seem – although that’s not to say the club aren’t seeking a potential upgrade in the attacking ranks…

Liverpool's search for a new forward

The Reds’ interest in Alexander Isak remains a hot topic on Merseyside, albeit with the fact remaining that it would take a colossal bid to prise the Swede from St James’ Park, not least with Newcastle United reportedly slapping down a £200m price tag.

Alternative centre-forward options thus need to be considered, with journalist Fabrizio Romano – speaking on his YouTube channel – reporting that Liverpool are actually “discussing” a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The suggestion is that Slot and co will step up their interest in the £85m marksman if and when Nunez’s expected exit is sealed, with Romano stating:

Transfer Focus

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

“Liverpool are working on this deal, they are discussing the possibility of adding Hugo Ekitike to their squad. The idea of Liverpool is to have one more striker, they are waiting to understand what happens with Darwin Nunez with conversations ongoing with Napoli.

“Liverpool can add a new striker, so Hugo Ekitike remains a name on the list for the club.”

Why Ekitike could be an upgrade on Diaz

The beauty of Diaz in Slot’s tenure thus far has been his surprising versatility, with the orthodox left-winger having fashioned a new role for himself as a false nine or centre-forward, amid Nunez’s dismal return of just seven goals across all fronts in 2024/25.

That said, Ekitike also boasts that same flexibility to feature off the left or in a central role, with the promising Frenchman having even eclipsed Diaz’s return of 25 goal involvements last term.

Indeed, the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – racked up a mammoth haul of 34 goals and assists in just 48 games in Germany last time out, having surpassed his Liverpool counterpart in both of those metrics.

Michael Olise

12

18

30

Mason Greenwood

21

6

27

Erling Haaland

22

3

25

Bradley Barcola

14

11

25

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Yamine Lamal

9

15

24

Hugo Ekitike

15

8

23

Florian Wirtz

10

13

23

On the league front, in particular, it was Ekitike who also enjoyed the greater success with 15 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, with Diaz, by contrast, contributing ‘just’ 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

Away from just that end product, the Frankfurt star also came out on top with regard to big chances created (12 vs eight), as well as for successful dribbles completed (1.6 vs 1.5), as per Sofascore, thus showcasing the full array of his talents.

Lauded as a “world-class” figure by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the relative youngster has also been described as looking like the “perfect centre-forward” by TNT pundit Owen Hargreaves – all while still just 23.

While Liverpool certainly don’t need to weaken their ranks by selling Diaz, providing increased competition in the forward line would be a mouthwatering prospect, not least if the Reds would actually be getting an upgrade in the process.

The next Henderson: Liverpool now closing in on a "monster" new signing

Liverpool are running rampant in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 2, 2025

Chelsea are set for a busy summer of incomings and outgoings in the build up to Enzo Maresca’s second season in charge, with some business taking place amid their Club World Cup campaign in the States.

The west Londoners were dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of CWC glory and the potential £97 million on offer if they win the tournament, losing 3-1 to Brazilian top-flight heavyweights Flamengo.

Chelsea hold talks over £70m Brazilian who's spoken to friends about joining

Conversations are ongoing.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2025

Second-half goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Wallace Yan cancelled out Pedro Neto’s early goal to hand Maresca his first defeat since Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle in May, with striker Nicolas Jackson also sent off just four minutes after replacing Liam Delap.

The Senegalese’s future has been a small talking point in some circles, especially since the arrival of Delap in a £30 million deal from Ipswich.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Jackson, due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations next season, could also miss crucial games midway through 2025/2026 and there are reports that the forward’s exit is entirely possible this summer.

“Chelsea do like Jackson but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring more competition in. They believe that he doesn’t have enough to lead Chelsea in the Champions League right now so have looked to bring in others,” said journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, recently.

“In terms of a selling standpoint, they will very much listen to any offers that come in without actively pushing to sell him.

“And on the player side, he has been unhappy this season for various reasons, mainly due to what he feels has been unfair criticism and abuse from his own fans. However, at this moment he has not yet communicated a desire to leave, although that could soon happen.”

Chelsea are also believed to be in the market for another striker after Delap, so signs are pointing towards the 24-year-old’s potential departure from Stamford Bridge.

Nicolas Jackson could leave Chelsea as Napoli and Juventus make contact

As per Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Jackson is now attracting serious interest from Serie A, with both Juventus and Scudetto winners Napoli making contact over a potential deal for the ex-Villarreal star.

He’s deemed “no longer untouchable” by Chelsea, echoing Phillips’ previous report that they could decide to offload Jackson in the event a suitable bid arrives. It wasn’t exactly the young centre-forward’s finest hour against Flamengo, but he did prove a crucial player for Chelsea at times last season, as explained by pundit Joe Cole.

“What I would say about Jackson is he’s made himself one of Chelsea’s most important players,” he told TNT Sports, via Chelsea News, in May.

“Because he does this, he doesn’t give up. He’s hard work. He’s aggressive. All the things, he might not be as measured as other players, but he gives you this.

“Nothing is better when you’re behind him as a midfielder when you’ve got a centre-forward who will chase down everything. It’s fantastic.”

Jackson netted 13 goals in all competitions last term, including 10 in the Premier League, even if he did majorly tail off towards the back-end, partly due to a hamstring injury.

However, if Chelsea do opt to sell, then BlueCo will likely want to make a profit on the £32 million they paid to sign him from La Liga two years ago.