Arne Slot addressed Virgil van Dijk's future at Liverpool and insisted that he looks forward to a long partnership with the "outstanding" defender.
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Van Dijk's contract ends in less than six monthsDefender recently refused to commit his future at AnfieldHowever, Slot hinted that the Dutchman could pen an extensionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Van Dijk, alongside fellow key players Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is currently in the final months of his contract at Anfield. However, there is still a strong belief within Liverpool that the Dutch international will extend his stay, especially given that his performances continue to be at an elite level.
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Speaking in a pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of an FA Cup tie, Slot did not hold back in his praise for Van Dijk’s influence at the club.
"Virgil deserves every compliment he gets," Slot told reporters.
"He's been outstanding for this club for so many years and, since I've been here, he's been outstanding for me as well. Yesterday [in the 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur] was an example of that. He was, in a good way, aggressive, led the team with and without the ball, he was sharp and ready. It was no coincidence it took 80 mins for Tottenham's first shot on target. Virgil, just like many others, has had a good season but he wants to make it a great season."
When asked about Van Dijk’s future at Anfield, Slot belted out an optimistic response and said: "Good health is the first thing I wish him, and I hope to continue working with him for a long time, although I don't think that will surprise you."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the positive outlook from Slot, Van Dijk himself has been more reserved when discussing his future. Following Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup semi-final win, the Dutch international was questioned about his next move but offered little clarity.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he stated: "I am feeling good, what the future brings I have no idea. Anyone who says they know, they are absolutely wrong."
This lack of certainty has left some Liverpool fans anxious, especially given his previous hints about wanting to continue competing at the highest level for several more years.
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
After a commanding performance against Tottenham to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool will now shift their focus to the FA Cup. Their next challenge comes in the form of a fourth-round clash against Championship side Plymouth Argyle this weekend, as they continue their pursuit of silverware under Slot’s leadership.
Jorge Jesus made a surprising U-turn on his Neymar criticism as the "frustrated" Al-Hilal boss admitted the Santos star had "no luck" in Saudi Arabia.
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Neymar had an injury-marred spell at Al-Hilal
Jesus had criticised Brazilian's fitness levels
But has now hailed Neymar as one of the best he's coached
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Neymar made a high-profile switch to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023, leaving Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of €90 million (£75m/$93m). However, his spell in Saudi Arabia was severely disrupted by injuries. After featuring in just five matches, the 33-year-old suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Neymar returned in the following campaign, but his comeback was short-lived, as another injury setback once again forced him onto the sidelines.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Jesus initially suggested that Neymar "can no longer play at the level we are used to." However, the Portuguese coach has now admitted that he was "frustrated" by how things unfolded, acknowledging that Neymar was simply unfortunate rather than past his best.
WHAT JESUS SAID
Softening his stance on Neymar, Jesus in an interview with , said: "I had no luck at all, neither he nor I. He was at Al Hilal with a very serious injury. He was the best player I've worked with since I became a coach. We didn't have much time to show everything he had. A good professional, a good friend, he's not a star.
"But the truth is that things didn't work out. Sometimes, talking to myself, frustrated, I even think 'how come I didn't manage to get this player, who is a superstar, to do well?' But whatever. These things happened. If he left, it had to be for Brazil. He's going to help the national team a lot."
The former PSG star has admitted he left Al-Hilal feeling hurt, particularly by Jesus’ assessment that he was no longer capable of performing at the top level.
Jesus said in response: "Did he leave sad? He did, especially with me. It still hurts me today because he is a star. He is outside the box."
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WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?
Despite rumours linking him to a reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, Neymar instead opted for a six-month contract with boyhood club Santos. The move has been seen as an attempt to rediscover his form and fitness, with the Brazilian aiming to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.
The Red Devils have done some poor business in the transfer market under their American owners – but which players stand out as the worst?
After 18 years of protests, controversy, disillusion and division, the Glazer family's time in charge of football operations at Manchester United came to an end after Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS' purchase of a 25 percent stake in the club in early 2024.
United had been debt-free until the Glazers invested just ÂŁ270 million (ÂŁ346m) of their own money into the ÂŁ790m ($1 billion) deal that saw them become new owners back in 2005, with the rest borrowed against the club. And the Glazers have been accused of using the Red Devils as a cash cow to fund their business empire in the United States ever since.
They haven't attempted to build any bridges with the United faithful either, rarely bothering to attend matches or push through Old Trafford expansion plans. Co-chairman Joel Glazer has overseen the business side of things for United from the comforts of his office in Washington, which serves as further proof of their status as absentee owners.
However, no one could ever accuse the Glazers of failing to invest in the first-team squad. United have spent over ÂŁ2bn ($2.6bn) on new players since their arrival, including a club-record outlay of ÂŁ210m ($269m) in the 2022 summer transfer window. And, United have won 13 major trophies under the American family, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
But regular silverware has proven hard to come by for the Red Devils since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure as manager in 2013, with most of the club's most high-profile signings proving to be huge disappointments. Money doesn't always guarantee success, as GOAL is here to highlight with our definitive ranking of United's biggest flop signings of the Glazer era:
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18Harry Maguire
Still the world's most-expensive defender, Harry Maguire has endured a rollercoaster ever since arriving at Old Trafford from Leicester City in a blockbuster ÂŁ80m ($102m) deal in 2019. The England international was installed as United captain barely six months after joining the club, but he never looked like the right fit for a leadership role, and it was no surprise when he was stripped of the armband in the summer of 2023 after initially falling down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
The record price tag has made Maguire an easy target for critics, with any glaring mistakes or unfortunate moments instantly pounced upon by fans on social media. The 31-year-old eventually won Ten Hag over through hard work and has become an early stalwart for Ruben Amorim, but he will never be an elite centre-back, and his continued presence in the United team only serves to further highlight how far they have fallen as a collective in recent years.
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17Anderson
Ferguson had his fair share of bad buys before bringing the curtain down on his glorious 26-year reign at Old Trafford, including Brazilian ace Anderson – who joined United from Porto for ÂŁ26m ($33m) in the summer of 2007.
Anderson had been recommended to Ferguson by his brother Martin, who famously insisted that the midfielder was "better than Wayne Rooney". His debut campaign was encouraging enough, as he featured in 38 games to help United win a Premier League and Champions League double – albeit without scoring a single goal.
Fitness issues began to hamper Anderson thereafter, though, and he was unable to force his way back into United's starting XI ahead of Paul Scholes or Michael Carrick. Anderson was finally released in February 2015, and former Red Devils coach Mick Clegg later revealed the main reason behind his failure in Manchester.
"Anderson was more than capable of being an absolute stormer of a player," Clegg told . "He just needed his head knocking. He didn't keep fit. He chose not to put in the work, so it's hard to have too much sympathy for him. He was a party animal."
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16Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan was snapped up from Borussia Dortmund for ÂŁ26m ($33m) in July 2016, and he had his moments during his two-year stay at United. The Armenia international scored six goals during the run to Europa League glory in his first season, including one in the final, and also netted a memorable scorpion kick in a Premier League clash against Sunderland.
But he also developed a reputation for going missing in the biggest games, and he eventually lost the favour of head coach Jose Mourinho before being sold to Arsenal in a swap deal involving Alexis Sanchez. He also struggled for consistency with the Gunners, but has since shown the kind of form that initially attracted United to his talents in Serie A.
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15Owen Hargreaves
United spent ÂŁ17m (ÂŁ22m) to sign Hargreaves from Bayern Munich in 2007, despite the fact he had missed the majority of his final season at Allianz Arena after suffering a broken leg. The gamble initially paid off as he enjoyed a solid debut campaign, which included a stellar Champions League final showing against Chelsea.
But the England international only made five more appearances for the Red Devils after that night in Moscow. Hargreaves' body began to let him down, and after two knee surgeries that failed to reignite his career, United released him in 2011. He went on to join United's arch-rivals Manchester City, but only played one league game before retiring at the age of 31.
In his second biography, Ferguson named Hargreaves as the worst signing of his tenure, writing: "He had definite value. But it was all lost in the fog of his lack of games."
GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including more Pulisic magic and a significant injury return
Not so long ago, it was all doom and gloom for some key U.S. internationals. Christian Pulisic's calf didn't work. Then his ankle didn't work. Tim Weah was out. Weston McKennie was stuck at left back. There was no fun to be found.
How things change! Pulisic is back, fit and in form once again – playing a key role as Milan claimed the Supercoppa Italia last week. Weah is also ready to produce again, and could be key for Juventus – albeit in expected limited minutes. Meanwhile Josh Sargent is poised to see the pitch for the first time in months for Norwich after sustaining a groin injury.
There's also good news for Leeds fans and Brenden Aaronson, with the American set to play a role for Daniel Farke's side against Harrogate Town – in a sign that the FA Cup is being taken seriously somewhere. GOALÂ looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
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Christian Pulisic to return to Serie A form
Now it all gets real for Sergio Conceicao. The Milan manager enjoyed a vacation to the Middle East for his first two fixtures in charge, won two big games, and came back with Christian Pulisic's first piece of silverware since he moved to Italy. So far, so good. Welcome to reality, Sergio. Milan aren't bad in Serie A. But they aren't good, either. Eighth place is far short of where Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the ownership group would have wanted the club to be at this stage of the season.
Fortunately, things might be aligning at the right time. The obvious thing here is that Pulisic is back, fit and already looking in fine form. That he and Rafa Leao were both so impactful against Inter in the Supercoppa Italia final will be a massive encouragement. There are also the good vibes of a new manager here: cigars in dressing rooms, smiles for social media.
Everything looks good from the outside. thrown in a kind opponent in Cagliari, who have lost four of their last five, and this could be a high time for a turning point. That eight point gap to fourth place – with two games in hand – might shrink awfully quickly.
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Weston McKennie looks to break winless streak
Juventus remain a confusing football team. They are still the only Serie A club to remain undefeated. But they also have a league-high 11 draws. They have scored 15 goals in 18 games, and play some maddeningly turgid football at times.
This isn't really much fault of Weston McKennie. The USMNT midfielder does what he's told these days. He has gone from benchwarmer, to dynamic center midfielder, to reliable full back. But he did endure a pretty miserable showing in the Supercoppa Italia semi final against his national teammate Pulisic.
The winger ran circles around McKennie, who, for the first time, looked every bit a midfielder used out of position. His 4/11 ground duels won sum it all up. Eight days off might have done him some good. It better have, because there doesn't seem to be an end to his defensive tenure anytime soon. Juventus are frighteningly thin at the back, and McKennie will likely be deployed there again when they face Torino in a local derby. A win would be nice for Thiago Motta and co. The draws are getting boring, at this point.
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Brenden Aaronson sticks in the XI – right decision?
The FA Cup means something to Leeds. It's a refreshing sentiment, these days. The competition has lost its charm, big clubs ignoring the Cup in England with the richest history. Championship sides, too, are looking at it with increasing scorn. What was once a breeding ground for upsets has now become an advertisement for backups and underwhelming narrow victories.
Not for Daniel Farke. The Leeds manager promised that his side would take the competition seriously, and despite playing League 2 minnow Harrogate Town, pledged that Brenden Aaronson would feature for the Whites. Expectations will be high here.
Leeds have to win, especially at home. But in the first meeting ever between the two sides, maybe the magic of the cup will churn out a game to remember. Aaronson, pulling the strings and all, will have to ensure that he does his best to keep his team on the right side of history.
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Joe Scally and Bayern Munich
Bayern don't make things easy for opponents these days. Gone is the team that finished a tepid third in the Bundesliga last year under two different managers. Here they are now, led by Vincent Kompany, who has the Bavarians playing some scintillating stuff and firmly atop the table.
But Joe Scally's Borussia Monchengladbach aren't a bad side. They are well in the mix for a European spot, and have a good home record. The table seems set nicely, then, for an intriguing matchup between the two teams this weekend.
Scally, who has established himself as a starter under Mauricio Pochettino on the USMNT, will have to show he can do it against the electric Leroy Sane to give the Champions League hopefuls a chance.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared just how highly-regarded one member of the Chelsea squad is by the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, following some excellent displays in training at Cobham.
Chelsea preparing for West Ham after victory at Bournemouth
The west Londoners return to action in just two days, as they prepare for a London derby trip to West Ham United and the early Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
ÂŁ80m Chelsea star dealt bad news after injury with return a while off
It’s a serious concern for Enzo Maresca.
ByEmilio Galantini Sep 18, 2024
Chelsea go into the contest on a promising run of form, with their only defeat of the new season coming courtesy of Premier League champions Man City on the opening weekend.
Since then, Enzo Maresca has guided his side to two wins and a draw, including a convincing 6-2 win over Wolves at Molineux. They were unlucky not to beat Crystal Palace considering they dominated the overall play and created many chances, but Eberechi Eze’s curled equaliser from just outside the penalty area meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
West Ham (away)
September 21
Brighton (home)
September 28
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Their first game back from the international break culminated in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend, with summer signing Jadon Sancho laying on an assist for Christopher Nkunku, who won the game with an expertly taken low finish just minutes from added time.
Chelsea were without Malo Gusto through injury, who missed the clash alongside Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.
However, the good news ahead of their visit to West Ham is that Lavia could return for Chelsea after his hamstring problem, with Dewsbury-Hall and Fernandez back in training as well after their recoveries from illnesses. Gusto is available for Chelsea selection again too, so Maresca has been handed a quadruple injury boost before a tough contest in east London.
There will also be more competition for a place in Maresca’s starting line-up as a result. An array of reports this week have shed light on the Chelsea players who have been most eager to earn Maresca’s favour behind the scenes, with Sancho impressing Chelsea chiefs after going the extra mile to make a good impression at Cobham.
Defender Levi Colwill is also Chelsea’s most consistent trainer right now, according to GiveMeSport, but Romano says another member of the team has been turning heads on the training pitch long before them.
Chelsea chiefs blown away by Noni Madueke in training
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, the esteemed reporter claims that the player in question is ÂŁ50,000-per-week winger Noni Madueke.
Romano states that Chelsea have been impressed by Madueke in training, with Blues chiefs believing he is “special” – resulting in the club snubbing interest from Newcastle United this summer.
“It was the end of June, so to be honest, in the confused moment of financial fair play, you remember those days especially with Newcastle very busy trying some swap deals around England to make the financial fair play rules work for them,” said Romano on Newcastle’s summer interest in Madueke.
Madueke-Chelsea
“So Madueke was one of the main targets for Newcastle, then what happened? After all of that, Chelsea, internally, saw how special Noni Madueke was in training and then in the official games under Enzo Maresca.”
Chelsea have been rewarded for their faith in the 22-year-old Englishman, who’s impressed over his three Premier League appearances so far. Madueke even bagged a stunning hat-trick at Wolves three weeks ago, so it looks as if the ex-PSV Eindhoven starlet could make a real impact this term.
Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who has exceeded all expectations at Nottingham Forest following his £25m move from Wolves back in the summer of 2022.
The attacking midfielder has captured the hearts of the fanbase, with his intensity of pressure out of possession, whilst being the heart of the Reds side with the ball at his feet, creating endless opportunities for other attacking players.
He enjoyed his best Premier League campaign to date last season, registering five goals and ten assists in his 37 league appearances – finishing the campaign as the club’s joint-highest contributor in front of goal.
Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has undoubtedly been key in the club’s two previous near misses with relegation, often being the man to create that bit of magic that has often been missing in some of the nervy outings.
However, he may be partnered with one player who would allow the Englishman to reach the next level at the City Ground during the 2024/25 campaign.
Nottingham Forest make bid for talented midfielder
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Nottingham Forest have tabled an offer to sign Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Edoardo Bove in action for Roma in the Europa League.
The 22-year-old has been an unused substitute in both of the first two outings of the new Serie A season, prompting interest from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Bove has also been subject to huge interest from Everton this summer, with the Reds set to rival Sean Dyche’s side over a move for the talented youngster.
The report claims that whilst the fee for the bid is unknown, Daniele De Rossi’s side are willing to part ways with the academy graduate as he searches for more regular first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Whilst he plays in a slightly deeper role than Gibbs-White, he could have a huge impact on the Englishman’s future achievements in the East Midlands.
Why Bove would be perfect for Gibbs-White
Although the Reds have numerous impressive talents in the midfield department, the injury suffered by Danilo during the season opener against Bournemouth could allow for a new addition in the middle of the park.
Earlier this week, Nuno’s side were linked with a move to sign Brazilian talent Andre, but it appears that the Fluminense ace is set for a move to Premier League rivals Wolves before Friday’s deadline.
As a result, attention has been turned to the £30k-per-week Roma midfielder, with Bove possessing a lot of stats that would hugely benefit Gibbs-White in the coming months.
The “intelligent” Italian, as dubbed by former boss José Mourinho, excelled with the ball at his feet last season, registering an 83% pass completion rate – completing an average of 4.5 progressive passes per 90 allowing Gibbs-White to be at the centre of more frequent opportunities should Bove move to the City Ground in the coming days.
Games played
31
Goals + assists
2
Pass accuracy
83%
Progressive passes
4.5
Progressive carries
1.1
Tackles won
3
Blocks made
1.1
Aerials won
1.5
He also starred defensively, winning an average of three tackles per 90, alongside 1.1 blocks, adding more defensive cover to Nuno’s midfield, which could allow the former Wolves talent to operate in a more advanced role once more.
In recent weeks, Gibbs-White has operated in a slightly deeper role than normal, featuring as more of a box-to-box player than an attacking midfielder – but has still impressed, scoring the winning goal in the outing against Southampton last weekend.
However, Bove’s potential arrival could allow him to forget about his defensive responsibilities and continue to cause havoc in attacking areas, further increasing the Reds’ goalscoring output.
Whilst it’s unknown how much the Italian would cost the Reds during the closing stages of the window, he’s demonstrated that he has excellent qualities that would undoubtedly improve Nuno’s midfield options.
However, with just over a day left in the window, the hierarchy would have to operate swiftly if they are to complete an impressive deal for the 22-year-old.
Forget Gimenez: Nottingham Forest hold talks for new CF who's like Gyokeres
The Reds are desperately trying to sign a new striker before tomorrow’s deadline.
Alex Davies notched a fourth half-century of the season before torrential rain condemned Northamptonshire’s LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Lancashire to an inevitable draw at Wantage Road.Only 38 balls were possible following a delayed start, but Lancashire’s diminutive opener made the most of the small window in the weather to reach his landmark with a gorgeous cover drive for four, his sixth boundary in a 105-ball stay.It didn’t come a moment too soon as just three balls later the heavens opened driving the players from the field with Lancashire 88 for 1 and Davies 51 not out.Related
Out of contract, in demand? Alastair Cook, Liam Plunkett, Darren Stevens among those on the market
Rain thwarts attempts to make a game of Kent vs Glamorgan
The cloudburst didn’t last long, but the cumulative affect of the rain throughout the game, rendered a restart impossible. It meant only 34.3 overs had been possible across all four days of this encounter, the second of which was washed out without a ball being bowled.Both sides take eight points each for the draw, enough to move the visitors top of Group 3 ahead of next week’s Roses clash with Yorkshire at Old Trafford.Northamptonshire remain fourth ahead of their visit to Hove to face Sussex, where, weather permitting, they badly need a win to keep alive hopes of being among the six counties chasing the Championship laurels in September.Lancashire skipper Dane Vilas lamented the fact that James Anderson didn’t get a chance to bowl in this match before joining the England squad for their two-Test series against New Zealand starting next week.”It’s terrible when you come to a ground like this, see such a nice pitch and then you don’t get much cricket on it,” Vilas said. “Guys like Jimmy needed overs. That was the main thing for him going towards the Test match.”We won’t have Jimmy against Yorkshire – he’ll be back in the England bubble on Friday, but we have a good stable of fast bowlers who as always have learnt a lot from him.”The bowlers have had a heavy workload this season with the schedule, but saying that we had a week off last week and now this game here. We’ve topped up with a few overs in the mornings in the indoor centre and we’re fresh and ready for the next two games.”Adam Rossington, the Northamptonshire captain, said: “The weather has beaten us. The ground-staff have been fantastic doing their best to get us on when they could, but just one of those things.”I think the closer we get to the end of this section of the competition teams might be trying to set up some run chases to get results. We have got to get first-innings runs which will be the key to setting up those games.”
Liverpool are now closing in on the signing of an international player, who could become Arne Slot’s first signing at the football club.
The Reds have had to be patient this summer, as it’s been a struggle for the club to get players into the club. However, their lack of transfers didn’t affect the club’s start to the new Premier League season, as they secured a 2-0 win on the opening weekend against Ipswich Town.
Liverpool hit gold on "special" talent worth more than Branthwaite & Guehi
He’ll be hoping to explode under Slot’s leadership this season…
ByAngus Sinclair Aug 21, 2024 Liverpool transfer news
There has been a lot of change at Anfield in the last few months, as the club is now getting on with life after Jurgen Klopp, and they are also under a new regime in terms of people at the sporting director level, as Richard Hughes has joined the club from Bournemouth.
So, changes in the dugout and higher up have seen the club take their time to adapt, and that has potentially affected them in the transfer market, as the club has yet to get a new player on board. However, that is without a lack of trying, as Liverpool were very keen on signing midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but it was revealed last week that he will not be moving to the Premier League and instead staying with Real Sociedad.
Martin Zubimendi in action
Liverpool have also been mentioned with a possible move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in recent days. It has been claimed that the England defender has admirers at Anfield, despite Newcastle United heavily chasing the centre-back.
But while the Merseyside club has been looking at potential arrivals, they have been busy in terms of departures. The club decided to let Joel Matip leave at the end of last season following the end of his contract, while Thiago Alcantara left and retired from football. Since then, Liverpool have also let Calvin Ramsey leave on loan, and most recently, they sold Fabio Carvalho to Brentford.
Fabio Carvalho
Brentford
Adrian
Real Betis
Calvin Ramsey
Wigan Athletic (Loan)
Thiago Alcantara
Retired
Joel Matip
Without a club
There could now be another exit on the cards, as midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is wanted on loan for the 2024/25 season by several sides. According to Football Insider, Liverpool have received multiple offers to take Bajcetic on loan, with those offers coming from the Premier League as well as clubs from Europe.
Departures may occur from Liverpool, but the Premier League could now be closing in on their first signing under Slot.
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili
According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are now closing in on the signing of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The move that will see the Valencia goalkeeper join the Reds in June 2025 is “advancing to the final stages.”
Romano states that both Liverpool and Valencia are in contact to agree on the add-ons structure of the deal for Mamardashvili, as the overall transfer is said to be worth €30 million (£25.6 million).
The Georgia international is set to stay on loan with the Spanish side for the remainder of the campaign and then join the Premier League side next summer. This comes as a change, as last week it was stated by Romano that AFC Bournemouth were open to the idea of having the goalkeeper on loan, but it appears as if he'll remain in La Liga.
Arsenal brought the curtain down on their pre-season preparations on Sunday evening fresh in the knowledge that they are well and truly ready to challenge for the Premier League title again.
Results may have been mixed during their tour to the USA but once back on home soil, they dispatched unbeaten Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen with some aplomb before facing Lyon this weekend.
It was not a happy return to the Emirates Stadium for Granit Xhaka a few days ago whose side were beaten 4-1, goals coming from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
It was perhaps interesting that Trossard played nearly the full 90 minutes in midweek. The Belgian failed to sparkle at Euro 2024 but had become Mikel Arteta's first-choice option on the left flank at the back end of last term.
A scorer of 17 goals in 2023/24, he has been a brilliant signing and Arsenal could repeat their Trossard trick this summer.
Arsenal want to sign Brighton forward
The Gunners have done plenty of business with the Seagulls in recent years. They signed Ben White for £50m back in 2021 and have since also welcomed the aforementioned Trossard, who signed in the winter window of 2023.
That said, relations were soured a bit when Moises Caicedo tried to force his way out of the Amex in the same transfer window. Caicedo handed in a transfer request but when Arsenal wouldn't cough up the fee required, he remained a Brighton player, at least until the summer.
So, what is the relationship between the two clubs now? Could they do business again? Well, they might have to.
Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix reported this weekend that the north Londoners are one of the clubs who could make a late move for Ivorian winger Simon Adingra.
Willian (Chelsea)
Cedric (Southampton)
Ben White (Brighton)
Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield Utd)
Gabriel Jesus (Man City)
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Man City)
Leandro Trossard (Brighton)
Declan Rice (West Ham)
Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
David Raya (Brentford)
It's said that they are monitoring his situation ahead of a possible swoop before the transfer window closes. Transfermarkt currently value the player at £26m but we all know Brighton only sell for a premium price.
Why Adingra would be a good signing
In the winter of 2023, Arsenal were trying their utmost to prise Mykhailo Mudryk away from Shakhtar Donetsk. The player was particularly vocal about his admiration for the club on social media but he ultimately ended up joining Chelsea, the team who were willing to cough up the most money. Now there's a surprise.
As a result, Edu decided to lure Trossard to the Emirates and what a signing he has been.
Certainly not the club's first choice, he was in electric form after signing for the club, registering ten assists in his first 20 league games. Last season he went from provider to goalscorer and ended the campaign as Arsenal's second most prolific player. His haul of 17 goals was only beaten by Bukayo Saka's 20.
So, signing players from Brighton is probably a good idea, right? Their scouting network is particularly impressive at turning the Trossards and Adingras of this world into highly consistent Premier League players.
However, what could he actually bring to the Gunners? Well, first and foremost, Adingra would add depth in an area Arsenal are currently lacking.
Capable of playing on either flank, the 22-year-old would be able to play second fiddle not only to Trossard on the left but vitally to Saka on the right.
The England international is the poster boy of this football club but he plays far too many minutes and the 2023/24 campaign all caught up with him towards the end of last season, ultimately missing the last match through injury.
As a consequence, signing someone like Adingra would be a good idea. As Arsenal podcaster Adam Keys put it, the AFCON winger would not be a "marquee signing" but he has plenty of qualities that would make him an exciting acquisition, notably his "lightning pace".
In the Premier League last season, the Brighton star ranked inside the top 13% of positionally similar players for progressive passes received. In short, he's always an option for a pass. Also ranking among the best 15% for carries into the penalty area, it's clear this is a player who loves to attack his man, just like Saka. This isn't a player without his goals, though. He scored 15 times on loan at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2022/23 season.
Prog passes received
Top 13%
Progressive carries
Top 26%
Crosses into penalty area
Top 8%
SCA (take-on)
Top 19%
Successful take-ons
Top 24%
Carries into penalty area
Top 15%
Interceptions
Top 13%
Tackles
Top 21%
On the evidence above, Adingra is certainly no world-beater yet but he does have an interesting set of tools. He can beat a player, he's keen to get into the penalty area and something Arteta will no doubt be fond of, he mucks in defensively too.
Arsenal have been linked with some premium wingers this summer, notably Nico Williams, but in a market where attacking players will cost a fortune, Adingra could be a cost-effective method for the club.
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Celtic begin their defence of the Scottish Premiership title this weekend as they prepare to host Kilmarnock at Parkhead in their opening match on Sunday.
The Hoops will have a new number one between the sticks for the match after Joe Hart left the club at the end of last season, retiring from professional football.
He spent three seasons as the team's number one and Brendan Rodgers dipped into the transfer market to land Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo to compete for the starting spot.
Central midfielder Paulo Bernardo has also been signed to bolster the club's options in the middle of the park, joining on a permanent basis after his loan stint in Glasgow last season.
The Scottish giants still have a few weeks left to complete any more business that they would like to do before the window officially slams shut.
This means that Hoops supporters could look forward to more players coming through the door to improve the squad in order to help the club compete for trophies throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Celtic's interest in Premier League defender
Fans could be excited by the prospect of a new full-back arriving at Parkhead before the end of August as Celtic are reportedly keen to add a left-back to the group.
According to Mail Sport journalist Lewis Steele, Celtic are in the hunt to sign Liverpool defender Owen Beck to compete with Greg Taylor next season.
The reporter claims that the Hoops are in the market to land the left-back after they failed to sign another, unnamed, player in that position.
Owen Beck coming on for Liverpool.
However, Steele adds that the Premier League side are hoping to cash in on the former Dundee loanee on a permanent basis this summer, whilst the Bhoys are currently hoping to secure a loan move for the young whiz.
The journalist reveals that this could rule the Premiership champions out of the race at this moment in time, but there is still plenty of time left in the window for either club's stance to change.
Celtic were keen to sign Beck back in January of this year but missed out on him as Liverpool recalled and used him in the Premier League before sending him back to Dundee, who were the only club he could join for the second half of the campaign after playing for the Reds.
If the Hoops can secure a deal for the impressive youngster this summer, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Mikey Johnston down the flank.
Why it is Mikey Johnston's time to shine
The Ireland international only made nine appearances in the Premiership during the first half of last season, three of which came as a starter, and that led to him joining West Bromwich Albion on loan in the winter window.
Johnston could not force his way into the Celtic XI on a regular basis and went down south to play in the Championship to get regular minutes under his belt.
Not only did the 25-year-old star play regularly for the Baggies but he also caught the eye with his fantastic performances at the top end of the pitch.
23/24 Championship
Mikey Johnston
Appearances
18
Goals
7
Assists
1
Big chances created
4
Key passes per game
1.2
Dribbles completed per game
2.2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Johnston produced 11 goals and 'big chances' created combined in just 18 appearances in the Championship for West Brom.
His electric form earned him an opportunity to push for a place in the Hoops team this season and his performances in pre-season suggest that he has a good chance of doing so.
The right-footed ace scored two goals in his last three appearances in pre-season with the Bhoys, including a composed finish in the 4-1 win over Chelsea.
Ben Quinn
Johnston scored more goals in five months at West Brom (seven) than Daizen Maeda managed (six) in 28 appearances in the Premiership last term.
The Japan international also failed to produce a goal or an assist during pre-season and his faltering form could see the Irish wizard given an opportunity to impress from the start against Kilmarnock on Sunday, as he has showcased his quality as a scorer and a creator this year.
Why Owen Beck would be an exciting signing
Beck, who was hailed as "spectacular" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be an exciting signing for Celtic due to the attacking ability he could provide down the left flank alongside Johnston.
The 21-year-old ace spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign on loan with Dundee in the Premiership and his performances earned himself a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year.
Liverpool defender Owen Beck.
He caught the eye with his contributions in and out of possession in the Scottish top-flight. Firstly, the £2.8k-per-week dynamo made 2.3 key passes per game in the division.
Only Matt O'Riley (2.5) and Luis Palma (2.4) made more key passes per match in the Premiership for Celtic last season, which speaks to how impressive that return was from Beck – given his defensive position.
23/24 Premiership
Owen Beck
Greg Taylor
Appearances
25
35
Assists
4
4
Key passes per game
2.3
1.7
Dribbles completed per game
1.4
0.7
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.9
2.2
Duel success rate
55%
52%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Beck is also a strong defender who can win the majority of his duels whilst almost making four defensive interventions per game.
The Welsh full-back has the potential to come in as an upgrade on Taylor at the back for Celtic, as he outperformed him in and out of possession last season, which is backed up by those statistics and his inclusion in the Team of the Year.
Those statistics also illustrate why Beck would be an exciting player to partner Johnston down the left flank, as they could both provide plenty of attacking quality for the Hoops.
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The Liverpool youngster's ability to drive forward with dribbles and key passes could put the winger in dangerous positions on a regular basis, which would then give him the best possible chance of showing off his quality as a scorer and a creator of goals.