تحدث الهولندي آرني سلوت، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، عن الهزيمة أمام مانشستر يونايتد، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
واستضاف ملعب “أنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة ومكة المكرمة.
وخسر ليفربول بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج”.
وتعتبر هذه الهزيمة الرابعة المتتالية التي تلحق بالريدز بقيادة آرني سلوت بعد كريستال بالاس وتشيلسي في البريميرليج، وجالطة سراي في دوري أبطال أوروبا واليوم أمام مانشستر يونايتد.
وقال سلوت، في تصريحات عقب المباراة نقلتها صحيفة “بي بي سي سبورت”: “من الصعب دائمًا اللعب ضد فريق يدافع بكتلة دفاعية منخفضة ويعتمد بشكل أساسي على الكرات الطويلة، ويزداد الأمر صعوبة عندما تخسر بهدف بعد دقيقة واحدة عندما يكون أحد لاعبينا قد سقط على أرض الملعب”.
وأكمل: “لو أخبرتني قبل المباراة أننا سنخلق هذا العدد الهائل من الفرص ضد هذه الكتل الدفاعية المنخفضة، ضد كل هذه الكرات الطويلة، لما توقعت خسارتنا، لكن هذا ما حدث، أتيحت لنا فرص كافية لتسجيل أكثر من هدف ولكن من ناحية أخرى استقبلنا هدفين، إحداهما من ركلة ثابتة”.
اقرأ أيضًا | شبكة إنجليزية عن استبدال سلوت لـ محمد صلاح أمام مانشستر يونايتد: يدل على شيء ما
وعن الخسائر المتتالية أوضح: “نعم، بالطبع ربما استقبلنا فرصة أو فرصتين إضافيتين، بالإضافة إلى الأهداف التي استقبلناها، ولكن عليك دائمًا المخاطرة أكثر عندما تكون متأخرًا بنتيجة 1-0”.
واستطرد: “مع الأخذ في الاعتبار، نادرًا ما استقبلنا أي فرصة ونحن ننتظر هدفًا، وعلينا الدفاع عند الكرات الثابتة، كما حدث ضد كريستال بالاس وفي مباريات أخرى هذا الموسم، استقبلنا هدفًا من كرات ثابتة، وهذا أمر يصعب تقبله، لأنه من الصعب جدًا الفوز بمباراة كرة قدم برصيد سلبي في الكرات الثابتة”.
ووجه رسالة إلى اللاعبين قائلًا: “يجب أن يستمروا في تقديم ما يقومون به، الأمر يبدو مزعجًا حينما تقدم كل ما لديك وتصنع كل هذه الفرص ولا تفوز في النهاية”.
وأردف: “يوجد الكثير من الانتقادات بالتأكيد لكن أقول للاعبين أنتم ترتدون قميص ليفربول وعليكم أن تقاتلوا منذ الدقيقة الأولى حتى الدقيقة الأخيرة وهذا يحدث بالفعل لكن نريد الاستمرار على هذا”.
وأتم: “علينا أن نحقق الانتصار، علينا أن نواصل العمل والإيمان ولا نشتكي كثيرًا لأنه لا وقت للأعذار”.
Leeds United have had a busy summer transfer window, with a large focus on strengthening their attack.
Despite finishing as the Championship’s leading goalscorers last term, Daniel Farke’s side have concentrated on signing new forwards to help add to their forward line ahead of their relegation fight from the Premier League.
Two of their new additions have been free transfers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin switching to Elland Road after his Everton contract expired, and Lukas Nmecha joining from Wolfsburg. Their other addition in attacking areas was that of AC Milan and Switzerland star Noah Okafor.
However, Farke is clearly still keen to add attacking depth to his side. Leeds are linked with a late move for yet another attacker.
Leeds push for new attacker
As the Whites’ search for a fourth attacker in the window goes on, they have been linked with a shock move for former Chelsea and Tottenham star Timo Werner. However, the RB Leipzig star rejected the newly-promoted side.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Instead, Farke and his side could make a move for a Ligue 1 star.
That’s according to a report from Sky Sports who say that Leeds are said to be looking for a ‘versatile forward’ in the next few days, and Strasbourg star Dilane Bakwa is a player ‘of interest’ to the 49ers group.
Leeds have been smart with their money on forwards this summer, making those two free signings, so there could be room left in the budget.
That is money that would be needed in this deal, given that Bakwa has been reportedly valued at £30m by Strasbourg this summer.
Why Bakwa would be a good signing
France U21 international Bakwa has certainly garnered a huge reputation in Ligue 1. He ticks the versatile attacker box that Leeds are looking for, and can play on both the right flank and as a centre-forward.
Last season, the 23-year-old, who hails from Creteil, just outside of Paris, played a huge part in Strasbourg reaching the UEFA Conference League. In 30 top-flight appearances for Liam Rosenior’s side, he bagged six goals and assisted a further nine.
The Strasbourg number 26 has already started the new campaign on fire. In the first two Ligue 1 games of the season, he has two assists, including this pinpoint cross to Emmanuel Emegha, which the striker headed home.
If Leeds manage to agree a deal to bring Bakwa to Yorkshire, they’d love for him to replicate the impact of their last great signing from Ligue 1, Raphinha.
Of course, the Brazilian is a Ballon d’Or contender for Barcelona, and has been on fire under Hansi Flick for the past 12 months.
Former Leeds forward Raphinha.
Looking back at his days at Elland Road will surely always remind Leeds supporters just how good he was in White.
The Brazilian superstar played 67 times for the club, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12. Strikes like this against Everton were what made him so deadly.
Well, there are certainly similarities between Raphinha and Leeds’ potential new signing Bakwa. The attacker is also lighting up Ligue 1 before his prospective move to Elland Road, and is predominantly a right-winger but can lead the line, just like his Brazilian counterpart.
When looking at the underlying statistics from their most recent seasons in Ligue 1, it is easy to see why Bakwa could be the second coming of Raphinha at Leeds.
For example, the Frenchman averaged 3.86 progressive carries and 0.51 goals and assists per game last season, compared to the former Rennes winger’s tally of 3.40 progressive carries and 0.43 assists per 90 minutes.
Bawka & Raphinha – most recent Ligue 1 season
Stat (per 90)
Bawka
Raphinha
Goals and assists
0.51
0.43
Progressive passes
4.66
3.67
Goal-creating actions
0.58
0.27
Progressive carries
3.86
3.4
Ball recoveries
3.32
5.21
Stats from FBref
A fee of £30m is a big investment just days before the transfer window slams shut, but Bakwa could be worth it for Leeds.
He is a “menacing” attacker, according to football scout Antonio Mango, and can hurt Premier League defenders with his efficiency in the final third.
If Bakwa can replace Raphinha, then he will be well-loved by Leeds fans this season and beyond.
Better than Okafor: Leeds eye last-minute move to sign "unplayable" star
Leeds United are reportedly eyeing up a last-minute move to sign a star who is even better than Noah Okafor.
Leeds United will be looking to bring in attacking reinforcements to bolster their playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
The Whites have added Gabriel Gudmundsson, Jaka Bijol, Sebastian Bornauw, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff to improve the defence and midfield.
Hoffenheim'sAntonStach
So far, Lukas Nmecha, who signed on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player to have been brought in ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Daniel Farke has made it clear that the Championship champions are looking to add more quality to their options in the attacking areas of the pitch in the next few weeks.
As the German boss pointed out in the quotes above, Leeds have yet to replace Manor Solomon since the winger returned to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of his loan spell.
Irrespective of whether or not the Israel international returns to Elland Road for a second stint in West Yorkshire, it is hard to argue against his loan move being a huge success.
Leeds hit the jackpot with Manor Solomon
The loan market can be incredibly useful for teams looking to get out of the Championship, or to survive in the Premier League, because it allows you to take undervalued talent from bigger clubs.
Solomon only made six appearances in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign for Spurs, which shows that he was not a key member of Ange Postecoglou’s squad in the Premier League.
This allowed Leeds to swoop in to secure a loan deal for the left-sided attacker because he did not have a short-term future in North London, presenting the Whites with an opportunity to sign a calibre of player that they otherwise may not have been able to land in the Championship.
Solomon then showcased his immense quality on the left wing throughout the season to help Leeds win the title and secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Appearances
39
xG
8.15
Goals
10
Big chances created
21
Key passes per game
1.7
Assists
12
Dribbles completed per game
1.8
As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old wing wizard produced an eye-catching 31 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 39 appearances in the second tier.
This shows that the Whites hit the jackpot with the Spurs loanee because he only spent a season at the club on loan, yet made a huge impact on the pitch in his relatively short time in West Yorkshire.
Leeds eyeing deal for Premier League winger
According to The Athletic’s Beren Cross, Leeds United have joined the race to sign Liverpool forward Ben Doak, who could arrive as Solomon 2.0 for Farke.
The reporter claims that the Scotland international has been discussed as a potential signing at Elland Road, as they look to bolster their attacking options.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Cross adds, though, that the Premier League champions will not allow the left-footed starlet to leave for less than £20m, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites would be willing to pay that much for him.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, meanwhile, claims that Leeds, West Ham United, Monaco, and Bologna are all in the race to sign the forward, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.
Ben Doak in action for Middlesbrough
Joseph also states that Doak may move on from Anfield this summer because the 19-year-old wants to play regular football, after spending last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Why Ben Doak would be a Manor Solomon repeat for Leeds
The West Yorkshire outfit could repeat their Solomon masterclass by securing a deal to bring Doak over to Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window.
Whilst it would not be the exact same type of deal, as this would be a permanent move, the strategy is still the same: signing an undervalued player who is unlikely to get minutes at one of the best clubs in England.
As was the case with Solomon behind Heung-min Son at Spurs, the Liverpool youngster may be on his way out of Anfield because he is unlikely to break past reigning Premier League Player of the Season Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
This has presented Leeds with a potential opportunity to sign Doak, who was hailed as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and improve their forward options with another impressive winger.
The 19-year-old whiz spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Middlesbrough and caught the eye with three goals and seven assists in 21 starts for Michael Carrick’s side.
xG
0.22
Top 26%
Goals
0.15
Top 48%
xA
0.23
Top 9%
Assists
0.35
Top 10%
Chances created
2.22
Top 7%
Successful dribbles
1.76
Top 22%
As you can see in the table above, the Scottish forward ranked highly as a creator on the right wing for Boro, but could improve when it comes to finishing the chances that come his way.
At the age of 19, the Liverpool youngster is a very young player who still has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve and develop as a player, which means that he could be a fantastic signing for the long-term as well as a winger who could make an instant impact for Farke.
Doak, who was dubbed “explosive” by pundit Danny Murphy, could be a terrific option off the bench for Leeds in the Premier League because of his ability to dribble and create.
Throwing him on against tired defences could be very effective when the Whites need to push for a goal late on in matches to win vital points in their attempt to avoid relegation, as he has the dribbling ability to take on tired full-backs and the creative quality to provide his teammates with high-quality chances to score.
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Therefore, Leeds should be pushing to get a deal over the line for Doak in a move that would be reminiscent of when they hit the jackpot with Solomon last season.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence kicked off with three points. Bournemouth were valiant and impressive at Anfield, but the Reds dug in and showcased their quality as they rallied in the final stretch of the curtain-raising game.
While the Reds showcased a remarkable array of attacking talent against the hard-fighting Cherries, they lacked something in defence, with Arne Slot’s side squandering a two-goal lead in the second half.
Antoine Semenyo had a field day against a discordant Reds backline, who must find balance and coherence in the weeks ahead if they wish to rebuff the danger that is bound to spring from title rivals who are expected to improve after last year.
And Ibrahima Konate, in particular, suffered from a rusty performance at the back. It was a display that, perhaps, new recruit Giovanni Leoni and top transfer target Marc Guehi would have taken heed of.
Ibrahima Konate's performance vs Bournemouth
Semenyo’s second-half double proved a blow to Liverpool’s start to their title defence, but the impressive right winger deserved both of his goals and will have felt be got the better of the hosts’ unfluent backline.
Konate was at the epicentre of the struggles, with Jamie Carragher remarking on Sky Sports co-comms that the France international was “all over the place” for Slot’s side, making seven clearances throughout the evening but lacking the control nor composure to ensrue the home side moved toward three points in a smooth fashion to start their campaign.
Completely exposed for Bournemouth’s second and suffering across numerous offensive pushes from the lively south coasters, Konate, 26, will be frustrated with his performance, not least because noise rumbles in the background regarding a potentially forthcoming move for Crystal Palace’s Guehi.
While Konate struggled to produce anything close to his finest form, he wasn’t the only one to have flattered to deceive, with Florian Wirtz leaving plenty to be desired on his Premier League debut.
Florian Wirtz left plenty to be desired
Wirtz joined Liverpool in a club-record £100m move in June, and that may yet rise to a £116m fee with add-ons that would see him eclipse Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as the record-breaking signing in British history.
But he struggled to produce a befitting performance against a well-oiled Bournemouth side, enjoying some high-level touches and neat layoffs but struggling to lay down his marker as he would have hoped.
Without a doubt, these first two outings have left something to be desired, but they’ve also demonstrated the German international’s first-class quality on the ball, invariably creative and finding openings for his teammates.
Minutes played
84′
82′
Goals
0
0
Assists
1
0
Touches
74
69
Shots (on target)
1 (0)
1 (0)
Accurate passes
50/57 (88%)
37/48 (77%)
Key passes
4
3
Dribbles
0/2
0/0
Tackles
2
2
Duels won
3/9
3/9
After the Bournemouth clash, The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle handed the 22-year-old a 6/10 match rating acknowledging his playmaking ability but struggle to influence proceedings as would have been desired. Indeed, he would depart after losing the ball on average every 3.6 touches, having lost possession 19 times in all.
He will need to muscle up over the coming weeks, adapting to the rigorous nature of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that Wirtz is a top talent.
However, as with Konate, he left plenty of room for improvement against Andoni Iraola’s side, and his performance will be under greater scrutiny against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park next week.
He'd get Isak & Wirtz firing: Liverpool could sign "one of the best LWs"
Liverpool may yet sign a few more forwards in the transfer market this summer.
Everton are looking to strike on the market and could now have moved ahead of their rivals in the race to sign a midfielder with Premier League experience, according to a report.
Everton ready to bring in new recruits
The Toffees have added Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry to their ranks as they begin to step up their hunt for reinforcements, and they could now look to fight Manchester United for the signing of Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in a bargain £9 million deal off-set by his relegation release clause.
Shedding some light on the situation, Pete O’Rourke stated: “I think he will leave Leicester this summer. Obviously, this release clause in there makes it easier for clubs to try and sign Ndidi.
Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi competes against Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister.
“I think it could be one of the bargains of the transfer window due to that £9million release clause. I’m not surprised Everton have been having a look at him. There’s also interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester United as well. There will also be interest from abroad, as Juventus are very much interested in the midfielder.”
In recent weeks, Everton have also made an enquiry to sign Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, though they were rebuffed in their approach despite being willing to pay £30 million for the Scotland international.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have left vacancies to be filled within David Moyes’ engine room, and the Friedkin Group have their sights on premium arrivals to replicate their impact at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton’s first five Premier League fixtures
Leeds United (A)
Elland Road
Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Molineux
Aston Villa (H)
Hill Dickinson Stadium
Liverpool (A)
Anfield
With that in mind, the Toffees could now burst ahead of their rivals to bring in a midfielder who has already enjoyed plenty of success in the Premier League.
Everton in active negotiations to sign Douglas Luiz
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are in active negotiations to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they could now leap ahead of several rival suitors in the race for the Brazil international.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Moyes views the former Aston Villa man as an ideal addition to solidify his engine room due to his top-flight experience and quality in possession, and he may be available for a bargain fee of £21.6 million after a disappointing campaign in Turin.
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After a return of 27 appearances across all competitions, Olympic gold medallist Luiz is also being tracked by Fulham, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Still, Everton appear to be the ‘most active’ club when it comes to pursuing a transfer with the Toffees ‘serious about making a move’.
Now, it is expected that they will up their bid to bring him to Merseyside in the coming weeks and hope to convince the Rio De Janeiro-born star that his future lies under the guise of Moyes.
Previously, Luiz has been labelled “amazing” by Roy Keane and clearly has a lot left to give at the elite level and a change of clubs could be the perfect tonic to reignite his career.
The Sheffield Shield’s leading allrounder Beau Webster has produced a timely century while Brad Hope posted his second Shield ton as Tasmania batted the entire third day against Victoria at the Junction Oval.Tasmania piled up 527 for 9 on a turgid surface to take a 99-run lead into the final day with Jordan Silk making 84 and No. 9 Kieran Elliott also making his highest first-class score of 63. But the surface is offering very little for the bowlers and it will be difficult for either side to produce a result.On a day when news emerged that Australia’s Test allrounder Cameron Green is facing a grim diagnosis on his injured back, Webster put his name up in lights scoring 113 to start the new Shield season as he finished the last. It was his 12th first-class century and his fifth in his last 22 Shield innings. He has averaged 69.94 in that time and made six other half-centuries including an unbeaten 97. Last summer he became only the second player behind Garry Sobers to score more than 900 runs and take more than 30 wickets in a single Shield season.But these runs came in a game where both sides have piled up more than 428 in their first innings and only 18 wickets have fallen in three days. Webster wasn’t getting too carried away given how placid the pitch is.”It’s a nice one to cash in on,” Webster said post play. “I’m batting well. I feel like I’ve been batting really well for 18 months now, and I’ve got a routine down pat. Whatever the conditions offer, I feel like I’ve got a game plan that can have some success.”He did note, however, that the media speculation surrounding Green was hard to shut out.”It’s hard to ignore,” Webster said. “It sits everywhere, all through the media, whether he’s going to bowl or not, or bat or not, or surgery and things like that. But there’s a lot of other good allrounders around the country, and lot of allrounders that have had good performances in the last 12 months. Hopefully I can just keep doing what I’m doing and if they see something they like, and I get an opportunity, I’ll jump at it and grab it with both hands hopefully. But not reading too much into it though.”Silk played with typical class and composure in a 149-run stand with Webster before Hope then cashed in.Hope made an unbeaten century as Victoria tried everything to find a wicket. Having removed Silk and Webster with two excellent deliveries from Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill respectively there was precious little support from the surface otherwise. At one stage late in the day, O’Neill bowled with the keeper up and eight catchers in front of square on either side of the pitch with a sole fine leg.Hope and Tasmania No. 9 Kieran Elliott shared a 127-run stand in the afternoon to take the score beyond 500 as Victoria took a third new ball. The partnership was finally broken by the new ball as Hope edged behind for 111. Elliott fell shortly after for 63.
Worcestershire recovered from a disastrous with the bat start to register their second successive win in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup against Durham by 93 runs at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Captain Jake Libby’s perfectly paced 89 from 117 balls demonstrated how to mastermind a recovery from a challenging position at 61 for 5 in leading Worcestershire to a substantial total.Worcestershire’s leading One-Day Cup scorer for the past two seasons was given superb support by initially Tom Taylor, then debutant Fateh Singh with his List A best 60, and Tom Hinley.Durham were then in initial disarray themselves with the bat after Taylor picked up three wickets in the first over of the innings including skipper Alex Lees. Ben McKinney’s maiden List A half-century revived their fortunes but Worcestershire newcomer and former Sussex spinner Hinley then made a major impact in the latter stages of the innings.He picked up five wickets in his first ever bowl in List A cricket as Durham were bowled out in 33.3 overs.Worcestershire handed a debut to England Under-19 spinner Singh, who has signed on loan from Nottinghamshire for the tournament.The game was played on the same hybrid pitch as the Vitality Blast matches with Birmingham Bears and Yorkshire plus the Middlesex fixture and there was early swing.Libby opted to bat but Gareth Roderick departed in the first over when he drove Bas de Leede into the hands of point. Ed Pollock mistimed a pull against Paul Coughlin and was caught by Killeen running around to midwicket. Rob Jones was undone by a delivery from Coughlin as he edged to Scott Borthwick at first slip.Worcestershire limped to 33 for 3 by the end of the powerplay and lost a fourth wicket when Ethan Brookes attempted to pull James Minto and was caught behind down the leg side.Then Rehaaan Edavalath nicked a delivery which left him from Minto to give keeper Haydon Mustard another scalp.Libby was content to accumulate in ones and twos while new batter Taylor collected three boundaries – a straight drive and pull off Mitchell Killeen and another to fine leg at de Leede’s expense.The sixth wicket pair brought up the 100 in the 27th over and added 40 but then Taylor (25) was lbw to a Jonathan Bushnell delivery which jagged back sharply.Singh showed his capabilities with the bat and smote Colin Ackerman for six over midwicket and then came down the pitch to loft the same bowler straight back down the ground. The left-hander was the dominant partner in a half-century stand with Libby in just 40 balls.Libby completed a highly responsible 81 ball half-century and Singh reached the same milestone for the first time from the very next delivery – his 35th. It contained one six and five fours and the stand was worth 89 when Singh was caught at mid-on off the returning Coughlin.The stand was Worcestershire’s highest for the seventh wicket versus Durham in List A cricket, surpassing the 68 by Stephen Moore and Steve Rhodes at New Road 20 years ago.New batter Hinley made a quickfire 24 in a stand of 48 with Libby before being run out by a direct hit from deep midwicket attempting a second to the non-striker’s end.Tom Sturgess then suffered the same fate after de Leede had fielded his drive off his own bowling and threw down the wicket at the keeper’s end.The Durham innings then got off to a dramatic start with the three wickets falling to the second, fifth and sixth balls in the opening over from Taylor.Lees nibbled at a delivery which moved away and was caught behind, de Leede perished to a head high catch by Jones at second slip and then a superb delivery jagged back and Ackerman inside edged through to keeper Roderick.It became 16 for 4 when Michael Jones turned Harry Darley to midwicket and set off for a single but was run out by Libby’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end.McKinney and Scott Borthwick set about effecting a recovery and added 79 in untroubled fashion with the former completing a 57 ball fifty. But the game swung back in Worcestershire’s favour with Hinley’s four-wicket burst.Borthwick fell to a fine diving catch by Brookes at cover, Bushnell was stumped off a wide and then Hinley bowled Mustard and trapped Coughlin lbw.McKinney’s fine knock finally ended on 80 when he holed out in the deep off Singh and then Hinley completed his five-for by having Minto caught behind.
Chelsea have managed to pull off some impressive business this summer and could now be about to repeat the trick as they look to bolster their forward line, according to a report.
Chelsea continue their pursuit of a striker after Delap deal
Liam Delap will be left to lead the line in Chelsea’s bid for the Club World Cup up until the semi-final, providing they manage to get there, after Nicolas Jackson’s straight red card against Flamengo on matchday two of the group stage.
Losing control at a crucial time, his reckless lunge has prompted some to question whether he has the discipline to feature as Enzo Maresca’s starting striker long-term or whether further intervention in the transfer market is needed at Stamford Bridge.
Former referee Keith Hackett has gone to the extreme of claiming Jackson should be banned for five matches at a minimum amid recent events stateside.
He stated: “There is no place in football for this type of challenge the reaction and speed of the issuing of a red card was a terrific piece of officiating. The referee’s prompt showing of the red card ensured that it reduced any possibility of a mass confrontation. This unacceptable action by the offender should result in a minimum five-match ban.”
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been on Chelsea’s radar and is joined by Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is enjoying an impressive spell on loan at Juventus.
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Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the West London-based giants have the financial capacity to power on with either pursuit without the need for any bargaining chips along the way.
Speaking of which, Chelsea could have an intriguing plan up their sleeve to land one of the Premier League’s most exciting marksmen.
Chelsea could use makeweight in pursuit of Joao Pedro
According to Si Phillips, Chelsea could offer Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro and there is a ‘strong chance’ BlueCo may use this mode of operation to try and acquire the Brazil international.
Despite only joining the club last summer, the £80,000 per week earner was predominantly used in the Europa Conference League, though he did manage 31 outings across all competitions, scoring four times and laying on three assists.
On the other hand, Pedro, who has previously been labelled “amazing” by Slaven Bilic, managed a respectable ten strikes and seven assists in 30 outings.
The opportunity to trade with the Seagulls may be edged along due to the likes of ex-Brighton employee Paul Winstanley. Former Watford man Pedro is also wanted by Newcastle, albeit they may opt to pivot towards Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in their own search for a number nine.
Chelsea would love a clear run at signing the forward, though it should be taken into account that their attempt to perform a part-exchange means Brighton aren’t willing to let him leave on the cheap and more work on this front may be required.
The defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night highlights the need for a serious overhaul at Manchester United this summer.
Ruben Amorim’s side were unable to get the better of their Premier League opponents, topping off what has been a dismal campaign on and off the pitch for the Red Devils.
The manager has attempted to make the best out of the players currently on the books at Old Trafford, but he’s so far been unable to do so in his seven-month spell at the helm.
Ruben Amorim
In the aftermath of the loss, the 40-year-old stated that he would leave if the board didn’t think he was the right man for the job, but they have since backed the former Sporting CP boss to turn things around.
However, the real backing will come within the transfer market, allowing him to make the necessary changes he requires to catapult the side back to their former glory.
The latest on Alejandro Garnacho's future
Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has previously been linked with a move away from United in recent months, with Chelsea and Napoli registering interest in his services back in January.
However, the Argentine could well leave the Red Devils this window, after being benched for the Europa League final and venting his frustrations in an interview after the game.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho
It’s been reported by ESPN that the player and his representatives are frustrated after the loss in Bilbao, with the 20-year-old now seeing his future away from the Theatre of Dreams.
The report also claims that he already has proposals to leave the club during the off-season, but doesn’t mention how much the hierarchy would demand for his signature.
However, despite the situation surrounding Garnacho, one other player needs to be sold this summer after his dismal run within the ranks since Amorim’s arrival.
The United player who needs to be sold alongside Garnacho
United’s lowly league standing in 2024/25 is nothing short of unacceptable, especially considering the previous success endured over the last few decades.
Amad
The club have gone from fighting for Premier League titles to now sitting in 16th position and out of all forms of European football in 2025/26 – something which could impact their finances.
Whilst new signings are undoubtedly needed to improve the current situation, it could depend on departures from the current squad, with Garnacho one who looks set to be sacrificed.
However, he could be joined out of the door by striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish international clearly not at the level required for future success.
The 22-year-old was bought for £72m in the summer of 2023, with huge things expected, but he’s simply failed to deliver – notching just 10 goals in his 51 appearances this season.
Rasmus Hojlund
He’s been unable to extract his best performances, even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, leading to one content creator labelling him as a “serious problem”.
Despite his disappointing showings, he was handed a start in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, but once again showcased the need for a new talisman during the summer.
Hojlund only registered a tally of 15 touches during his 71-minute display, unable to provide the focal point or threat that was required to claim European glory.
It’s no secret that Amorim has had to stick with the former Atalanta star during the early months of his tenure, certainly wanting to recruit his own players during the upcoming window.
Games played
31
Goals scored
4
Shots taken
1.4
Successful passes per 90
11.2
Dribble success
30%
Times dispossessed
1.6
Aerials won
23%
Whilst the hierarchy would likely lose a huge chunk of their investment, it’s vital that he’s offloading in the coming months, along with Garnacho, to hand the manager the funds he needs for change.
It’s a shame that the move has been unsuccessful, with the board needing to remember such a signing in the near future as they attempt to land the clinical goalscorer they crave.
He'd send Hojlund packing: Man Utd in talks for dream Gyokeres alternative
Manchester United are making moves to land a new striker who’d end Rasmus Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford.
The EFL can be a rich hunting ground for exciting talents if you’re a Director of Football at the head of a Premier League outfit looking for shrewd ways to strengthen.
Angus Kinnear, who will leave Leeds United and take Kevin Thelwell’s seat at Everton this summer, knows the myriad prospects across the Championship and will no doubt target a few stars this summer.
In fact, TEAMtalk revealed last week that second-tier Player of the Season Gustavo Hamer and Sunderland’s Dan Neil are both on Everton’s radar, with relegated Leicester star Wilfried Ndidi an option too.
However, Kinnear knows his stuff, and might have already recommended a shrewd purchase who could make a real difference on Merseyside next year.
Everton chasing Championship star
As per Football Insider, Everton have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Burnley centre-midfielder Josh Brownhill, a leading architect behind Scott Parker’s side’s promotion to the Premier League this season.
He’s out of contract this summer, and it’s understood that presently the Clarets have not convinced the 29-year-old into reaching a decision on his future but are ready to open talks pertaining to an extension.
Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
With Celtic also keen, Everton will need to work fast if they want to seal his signature in the coming weeks. However, given that he’s been placed on the shortlist, their interest seems concrete.
What Josh Brownhill would bring to Everton
Burnley’s captain would be a brilliant, under-the-radar kind of signing for Everton. The leadership and experience he would instil (he has 111 Premier League appearances) are elements that Moyes is desperate to stir into his squad.
It’s something the Merseysiders achieved only a few years ago by signing James Tarkowski, who had just been relegated with Burnley and joined at the end of his contract in July 2022.
Hailed as an ‘incredible leader’ by Dyche, Tarkowski has been a solid, no-nonsense defender but also a galvanising presence, barking and baying at his teammates as he upholds strong defensive virtues.
Now, Brownhill could be the next version, walking the same path at a similar point in his career as a free agent.
TFG would be addressing a glaring issue in an astute fashion, as the former owners did three years ago. Everton conceded 66 top-flight goals during the 2021/22 season, and they have bettered that tally across the three years since, shipping 43 goals this year with three games remaining.
James Tarkowski for Everton.
Fans eagerly await news of a talented striker to restore the attacking incisiveness, but Brownhill’s industriousness and creativity would be a great way to fortify the ranks.
While Burnley have earned renown for their steely defending this season, they have also been effective and economical in attack, with Brownhill blending an art for well-timed goalscoring with a fundamental playmaking quality.
Indeed, the midfielder has scored 18 goals and laid on six assists across his 42 league outings this term, as per Sofascore, creating eight big chances and averaging 1.2 key passes per game.
Ranking among the top 1% of Championship midfielders this season for goal involvements, his influence is illustrated further, something that could have a marked impact on an Everton side who won’t want to be overreliant on a new striker, whose success in hitting the ground running will be an anxious thing.
Given that the relegated trio are the only Premier League sides to have been outscored by Everton, it’s clear that a deep-lying goalscorer of Brownhill’s ilk could be the dimension-adding star Moyes needs.
16th
West Ham
40
17th
Everton
36
18th
Ipswich
35
19th
Leicester
29
20th
Southampton
25
Reuniting with Tarkowski in an Everton team looking to reach heights that haven’t been seen for several interminable years, Brownhill could prove a real difference-maker.
He might not have become the “superstar” that pundit Lee Johnson predicted he would shape into back in 2019, but Brownhill is a fiercely underrated player and would slot right into Moyes’ Everton midfield.
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