It's been a rough season for Chelsea fans this year, with the draw at home to a ten-man Burnley side over the weekend just the latest in a long line of embarrassing results.

Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to create a coherent and effective team out of the plethora of talented youngsters at his disposal, and it's looking increasingly likely that he won't be given another chance next year.

While some of the youngsters in the team, such as Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, have impressed this campaign, Raheem Sterling, who is meant to be one of the senior stars, has not, and off the back of recent transfer news of his time in the team could be coming to an end.

Latest Chelsea transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Brazilian winger Raphinha is set to be moved on by Barcelona in the summer as the Catalan club looks to raise more funds to help their dire financial situation.

The report has revealed that the former Leeds United star is still a transfer target of Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea, who are eyeing up the left-footed dynamo ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, with the massive finances involved, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are also keen to bring the tricky winger to the Middle East.

An earlier report from last month revealed that Saudi side Al-Hilal were willing to offer a £86m package – inclusive of the fee and wages – which may be too good to turn down for the Blaugrana.

Yet, the player wants to remain in Spain, so while that might not be possible, a move back to the Premier League, with Chelsea, for example, might become his most appealing option.

How Raphinha compares to Raheem Sterling

The first thing to clear up is that, yes, Sterling has primarily played as a left winger at Chelsea, and Raphinha has primarily played as a right winger throughout his career. However, the 22-capped Brazilian has also played plenty of games out on the left, 82 games to be exact, so it should be much of an issue for him to adapt at Stamford Bridge.

That said, how have the pair performed this year? Well, in his 37 games for the Blues this season, the former Manchester City ace has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he has averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 games.

Player

Raphinha

Sterling

Appearances

29

37

Goals

6

8

Assists

10

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.55

0.51

In comparison, the former Peacocks star has scored six goals and provided ten assists in just 29 appearances, giving him a slightly better average of a goal every 1.8 games.

How about their underlying numbers, then? Well, unfortunately for the Englishman, he once again comes out second best, and this time, it's by quite some way.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.94

0.51

Non-Penalty Goals

0.43

0.30

Assists

0.60

0.20

Progressive Carries

3.68

5.47

Progressive Passes

4.36

3.50

Progressive Passes Received

12.5

11.4

Shots

4.09

2.26

Shots on Target

1.45

0.84

Passing Accuracy

74.9%

73.2%

Shot-Creating Actions

6.31

3.74

Goal-Creating Actions

0.85

0.59

Successful Take-Ons

1.88

1.97

Aerial Duels Won

0.77

0.10

Aside from successful take-ons and progressive carries, the "brilliant" Barça ace, as talent scout Jacek Kuilg described him, comes out on top in a host of key attacking metrics, from expected goals and assists to passing accuracy and shot volume.

Chelsea eyeing a "better prospect than Endrick" in £51m Palmer rival

The youngster is one of the most exciting talents in world football.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 2, 2024

Ultimately, Sterling has been a fantastic Premier League player for over a decade now and likely still has several years left at the top, but based on his performances in West London, Chelsea would be getting a significant upgrade if they could sign Raphinha.

Therefore, the Blues must swoop to sign the former Leeds star, who experienced Premier League football at Elland Road, to come in and replace the England international.

West Ham United supporters have been treated to another rollercoaster of a campaign under David Moyes and there is much to fight for heading into the business end, with it all to play for in the Premier League and out on the continent.

Seventh in the standings, three points behind Manchester United, West Ham have made a pleasing resurgence domestically after finishing 14th last year and selling Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m.

Also, having won last year's Europa Conference League, the Hammers are fighting in the Europa League and face Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals next month, with Xabi Alonso's side unbeaten in all competitions this season.

Most of the signings made since the end of last season have been effective, but one player who has unquestionably struggled to perform is Kalvin Phillips, who fell from prominence at Manchester City and saw a route to east London as a route toward resurgency.

Halfway through this stint, it has been anything but…

Why it's gone wrong for Kalvin Phillips at West Ham

Phillips joined Manchester City from Leeds United in a £45m package in 2022 and won the treble in his maiden campaign, though starting just two Premier League matches – both coming in May – and being labelled "overweight" by Pep Guardiola hardly spoke of success on a personal level.

Fortunes did not improve during the current campaign and, if it wasn't already, it became crystal-clear that the England international needed to leave the Etihad fold, and with Moyes' side in need of some extra bodywork in the centre of the park, a loan move was organised – with discussions over a permanent transfer anticipated to follow during the off-season.

However, the 28-year-old has nosedived, going from paltry match action to chastening displays on the field, making a streak of errors in his first matches against Bournemouth and Manchester United.

He's now chalked up six Premier League performances for United but was an unused substitute during the recent draw against Aston Villa, having been withdrawn at half-time against relegation-threatened Burnley the match before, 2-0 down and later branded with a 3/10 match rating by The Evening Standard's Malik Ouzia, with the reporter writing:

'Another rotten afternoon. Started slowly, failed to close Fofana for the opener and then dragged at half-time.'

It's hardly likely that West Ham will be eager to fork out a sum to bring him to the club for good, and especially so when a homegrown talent such as George Earthy now sits on the cusp of a regular role in the first-team.

Why George Earthy could be a star at West Ham

19-year-old academy star Earthy made his senior debut off the bench during West Ham's 5-0 thrashing over Freiburg in the Europa League this month, also sitting on the bench during three of the club's last four Premier League outings, still yet to grace the field.

A creative, forward-thinking midfielder, Earthy has been lauded for his "brilliant" displays by club insider ExWHUemployee and boasts a stunning return of eight goals and seven assists from 18 fixtures in the Premier League 2 this season, of which the young Hammers are placed second.

Moreover, the teenager is blessed with elite technical quality and this is evidenced through his efforts in the EFL Trophy this term, complementing a four-goal-contribution return from five games with a 90% pass success rate and an average of three ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore.

While he's blessed with some pace, Earthy is not the kind of player to weave past opponents en-route to the box, instead focusing on his ball-playing skills and striking ability, with impressive spatial awareness and composure in key moments.

Naturally, this can be translated into different facets of the midfield game, with Earthy competent in deeper midfield positions despite being utilised in a No. 10 deployment with regularity throughout his formative years.

Earthy has everything that he needs to blossom into a real star on the Premier League scene, and while he will never have the raw defensive talent of Phillips, Edson Alvarez is as good as any in the holding midfield position and his ability on the ball could blend wonderfully with the Mexican's tough-tackling expertise.

Kalvin Phillips: PL Match Ratings at West Ham
Fixture	Result	Player rating
vs Bournemouth (H)	1-1 draw	4/10
vs Manchester United (A)	3-0 loss	4/10
vs Arsenal (H)	6-0 loss	4/10
vs Nottingham Forest (A)	2-0 loss	3/10
vs Everton (A)	3-1 win	6/10
vs Burnley (H)	2-2 draw	3/10
Sourced via The Evening Standard

Moyes must seriously consider giving Earthy some more game time, and some first minutes in the Premier League, to kickstart his development into a regular presence in the senior set-up in what would be a triumph on a personal level, severing Phillips' prospects of rising to the fore at the London Stadium.

No West Ham supporters wishes to see Phillips fail, but the one-time Leeds centrepiece has failed his audition in the capital and it's harder to envisage a turnaround before the campaign's completion.

Alvarez anchors the midfield brilliantly, while Lucas Paqueta is an elite playmaker and Tomas Soucek is as industrious as they come.

There simply isn't space for a player who would cost a pretty penny, earns a healthy salary at £150k-per-week and is actually having a detrimental effect on West Ham's fluency and spark.

A dynamic midfielder of Earthy's potential, however, deserves a shot, featuring regularly and sharpening his tools as he edges closer toward a starring spot in the club's ranks.

The U.S. women's national team has suffered another injury blow as Davidson joins Shaw on the sideline

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Davidson to miss group stage finaleShaw out for third consecutive gameU.S. to face Australia WednesdayGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Tierna Davidson suffered a knock during the first half of the USWNT's win over Germany on Sunday, forcing her out of the game with Emily Sonnett coming on in her place.

The USWNT central defender will now miss Wednesday's group stage match against Australia, U.S. Coach Emma Hayes confirmed Tuesday.

The injury leaves the U.S. without two players for the final group stage match. Davidson will join the sidelined Jaedyn Shaw, who has yet to play at the tournament due to her own leg injury. Shaw will miss her third straight Olympics match.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Davidson's injury, the U.S. will likely start Sonnett next to Naomi Girma in defense, with alternate Emily Sams expected to be brought into the 18-player matchday squad. Fellow alternate Croix Bethune has previously taken Shaw's place in the U.S. team.

GettyWHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

“She got hit in her leg,” Hayes said of Davidson's injury. “Knee-on-knee situations can create a bit of swelling so that swelling will keep her out of this game.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

The U.S. has already booked its place in the knockout rounds, and will almost certainly top the group due to their wins over Zambia and Germany. Should they do that, they'll face the second-best team from Group C in the Paris Games on Aug. 3

England white-ball seamer will miss Big Bash, South Africa tour

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Jan-2020

Pat Brown made his England debut in their T20I series against New Zealand•Getty Images

Pat Brown, the 21-year-old seamer, has been ruled out of all cricket for the winter after suffering a second stress fracture of the lower back in as many years.Brown, who enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018 when he took 31 T20 wickets for Worcestershire to finish as the Vitality Blast’s leading wicket-taker, was unable to play franchise cricket last winter after playing through pain towards the end of the county season.He developed a recurrence of the symptoms while preparing to play for Melbourne Stars, and a scan revealed a partial stress fracture.Brown was due to replace Dale Steyn as the Stars’ overseas player in time for Wednesday’s game against the Thunder, but will miss the whole competition and return to the UK to start his rehabilitation.He will also miss the white-ball leg of England’s South Africa tour, having been named in both the ODI and T20I squads. Brown had impressed in his maiden series in New Zealand, taking three important wickets despite conceding 9.84 runs per over, but his chances of being named in their squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia this October are likely to suffer due to his injury.England will name a replacement for Brown in due course, while the Stars could hand another opportunity to Haris Rauf, the Pakistan fast bowler who starred during his three appearances as Steyn’s replacement.”Gutted to be ruled out of the Big Bash and England’s white-ball tour of South Africa with a stress fracture,” Brown tweeted. “Will be doing everything to get back on the park as soon as possible.””It’s really disappointing for Pat,” said Trent Woodhill, the Stars’ list manager. “We were very excited to have him on board this season to replace Dale Steyn and it’s disappointing we won’t get to see him in action for the Stars.”It’s been great having him around the group and we’ve enjoyed welcoming him into the Stars family. We wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully we can work on seeing him in green in the future.”

فرض التعادل السلبي بدون أهداف كلمته على مباراة منتخب مصر للشباب تحت 20 عامًا أمام تنزانيا.

واحتضن ملعب استاد الدفاع الجوي (30 يونيو) المباراة الودية الأول لمنتخب مصر للشباب تحت القيادة الفنية لروجيرو ميكالي أمام تنزانيا.

خاص | الجهاز الفني لمنتخب مصر يتابع لاعب الزمالك تمهيدًا لضمه

ويجري منتخب مصر استعداداته لخوض غمار منافسات بطولة شمال إفريقيا المقرر إقامتها خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وكان ميكالي يقود منتخب مصر الأولمبي تحت 23 سنة ونجح معه في حصد المركز الثاني ببطولة إفريقيا والتأهل للأولمبياد التي حصد بها المركز الرابع.

ويطمح ميكالي في خوض مباريات ودية خلال فترة استعداده حتى يتمكن من الوقوف على التوليفة الأمثل للاعبين.

وكان منتخب مصر قد بدأ المباراة بتشكيل مكون من:-

حراسة المرمى: حازم جمال.

خط الدفاع: محمد إبراهيم – عبد الله بوستانجي – معتز محمد – محمود لبيب.

موعد معسكر منتخب مصر 2009 بعد تأجيله بسبب أزمة التسنين

خط الوسط: كاباكا – محمد السيد – فارس خالد.

خط الهجوم: حسام حسن – عمر خضر – محمد زعلوك.

وكان يجلس على مقاعد البدلاء كل من: عبد المنعم تامر – أحمد وهب – محمد المنشاوي – محمد سمير – مهاب سامي – أحمد عابدين – زياد خالد – أحمد وحيد – مروان محمود – مهند محمد – محمد عبد الله – أحمد شرف – عمر فتحي عموري.

He played 48 international matches and was the Man of the Match in his last Test, in 2013

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Feb-2020Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha has retired from international and first-class cricket, making the announcement on Friday via Twitter. Ojha remembered his “memorable” IPL journey too in a retirement letter he tweeted, effectively putting an end to his career across formats.”It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time,” he tweeted.Ojha played 48 international matches – 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T20Is – from 2008 to 2013. In his last game for India, a Test against West Indies in 2013 which was Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell match, Ojha finished with match figures of 10 for 89 and was named the Man of the Match. Overall, he took 113 Test wickets at an average of 30.26, 21 in ODIs and 10 in T20Is at an economy rate of 6.28.”To be an Indian cricketer and represent the country at the highest level was always a dream I cherished as a youngster,” Ojha said in a letter he posted on Twitter. “I fall short of words to describe how fortunate I have been to have lived, dream and earned the love and respect of my fellow countrymen. For a sportsperson, there cannot be a greater reward.”

It’s time I move on to the next phase of my life. The love and support of each and every individual will always remain with me and motivate me all the time pic.twitter.com/WoK0WfnCR7

— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) February 21, 2020

Ojha started his domestic career with Hyderabad in 2005 and made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2008. In 2015 he left Hyderabad to ply his trade as a professional player in the domestic circuit and represented Bengal in 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons. In 2017, he returned to Hyderabad, but for only one season before switching to Bihar for whom he played three one-day matches and one first-class game at the end of 2018.He ended his first class career with 424 wickets from 108 matches at an average of 28.60, with 23 five-fors and three 10-wicket match hauls. In 50-over games he had 123 wickets from 103 games and another 156 wickets from 142 T20s.In the IPL, he represented Deccan Chargers from 2008 to 2011 and Mumbai Indians from 2012 to 2015. In 2009 he helped the Chargers lift the trophy with 18 wickets, and even ended as the highest wicket-taker in 2010 with 21 scalps, when the Chargers lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the third-place playoff.”My eventful career has witnessed many ups and downs. Over the time, I have realized that the legacy of a sportsperson is not just the outcome of his hard work and dedication, but also the faith and guidance bestowed upon by the association (team management), teammates, coaches, trainers, and the fans. Their belief fills you with a strong sense of purpose and belonging.”I have been a part of the Hyderabad Cricket Association for close to 14 years, and the incredible experience I have gained will have an everlasting impact. I would like to express my gratitude to all the members of the Association who have supported me through these years.”Ojha also thanked the Cricket Association of Bengal, the Bihar Cricket Association, the two IPL franchises he represented and many of his former team-mates.”My humble salute to all my seniors and teammates from whom I draw immense inspiration, and who have helped me to strive to be a better sportsperson. I am very thankful to Mr. V.V.S. Laxman for mentoring me like an elder brother, Mr. Venkatapathy Raju for being the role model I always looked to emulate, Mr. Harbhajan Singh for being a constant adviser and Mr. M.S. Dhoni for providing me with the honorable opportunity to wear the Indian Cap.”I extend my regards to my contemporaries Mr. Rohit Sharma and Mr. Manoj Tiwary who have shared many eventful moments with me. My Hyderabad teammates – Mr. Amol Shinde, Mr. M.P. Arjun, Mr. Alfred Absolom and Mr.P.S Niranjan have been an integral and inseparable part of my journey. My utmost gratitude to Mr. Arjun Yadav who was the first captain I played under during my Ranji Trophy debut and also Mr. Kanwaljit Singh who coached me during the early phases of my career.”Lastly, I am certain that looking back at my career will always fill me with a sense of pride. The most memorable moments would be receiving my Test Cap from Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and accomplishing the feat of taking 100 test wickets. I hope to continue contributing towards the growth of Indian Cricket in every capacity possible.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Corinthians volta aos trabalhos na manhã desta segunda-feira (14), após ganhar folga no domingo (13). A equipe entrou em campo no último sábado (12), no empate por 1 a 1 com o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque, pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

>> Confira a tabela do Brasileiro e simule os próximos jogos do Timão
>> Baixe o novo app de resultados do LANCE!

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O descanso foi dado pela comissão técnica, já que o Timão entrará em uma maratona de jogos pelo Brasileirão. Com a próxima fase da Copa do Brasil ainda sem data pra acontecer e as competições internacionais previstas para apenas daqui um mês, as próximas três semanas será de “overdose” de BR.

Eliminado de todas as outras competições que disputou nesta temporada, o Alvinegro terá uma descanso quando Copa do Brasil, Libertadores e Sul-Americana voltarem, mas, enquanto isso, terá que dar foco à principal competição nacional. Em um intervalo de 25 dias, serão oito jogos, média de um a cada três dias.

O primeiro desses compromissos será já nesta quarta-feira (16), às 20h30, contra o Red Bull Bragantino, na Neo Química Arena, em Itaquera, pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão.

Confira os próximos oito jogos do Timão pelo Brasileiro

Corinthians x Red Bull Bragantino – 16/06/2021 – Neo Química Arena
​Bahia x Corinthians – 20/06/2021 – Salvador
Corinthians x Sport – 24/06/2021 – Neo Química Arena
Fluminense x Corinthians – 27/06/2021 – Rio de Janeiro
​Corinthians x São Paulo – 30/06/2021 – Neo Química Arena
Corinthians x Internacional – 03/07/2021 – Neo Química Arena
Chapecoense x Corinthians – 07/07/2021 – Chapecó
Fortaleza x Corinthians – 11/07/2021 – Fortaleza

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois da vitória sobre o América-MG no fim de semana, o Palmeiras se reapresentou nesta segunda-feira (21) e deu início à preparação para o duelo contra o Red Bull Bragantino, que ocorre na quarta-feira (23). Rony e Breno Lopes, que ficaram de fora da última partida do Verdão por desgaste muscular e amigdalite bacteriana, respectivamente, participaram do treino sem restrições.

Patrick de Paula flagrado após show: veja casos de atletas que aprontaram durante a pandemia

A presença de Danilo foi outra novidade da sessão desta manhã. Ausente no time deste a partida de ida da Copa do Brasil contra o CRB, o volante avançou nas etapas da transição física e treinou parte da atividade no campo. Em razão da sua recuperação, atuou como coringa no treino tático e foi menos exigido fisicamente. Após esta parte, assim como Breno e Rony, a Cria da Academia realizou atividades físicas complementares.

O zagueiro Luan, com edema na panturrilha, e o atacante Gabriel Veron, ainda se recuperando de contusão na coxa, prosseguiram com o tratamento de suas lesões supervisionados pelo Núcleo de Saúde e Performance. Já os titulares do jogo de domingo (20), diante do América-MG, fizeram atividades regenerativas na parte interna da Academia.

>> Veja a tabela completa do Brasileirão

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Enquanto isso, Abel Ferreira conduziu um extenso treino técnico, dividido em três etapas, com os demais atletas. Na sequência, os jogadores trabalharam movimentações, balanços e exercícios de marcação. Ao final, em conjunto com atletas do grupo de apoio e outros do sub-20, foi realizado um coletivo disputado em campo reduzido.

Em busca da terceira vitória seguida, o Palmeiras enfrenta o Bragantino nesta quarta-feira (23) às 19h (horário oficial de Brasília) no estádio Nabi Abi Chedid, pela sexta rodada do Brasileirão.

So, there we have it. The final auditions, at least in an England shirt, before the squad for the European Championships are named have taken place.

Preparations haven't been ideal. A late defeat against Brazil was followed up with a topsy-turvy 2-2 draw with Belgium.

Youri Tielemans, famous on English shores, was at the double for the Red Devils, although a first England goal for Ivan Toney gave fans something to celebrate, as did Jude Bellingham – who else – who rescued a result late on.

This has been a tough week or so for Gareth Southgate whose plans have been ripped apart due to injuries across the camp. Bukayo Saka was sent home early, skipper Harry Kane has been nursing an ankle problem, Jordan Henderson was out and as if to make matters worse, John Stones hobbled off just minutes into the clash at Wembley on Tuesday night.

As a result, it gave the fringe members of Southgate's side a chance to impress. Lewis Dunk, who made a high-profile error for Belgium's second, hasn't done himself any favours, although the aforementioned Toney certainly has.

As has a certain Kobbie Mainoo who looked at home in a Three Lions jersey.

Kobbie Mainoo's first England start in numbers

When the squad for the latest round of international fixtures was announced by the England boss, he admitted that he felt it was too soon for the Manchester United star to be called up.

"He's only had a handful of games and you have to be very careful development-wise in making those decisions at the right time," Southgate said. "So we think ideally, we should allow him that space to develop at his own speed."

However, days later, Mainoo found himself in the squad. Why? Well, the manager had a change of heart, possibly after watching him dazzle against Liverpool in the FA Cup.

He came off the bench against Brazil and then made his first start on Tuesday, showing immense maturity in a midfield that contained two of the most expensive footballers on the planet in Bellingham and captain for the night, Declan Rice.

The teenager was particularly crisp in possession of the ball, completing 89% of his passes and combative too, winning five duels. Such maturity won't come as a surprise to United fans who have now seen him miss just two league matches since he was given his first start for the club back in November.

This has been a whirlwind few months for the 18-year-old who after his first England caps certainly deserves to be on the plane this summer.

As Gary Lineker put it, it was a "superb first start by Kobbie Mainoo for England. He’s not only played himself into the squad for the Euros but quite possibly the starting lineup." Quite right.

That said, he wasn't the only player to stake a rather impressive claim. Jarrod Bowen also deserves his flowers.

Jarrod Bowen's performance in numbers

With Saka possessing what feels like a permanent place on the right flank, Phil Foden also capable of playing on that side and a spritely Cole Palmer included in the squad, this was a big night for Bowen.

Fortunately for those of a West Ham persuasion, he duly took it, delivering what was an "excellent" performance in the eyes of journalist Malik Ouzia.

Right from the first whistle Bowen was at the races, dashing onto a ball down the flanks to cross for Toney. The winger may not have registered an assist on the night but his four key passes were more than any other player on the field. Not bad for just your sixth cap.

It's easy to forget that the 27-year-old has risen through the ranks the hard way. He wasn't at a Premier League academy, far from it in fact. No, this is a man who was playing for Hereford United just ten years ago. His rise has been immense.

On the evidence of his showing against Belgium he should certainly add a great deal more caps to his name. Bowen was even cruelly denied his first goal in England colours having adjudged to have been in an offside position after steering the ball home from close range in the opening 45 minutes.

Handed an 8/10 match rating by the aforementioned Ouzia, it was a display that saw him cause 'plenty of problems down the right' after 'carrying club form into an England shirt'.

Indeed, the Irons star has scored an eye-catching 18 goals this term while supplying seven assists. If he keeps adding to those numbers before the season is up, it will surely be impossible for Southgate to deny him a spot on the plane to Germany for the Euros.

England: 11 wildcard picks for Gareth Southgate's Euros squad

Ahead of EURO 2024, here are 11 wildcard picks Gareth Southgate should consider when selecting his squad next summer.

ByMark Marston Mar 27, 2024

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed the Reds' failed pursuit of Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.

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• Zubimendi rejected Liverpool move
• Liverpool yet to make summer signing
• Slot discusses flopped move and transfer limbo

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool have been looking to sign a pivot this summer as they look to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title after falling just short last season. Their major target for the summer had been Real Sociedad's Zubimendi as the Spain international impressed the Reds' top brass after his performances in the Euro 2024 final against England.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earlier this week, Zubimendi announced his decision to stay at Real Sociedad which came as a major blow to Liverpool's hopes of adding the 25-year-old to their midfield this summer, as they remain the only Premier League team to have not made a transfer this summer so far. Slot has now addressed the failed transfer move and also talked about the lack of new signings this summer.

• IMAGO
  

  WHAT SLOT SAID

  Speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League opener, Slot said: "I said many times already our squad is really strong so it is not easy to find players to strengthen. Zubimendi was one but he chose not to come here so we go forward with the ones we have. We're in a good place and Richard is trying to improve the squad in the background. Zubimendi didn't want to come and Richard tried everything. We kept the same team but lost Thiago, Joel and Adrian and you always talk about transfers but we have a positive team already."

  The Liverpool boss also talked about the lack of transfers this summer, he said: "That argument I don't understand. If you don't strengthen you become weaker? We stay the same. I truly believe you can help on the training ground and improve. It has helped players to improve here. If other clubs strengthen they become better but it's not always true that new players make you stronger. Every player in the team needs perspective on playing time. If you keep bringing in players the energy goes down. Me and Richard are trying to strengthen, if we think we have found someone, we try to bring him. Unfortunately, the one we found (Zubimendi) said no."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Reds will begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Portman Road Stadium to take on Ipswich Town on August 17. Liverpool now have just over two weeks to make their first signing of the summer with the transfer window set to close at 11 pm BST on August 30.