All posts by h79snht.top

With the Europa League final looming, there no doubt remains a number of selection calls to make for manager Ruben Amorim, with there likely to be few nailed-on starters in Bilbao, not least considering the club’s continued woes domestically.

One position that, unfortunately, almost picks itself is the centre-forward berth, with the Portuguese coach forced to select the struggling Rasmus Hojlund by default, considering the lack of alternatives.

Indeed, the Red Devils suffered the blow of losing Joshua Zirkzee for what looks to be the remainder of the campaign, with the Dutchman notably netting against Real Sociedad and Lyon in successive away trips.

Equally, the decision not to include 17-year-old starlet, Chido Obi, in the Europa League squad has now potentially backfired, thus leaving Hojlund as the only senior striker available in the competition.

With Chelsea – and then Aston Villa – to come in the Premier League, however, it would be worth Amorim experimenting with a different approach, with the 40-year-old potentially overlooking a potential solution in the academy ranks.

How Man Utd can replace Hojlund

With a trip to Stamford Bridge in store on Friday – just five days prior to next Wednesday’s crucial clash with Tottenham Hotspur – it may be a wise choice to take Hojlund out of the firing line, not least with the Dane against drawing a blank against West Ham United at the weekend.

Hojlund’s game in numbers vs West Ham

Stat

Record

Touches

31

Pass accuracy

9/15 (60%

Shots on target

2

Shots off target

4

Key passes

0

Successful dribbles

0/2

Big chances created

0

Big chances missed

2

Possession lost

13

Ground duels won

1/6

Aerial duels won

3/8

Stats via Sofascore

That alteration could potentially see young Obi thrown into the mix, albeit with the teenager still far from the finished article, having also failed to find the back of the net himself in seven first-team appearances this season.

Something of “a goal machine” at academy level, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, the former Arsenal ace has found the step up to life in the senior ranks far more difficult, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst noting that he looked like an ‘an underdeveloped 17-year-old boy among men’, following his first start in the 4-3 defeat to Brentford.

Even Amorim subsequently admitted that Obi had been “naive” with regard to the use of his body against the Bees, with that outing seeing him register just nine passes, while winning just two of his nine attempted duels.

As his absence from the Europa League roster explains, Obi is perhaps not yet truly ready to be leading the line for the first team, having arguably been thrown in too soon due to Hojlund’s woes.

Further options could lie in the form of Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine role, with Bruno Fernandes or Amad also potential solutions in that berth, yet Amorim may wish to consider looking elsewhere in the academy ranks for an in-house alternative.

Man Utd could be brewing Amorim's next Gyokeres

Amorim must be tearing his hair out at the lack of a consistent striker in Manchester. Back in Lisbon, meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres continues to go from strength to strength for Sporting CP, having racked up 95 goals in just 100 games for the club to date.

66 of those strikes came in just 68 games under Amorim’s watch, following the Swede’s arrival from Coventry City in the summer of 2023, with it no surprise that there has been talk of a reunion at Old Trafford ahead of next term.

That said, the new United boss may already have a prolific, exciting attacking talent of his own who he can mould into his next Gyokeres, with 18-year-old, Victor Musa, currently shining in the youth set-up.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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A towering centre-forward – in a similar mould to the 6 foot 2 Gyokeres – Musa has been a revelation this season at U18 level, having previously been hampered by injury last term.

Indeed, the promising marksman has scored 16 times in just 19 games at U18 Premier League level in 2024/25, with that return including a brutal six-goal haul in the 13-1 win over rivals Leeds United last month.

That outing showcased the full array of his striking potential, with Musa leading the line in superb fashion, having regularly cut in off the right flank with devastating effect, while also possessing a poacher’s instinct in the penalty box.

A player who can also operate on the flanks if required – much like Gyokeres has done in his career previously – the versatile talent is now even at the centre of a tussle between Spain and England regarding his international allegiance, having thus far featured for both nations at youth level.

There had been reports that he is even being deemed to be United’s own version of Barcelona superstar, Lamine Yamal, a further nod to just how highly-rated the left-footer is right now.

With Hojlund needing a rest and Obi still looking too raw, Musa could be worthy of his own chance to impress against the Blues, be it off the bench or with a surprise start in west London.

Amorim, either through the transfer market or with an in-house option, needs to find his next Gyokeres-esque attacking figurehead. Why not give Musa the chance to showcase why he could be a homegrown alternative to the Swedish monster?

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Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls May 12, 2025

Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday stretched Arne Slot’s winless run to three matches, with the Reds last tasting victory at Anfield against Tottenham Hotspur at the end of April.

Ah, that was the afternoon Liverpool sealed their 20th Premier League title. All good, then. Though Slot will be immensely disappointed with his team’s struggles over the past three weeks, context will temper his frustrations, with the squad out celebrating their triumph in Dubai last week, instead of being at Kirkby, training for their clash at the AMEX.

Most Top-flight Titles in English History

Rank

Club

Titles

1.

Liverpool

20

1=

Man United

20

3.

Arsenal

13

4.

Man City

10

5.

Everton

9

Data via BBC Sport

While standards have slipped, understandably so, the blip carries the undertow of a deeper issue that Slot has wrestled with across the season.

Rotation has been minimal in the Premier League this year, with the head coach seemingly unimpressed with some of his fringe stars.

That’s why FSG are acting incisively to bring in a range of changes this summer. Jeremie Frimpong is slated to replace the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and it looks like bringing in Milos Kerkez is the next port of call.

The latest on Milos Kerkez to Liverpool

Though it feels like there’s little need to panic, Liverpool fans will hold off on celebrating the acquisition of Bournemouth full-back Kerkez until the deal is done and dusted.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that ‘talks are advancing’ between the two clubs, with Kerkez himself desperate to make the move to Merseyside.

But the Hungarian talent has been “absolutely exceptional” in the Premier League this year, as put by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, so important for Andoni Iraola’s high-flying side.

So then, is it any surprise The i News are claiming Manchester City are ready to rival Liverpool for the £45m-rated player’s signature?

Liverpool are still firm frontrunners, but have yet to table an official bid and City’s enquiries are born from real interest in bringing him to the Etihad.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot to sift through, but he’s managing it well, having already shortlisted a potential alternative.

Liverpool enter race for defender

As per Sky Germany, Liverpool might be prioritising a deal for Kerkez, but that hasn’t stopped them from adding Ajax’s Jorrel Hato to the shortlist.

Transfer Focus

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

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While Caught Offside understand Chelsea currently lead the race for the dynamic Dutch defender, Liverpool likely trail only because they have focused their principal attention elsewhere.

But FSG can ramp up the gas at any given moment.

Hato is expected to fetch a transfer fee worth €55m (£46m), and the suitors will be emboldened by Arsenal dropping their long-term interest after the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Why Liverpool want Jorrel Hato

Kerkez would be the dream for Liverpool, but it’s a promising thing that Hughes and co are mapping out alternative options. The 19-year-old Hato, to be sure, has the potential to match or even exceed his Hungarian positional peer, having been instrumental from a young age in his homeland, already having made 111 senior showings for the club, hitting 13 goal contributions.

Profiled as a tactically astute player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hato is a dynamic and versatile player with a strong set of core qualities, which make a firm comment on his potential success at Slot’s Liverpool.

Kulig even went as far as to say he’s “one of the most talented CBs of his generation” after breaking onto the big stage in 2023, while scout Antonio Mango has described him as “one of the best young talents in football”. Now this player of “immense quality” – as per Kulig – is proving himself worthy on the flank, too.

As per FBref, Hato ranks among the top 2% of full-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie this season for pass completion, the top 12% for assists, the top 6% for touches in the attacking box and the top 5% for through balls made per 90, bespeaking a flowing passing game that could be perfect for ‘Slotball’.

Even in his nascence, Hato’s vast experience in central defence could further his chances of earning a move to Merseyside, a dream Kerkez alternative but one whose prowess could be called upon to ease the centre-halves duties, especially if Jarell Quansah is to leave, as reported by Sky Germany, and Andy Robertson keeps his place in the senior squad next season.

Jorrel Hato – Career Ajax Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Left-back

88

4

8

Centre-back

70

3

3

Central midfield

1

–

–

Left midfield

1

–

–

Stats via Transfermarkt

Kerkez might be a more natural wide defender, but that in itself doesn’t mean Anfield should head down that route. Analyst Asim Mahmood has even claimed the Hungarian “needs a lot of coaching/development to mould him into an Arne Slot full-back.”

Whether this is wholly true is open to discussion. The 21-year-old has hit seven goal involvements in the Premier League this year, winning 60% of his ground duels and completing 80% of his passes. Kerkez has made a key pass a game, and Slot has already demonstrated his capacity to enhance exciting young talents.

Maybe it’s time to forget the Bournemouth left-back, who would cost FSG something in the same ballpark as Hato but perhaps isn’t a perfect stylistic fit.

Indeed, Kerkez requiring coaching to align with the Liverpool boss’ tactics is fine, but why bother making that investment when the Ajax starlet could be signed with a ready-made skill set.

Hato feels extremely Slot-esque with his distinct brand of possession-focused football. This isn’t to the detriment of his creativity, though, shackled by his own desire to tick things along. As per Sofascore, Hato’s 90% pass success rate in the Eredivisie has led to six assists, with two goals scored too.

Moreover, Hato has won 4.1 duels, made 1.9 tackles and recovered 4.2 loose balls per game, all denoting a roundedness that stretches into firm defensive roots and an innate athleticism, charged by some inexhaustible wellspring of energy that has sadly left Robertson’s arsenal this year.

Kerkez’s entourage would no doubt point toward their man’s superiority from an attacking standpoint, ranking higher across such relevant underlying metrics this season, but Hato would suggest he has been more economical with his attacking productivity, hitting eight direct contributions to Kerkez’s seven.

Robertson’s 31, but he’s still been a regular feature in a team of Premier League champions, and for the second time at that. But this is a new era at the club, and Slot needs to be trusted with placing his own stamp on the squad.

If Liverpool are stuck between the two transfer targets, it might be worthwhile for Slot to walk down his trusted Dutch road and seal a deal for Hato’s, whose unique qualities would leave him in a fantastic position to dovetail right into the high-flying team.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

Having already announced the arrival of young Spaniard Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have reportedly pushed on with their summer plans by lodging their first enquiries to sign Anthony Elanga and a striker worth as much as £70m.

Newcastle pushing to sign Elanga

With Bryan Mbeumo set to choose Manchester United over a move to St James’ Park, Newcastle’s search for a winger has reportedly taken them to Nottingham Forest and Elanga.

The Swede enjoyed his best Premier League season yet to become the latest in a long line of Old Trafford regrets. Now, he could be on his way to Tyneside as Newcastle flex their newfound Champions League status.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Elanga

Gordon

Murphy

Minutes

2,501

2,434

2,360

Goals

6

6

8

Assists

11

5

12

Completed take-ons

25

38

35

In what would spark the battle of the Anthonys in Tyneside, Elanga looks likely to come out on top to secure a starting place in Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Gordon next season, should he complete a summer switch.

Given how they impressed in their own right last season, Nottingham Forest won’t want to lose one of their key men without a fight this summer.

Both Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate to ensure that last season was no flash in the pan and keeping hold of Elanga would go a long way towards achieving.

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Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

Whether PIF’s financial power will prove too strong is the big question. After PSR limits forced them to sit out of the last two windows, the rich owners are now ready to spend big again on both Elanga and another Premier League star.

Back in the Champions League with money to spend, the Saudi owners are certainly not messing around in this summer’s transfer window.

Newcastle lodge first Joao Pedro "enquiry"

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have now made their first “enquiry” to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, having already done the same for Elanga.

A deal not expected to come cheap amid reports that the Seagulls value the Brazilian at as much as £70m, Pedro will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Ever since Fabian Hurzeler decided to drop Pedro for disciplinary reasons at the back end of last season, a Brighton departure has looked on the cards for Pedro. The former Watford man endured a mixed campaign, truth be told, and one that was ultimately full of frustration.

Despite scoring just ten goals in all competitions and eventually being dropped by Hurzeler, there remains impressive interest in the former Watford man who still found himself at the centre of praise last season.

With Newcastle now lurking, Pedro may not even need to win over club legend Alan Shearer if he completes a move this summer. The record Premier League goalscorer took the time to describe the Brighton star as “superb” back in November.

Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker this summer has constantly led them back to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish international firmly on their radar.

Ruben Amorim has previously managed the 27-year-old during his stint in Portugal, which has undoubtedly contributed to the rumours around his move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils would be getting themselves a clinical option if his current goal record is anything to go by, after he registered a total of 54 goals in his 52 club appearances in 2024/25.

However, despite holding talks with the striker’s representatives, he’s currently involved in a dispute with the Liga Portugal side that could scupper any potential reunion with Amorim this summer.

As a result, other targets have been considered, with the manager working tirelessly with the board to secure the additions he needs to turn the current situation around.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Whilst Matheus Cunha has already secured his move to join United, it’s expected that the Brazilian international is set to operate in a number 10 role behind the striker.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Aleksandar Mitrovic have all been considered for the role, but appear to be backup options given the moves made elsewhere.

In recent days, it’s emerged that the Red Devils have made contact with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential move for forward Hugo Ekitiké, according to Sky Germany.

They claim that the French star, who’s scored 22 times across all competitions this campaign, has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his current deal, with Chelsea and Arsenal also interested.

It also states that Amorim’s men have expressed concrete interest over a move for the 22-year-old, but doesn’t mention if they are willing to pay the clause in his current deal.

Why United’s £84m target could be their own Isak

The Premier League has become a brutal division over recent years, with many sides taking advantage of you if you fall below the required standard of England’s top flight.

Alexander Isak is a player who has been the thorn in many teams’ sides over recent seasons, netting a total of 54 Premier League goals in his last three seasons at Newcastle United.

Such form has led to him being one of the most sought-after talismen in Europe, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m price tag on him amid interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

If any side were to pay such a fee, it would make him the most expensive signing in the history of English football, but United could look to steer clear of any move in favour of a switch for Ekitike.

When comparing his stats to those of Isak from the 2024/25 campaign, the Frankfurt ace has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – making the £84m fee appear somewhat of a bargain.

He’s been ranked as a similar player to the Swede by FBref, managing to register more shots on target per 90 – leading to talent scout Jacek Kulig labelling the French star as “world-class”.

Ekitike also completed more passes than Isak, whilst completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, offering Amorim an all-round option in his attempts to take United back to their former glory.

How Hugo Ekitiké compares to Alexander Isak in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Ekitike

Isak

Games played

33

34

Goals & assists

23

29

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

Shots on target

1.5

1.3

Shots taken

4

3.1

Pass accuracy

76%

74%

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

Stats via FBref

If he can transfer his form from the Bundesliga over to England in the coming months, it would be a deal that could be one of the best in the club’s history – allowing him to cement himself in the club’s history forever.

It may be a deal that will cost the club somewhat of a small fortune this summer, but the key is the limit for the youngster, with such a price tag being worth every penny if he can catapult them up the table in 2025/26.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is already working to back incoming new manager Thomas Frank, with the Dane closing in on a move to N17 as he replaces Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham reach Thomas Frank agreement as transfer plans begin

Fabrizio Romano was first to give the ‘here we go’ on Frank’s switch to Spurs from Brentford, and now other reliable media sources are reporting that he’s about to become the Lilywhites’ fifth manager since 2019.

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Talks over backroom staff were apparently stalling preparations to announce Frank as Postecoglou’s immediate heir, specifically Justin Cochrane as the 51-year-old’s assistant, but the club now appear to have struck an accord.

With any doubt surrounding Frank’s move to N17 seemingly quashed, Tottenham can begin work on their summer recruitment drive sooner rather than later, which is vital considering their place in the Champions League.

Levy will not want to leave Frank in a similar position to that of Postecoglou last campaign, as the Australian had to deal with a plague of injuries throughout his squad on a consistent basis during the 2024/2025 season.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Securing much-needed strength in depth will be imperative if they wish to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition and significantly improve on their 17th-placed Premier League finish.

Some reports suggest Frank is already making some intriguing transfer decisions behind-the-scenes ahead of his arrival in north London.

According to TEAMtalk, Frank is keen to keep hold of Mathys Tel on a permanent deal, and he’s also recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Levy as a potential signing (GiveMeSport).

Tottenham are targeting a new forward as one of their summer priorities (Michael Bridge), with keen interest also shown in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Daniel Levy meets with Antoine Semenyo's agents over Tottenham transfer

According to talkSPORT and reporter Alex Crook, their fondness of the Cherries forward stretches far beyond just an admiring glance.

It is believed Levy has personally met with Semenyo’s agents to hold Tottenham talks, but Spurs’ high-ranking chief was told a key transfer condition, namely that Tottenham would have to smash their transfer record to strike a deal for the Ghanaian.

The 25-year-old scored 13 goals and bagged a further seven assists in all competitions last term, with the price for his signature coming in at around £70 million.

There is little doubting Semenyo’s quality, though it remains to be seen just how much Levy is willing to part with to make his signing a reality.

“He’s a lovely footballer to watch”, said Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp on Premier League productions late last year.

“The manager’s taken him to another level. He obviously has that capability because you saw it with Solanke. I’m just seeing him elevate his game right now, we’ll talk about why does that happen, a lot of it is purely on confidence.

“He looks like he’s enjoying his football, his shoulders are back, he’s relaxed, every time he gets it, he plays with a bit of a swagger. He’s actually a joy to watch right now.”

Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant made short work of a target of 97 to get India off to a winning start at the T20 World Cup 2024

Karthik Krishnaswamy05-Jun-20242:03

Flower on New York pitch – ‘Bordering on dangerous’

New York’s second match as a T20I venue was a lot like its first: low-scoring and brutal. Two days after South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 77 here, India bowled Ireland out for 96. A different strip was used for this game, but the bounce was just as inconsistent, and batting just as difficult, if not outright dangerous.India’s selection was spot-on – they picked four fast bowlers including Hardik Pandya, and two spin-bowling allrounders to lengthen their batting, which meant they left Kuldeep Yadav on the bench. They didn’t need all that batting in the end, as Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant helped them cross the line with 46 balls remaining, but the packed pace attack proved extremely useful. Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik picked up 8 for 81 between them, extracting seam movement and up-and-down bounce right through an Ireland innings that lasted just 16 overs.As good as those performances were, though, this match will be remembered for the conditions. Batters from both teams took body blows – Rohit retired hurt on 52, soon after being struck on the arm – and by the time India wrapped up their win, their thoughts may have gone ahead to June 9 at the same venue, and what kind of pitch they may have to play Pakistan on.Arshdeep sets the toneThe first two overs gave enough of a clue of how this pitch would behave, with both Arshdeep and Siraj extracting inconsistent bounce. One ball from Arshdeep – seam-up rather than a slower ball or cutter – bounced a second time before reaching wicketkeeper Pant, but most of the inconsistency was up rather than down, with one ball forcing Pant into a leaping, overhead, goalkeeper-style save.

Extra bounce brought India their first wicket, Paul Stirling top-edging a heave across the line at the start of the third over.By the end of that over, Arshdeep had taken out both openers. He was finding ways to mix up his stock inswinger to the right-hander with balls that kept going with the left-armer’s angle across them, and one of these away-slanters bowled Andy Balbirnie, as he stayed leg-side of the ball and tried to steer one down to third.Ireland collapseBy the end of the powerplay, Ireland were still only two down, but Harry Tector had already been hit on the glove and the thigh pad and was batting on 1 off 10. That became 4 off 15 before a nasty short ball from Bumrah hurried him, and he ended up gloving the attempted pull into his helmet and then to the fielder at short extra-cover.By then they had also lost Lorcan Tucker, bowled trying to drive a nip-backer from Hardik.Hardik Pandya showed some form•Getty Images

India kept getting the length ball to nip around and the short-of-length ball to climb, and Ireland kept losing wickets. Even the introduction of spin didn’t stem the collapse, as Barry McCarthy was caught and bowled by an Axar Patel ball that stuck in the pitch. At 50 for 8, Ireland were in danger of falling short of their lowest T20I total – 68 against West Indies during the 2010 edition of this tournament.They eventually crossed that mark, with Gareth Delany’s risk-taking coming off – where that of his team-mates’ mostly didn’t – in a 14-ball 26 that carried Ireland to 96.Rohit and Pant finish the jobRohit and Virat Kohli came out swinging – perhaps they reckoned that the new ball and powerplay field restrictions gave them the best chance of quick runs – and came away with contrasting outcomes.Kohli fell early, caught on the deep-third boundary while charging at Mark Adair and looking to slap him over the covers.

Rohit enjoyed two slices of early luck – Balbirnie put down a tough chance at second slip in the first over, off Adair, and an inside-edge in the second over, off Josh Little, ran away for four past the stumps – and carried on to score his 30th T20I fifty. The pitch remained treacherous, and Rohit’s control percentage hovered in the 40s for most of his innings, before climbing to 51 by the time he retired hurt. But he hit some telling blows too, most notably two trademark pulls off successive balls from Little that brought up his 599th and 600th sixes in international cricket. Before that, he also went past 4000 runs in T20Is.Pant looked more fluent than Rohit, indeed as fluent as anyone could have looked on this pitch, and hit three sixes and two fours while scoring an unbeaten 36 off 26. He took a hit to the elbow and one to the shoulder, and his response to the latter blow summed him up as a cricketer and character: he finished the match off the next ball, reverse-scooping McCarthy for six over the wicketkeeper.

The Premier League fixtures were announced this week and Liverpool will kick start their reign as champions by welcoming Bournemouth on Friday August 15, but who will make their starting XI?

The Reds face the Cherries, a trip to Newcastle and a home clash with Arsenal in their first few fixtures, and have already been very busy in the transfer market in preparation for the new season.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong through the Anfield door, so Arne Slot’s side could have a totally new look to it come August, as the club’s leadership opt to attack from a position of strength this summer.

But with plenty of new faces and the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and possibly Andy Robertson departing, what will the manager’s first team of the season look like? We’ve asked Grok, the AI tool on X, to find out, as it set the Reds up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

AI predicts Liverpool's starting XI vs Bournemouth Defence: Alisson, Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez

There are few surprises in the prediction for Liverpool’s defensive set-up, with all signs pointing towards Kerkez being the next new face through the door.

An international teammate of Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian star’s father all but confirmed the move this week, and Bournemouth have already signed his replacement in the shape of Adrien Truffert.

On the other side, Konate is flanked by Frimpong, who’s incredible goal threat from a wide position should go some way to filling the void left by Alexander-Arnold – the flying Dutchman registered five goals and five assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season.

Defensive midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister

Again we see the beauty of building off the back of a stunning title-winning season, as there is plenty of consistency through the spine of Liverpool’s predicted set-up.

Ryan Gravenberch was crowned the top flight’s young player of the season last term, starting 37 of his side’s 38 league matches, and will look to continue his development alongside World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Attacking midfield: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo

If fans were worried about the creativity lost by their vice-captain’s departure, then the arrival of Wirtz to slot in alongside Salah should ease those concerns. The Germany international and the Egyptian King were the only two players across Europe’s big five leagues to score ten or more goals and assist ten or more goals across the last two seasons.

League Stats 2024/25

Mohamed Salah

Florian Wirtz

Goals

29

10

Assists

18

12

Shot-creating actions

169

148

Successful take-ons

58

82

Crosses

79

101

On the left the nod goes to Gakpo, perhaps lending credence to the idea that Luis Diaz will depart the club amid links to Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

Striker: Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez expected to leave Merseyside this summer and join a club in Serie A, there is plenty of speculation about who takes the number nine role under Slot, and Grok predicts it will be Newcastle superstar Alexander Isak.

The 25 year-old is thought to hold a price tag of £150m with his current employers, which would smash the top flight record and Liverpool’s own top signing, which will soon be Wirtz at £116m.

Could anyone stop Liverpool’s newfound domestic dominance if they added Isak to their already illustrious attacking options?

Sri Lanka’s interim coach also says people need to give Asalanka some time as captain before judging him

Shashank Kishore01-Aug-2024

Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya have a chat•SLC

Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka’s interim coach, wants his team to channel the criticism they have received after the T20I series loss to India to turn things around during the 50-overs leg of the tour.”I tell them that I have been at this place too during my 20 years as a player,” Jayasuriya said ahead of the first ODI in Colombo. “A lot of you have just started. You have to be able to accept this criticism, and then be able to come out and play well. If you play well the fans will love you. What they say to you is because of the hurt they are feeling, and that’s temporary.Jayasuriya said the Sri Lankan team was putting in “huge efforts” at training, and the batting collapses they suffered in all three T20Is was simply a case of things not clicking. Two nights ago, they lost 7 for 27 as India took the third T20I into the Super Over despite the hosts cruising towards their 138-run target at one stage. In the first T20I, they lost 9 for 30 after setting themselves up for victory at 140 for 1 in 14 overs while chasing 214.Jayasuriya said it wasn’t a lack of skill or commitment that led to the meltdowns. He felt his players’ “cricket awareness” needed sharpening. “We have created a system where top-order batters could bat for two or three hours during training,” he said. “Kamindu Mendis batted for more than 600 balls during our training. Kusal Perera batted for over 700 balls and that’s quite a number of overs.Related

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“I don’t see a lack of commitment, but they have got to tackle pressure better. Their cricket awareness also needs sharpening. We are taking the responsibility; you can’t go away from that. As long as they realise that, and make sure that, we’ll have to keep giving them the confidence and support.”Jayasuriya elaborated on the “cricket awareness” aspect by citing how it was acceptable to not be a six-hitting team.”When you talk about power hitting, I don’t think you need that much,” Jayasuriya said. “If you hit enough fours and enough twos, you get the total that you need. The [Sri Lankan] grounds are a little bigger. There’s no reason why you can’t hit boundaries, or twos, or threes. If you can do that, you can get by without hitting so many sixes.”Jayasuriya also backed new captain Charith Asalanka to come good, while underlining the importance of giving him time to settle into the new role before being judged. Since his debut in 2021, Asalanka has risen to become one of Sri Lanka’s more consistent ODI batters, averaging 43.59 with a strike rate of almost 90 across 52 innings.”Charith Asalanka is one of our best players in this format, and we need to remember that,” Jayasuriya said. “But when you get the captaincy, there is some pressure. I’ve been there too. You have got to give them a little time in that position.”There are ten more players in the side, and 16 in the squad. We all have to get together and give him the confidence too. At any moment, the captain could click. Charith Asalanka is someone who works really hard. He’s very professional and communicates well.”The Sri Lanka players have been hit by injuries and illnesses in the lead-up to the ODI series. The list is rather long – Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara are all unavailable.”We have brought Pramod Madushan into our squad,” Jayasuriya said. “There’s also a viral flu in the team and we need to account for that. Maheesh Theekshana was sick and he recovered enough to play. Wanindu Hasaranga also had it. There were several who caught it and in the end, we even had to admit Binura Fernando to the hospital.”The absence of key players, though, is not something Jayasuriya wants to use as an excuse. He insists there’s plenty to play for and has spoken to players individually about placing an emphasis on being “mentally in the right place”.”I’m interim coach and I’ve only got these two series, but that’s not how I think,” he said. “When I was playing, and even now, I hate to lose. The players who are around now know that too. When I talk to them, I tell them that fans in this country love the game, and a lot of us, including me, have brought cricket into this country to a certain place.”I’ve spoken about that a lot individually with players and as a team. In terms of facilities and practice, I’ve tried to do as much as I can. What I want is to create a good environment so they can be mentally in the right place and can play with confidence.”

West Ham United have now submitted a £22m offer for an “exciting” player who turned down a move to Manchester United, according to a report.

Hammers set for busy summer transfer window

There are set to be plenty of changes at the London Stadium this summer, with replacements needed for the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings and Kurt Zouma, who have all been released following the expiration of their contracts.

It looks like some of the Hammers’ summer transfer business could be funded by another departure, with Mohammed Kudus emerging as a major target for two of their Premier League rivals.

The Hammers have already knocked back a £50m bid from Tottenham for Kudus, but with the north Londoners set to make another approach, it is looking increasingly likely that Graham Potter will need to bring in a new winger this summer.

Following Fabianski’s exit, a new goalkeeper will also be required, and West Ham have now made a €25m (£22m) offer for Parma shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, according to a report from Parma Live.

The Irons will have to submit a higher bid in order to get a deal over the line, however, considering the 22-year-old is happy to remain at Parma and the Italian club want to keep hold of him.

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Several Premier League clubs have also been named as potential suitors for Suzuki, including Chelsea and Man United, with the goalkeeper once turning down a move to Old Trafford because he didn’t want to be second choice behind Andre Onana.

"Exciting" Suzuki could be ideal signing for West Ham

Football scout Ben Mattinson was left impressed by the Japenese shot-stopper’s performances in the Serie A last season, saying: “Zion Suzuki pulled off a phenomenal save against Roma and he’s rightly making the headlines.

“Despite Parma’s struggles at times this season, Zion Suzuki has stood out for his performances in goal. Remains one of the most exciting young keepers right now.”

The New Jersey-born goalkeeper was a regular starter for the Serie A side throughout the campaign, indicating that he could immediately challenge for Alphonse Areola’s starting spot, and there are signs the Parma man could be an ideal signing for West Ham.

Having averaged 43.59 touches per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 89th percentile, Suzuki is clearly comfortable with his feet, which indicates he could be a good fit in a Potter system.

As such, the Hammers should return with a higher offer, especially given that a long-term replacement for Areola is needed, with the French goalkeeper now 32-years-old.

علق محمد كوفي، لاعب الزمالك السابق، ومدير منتخب بوركينا فاسو الحالي، على مواجهة منتخب مصر، في تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم 2026.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة بوركينا فاسو في العاصمة واجادوجو، الثلاثاء المقبل، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة بالمجموعة الأولى بالتصفيات الإفريقية المؤهلة لبطولة كأس العالم لكرة القدم 2026.

ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى التي تضم كلاً من: بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، إثيوبيا، غينيا بيساو وجيبوتي.

طالع| فيديو | أفشة يقود منتخب مصر الثاني للفوز على تونس وديًا استعدادًا لـ كأس العرب

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة برصيد 19 نقطة بفارق 5 نقاط عن بوركينا فاسو، الذي جمع 14 نقطة وبات المنافس الوحيد على التأهل.

وقال كوفي في تصريحات للموقع الرسمي لاتحاد الكرة: “المباراة القادمة بين بوركينا فاسو ومصر ستكون عالية المستوى ولن تكون سهلة على الطرفين، لأن منتخب مصر يتصدر المجموعة الأولى، ومنتخب بوركينا فاسو في المركز الثاني”.

وأضاف: “منتخبنا جاهز بكل قوة لمواجهة مصر ويسعى للخروج بنتيجة إيجابية، ونحن نستعد جيدًا من الناحية الذهنية لهذه المباراة وكذلك مصر، فلا مجال للخطأ لكلا المنتخبين”.

وتابع: “جميع لاعبي منتخب مصر على أعلى مستوى، لكن الأخطر الثلاثي محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي وعمر مرموش لاعب مانشستر سيتي ومحمود حسن تريزيجيه نجم النادي الأهلي، والأهم أني أعرف الصديقين الحبيبين حسام وإبراهيم حسن جيدًا، ولا توجد مباريات سهلة بالنسبة لهما؛ كل مباراة هي نهائي؛ وهذه هي روح الفوز”.

وكشف: “حسام حسن كان لاعبًا رائعًا، وأصبح الآن مدربًا رائعًا، وأنا معجب به وأحب شخصيته وحماسه وأعتقد أن المواجهة التكتيكية على أرضية الملعب بين حسام حسن وبراما تراوري ستكون قوية للغاية، والفريق الذي سينفذ لاعبيه تعليمات مدربه خلال اللقاء سيكون الانتصار حليفه والنقاط الثلاث من نصيبه”.

واختتم: “أدين بالفضل بكل مسيرتي الاحترافية لمصر، فهي التي جعلتني فخورًا بنفسي، لن أتوقف عن شكر المصريين وحب هذا البلد الجميل، لدي ذكريات جميلة كثيرة في مصر، لعبت مع بتروجت، المصري، سموحة، البنك الأهلي والزمالك، لكنني أتذكر بشكل خاص فترة لعبي مع الزمالك خلال موسم 2014- 2015، عندما كنت بطلاً مصرياً وفزت بكأس مصر، لدي ذكريات رائعة مع أصدقائي المصريين”.