Wolves have edged past AC Milan in the race to sign Almeria and former Spain Under-21 right-back Marc Pubill.
Wolves lead the race for Pubill's signatureMilan in contact with player's agentAlmeria open to sell Pubill, but with inflated price tagFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Almeria are open to selling Pubill; however, they have attached an asking price of €19m (£16.5m/$22.1m) with a 20% sell-on clause, which has to be paid to his former club Levante. Milan are after his signature, as they deem him to be a perfect fit under manager Massimiliano Allegri; however, their 'would be' formal offer of €15m (£13m/$17.4m) is falling short of Almeria's demands. Now, Wolves have emerged as favourites to sign him.
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Wolves are short in defence as Nelson Semedo left the club after his contract expired this summer. Now, they have identified Pubill, 22, as the perfect replacement. The defender featured 36 times in the Spanish second-tier last season and seems ready for a higher level. The two-way fight between Milan and Wolves might end soon if the latter succeeds in convincing Almeria.
DID YOU KNOW?
The right-back, who has an existing contract at Almeria until 2029, was a Spain Under-21 international and scored a goal against Slovakia in the Under-21 Euros last June.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PUBILL?
One-time capped Catalonia player Pubill, who spent some time in Espanyol's academy before joining Levante in 2021, will now weigh up these offers and settle for the most convenient one in the coming weeks.
Believe it or not, Liverpool fans, the summer transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet. You’d be forgiven for assuming the contrary, with sporting director Richard Hughes moving like a man possessed before the Premier League campaign has even concluded.
Arne Slot has bagged the league title in his maiden year at the helm, and will celebrate in front of the fans as Anfield hosts FA Cup winner Crystal Palace in the final fixture of the top-flight season tomorrow afternoon.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The frustration and negativity around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid has been offset by a flurry of exciting activity, to be sure.
His direct replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, has completed his medical and will likely be announced next week. Meanwhile, talks for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez are advancing, Fabrizio Romano confirming the news.
These deals in themselves are rather spectacular, but that’s without even acknowledging Florian Wirtz, who looks set to move to Merseyside.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
This one’s moving apace. Liverpool have long held an admiration for Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz and have joined Manchester City and Bayern Munich in pursuing a deal for the Germany international, but developments in the past day or two have swung the pendulum in Anfield’s favour.
With Pep Guardiola’s side having pulled out of the race earlier in the week, Liverpool were poised to lock horns with the Bundesliga champions for German football’s brightest talent, and they’ve won the battle.
As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are engaged in official talks with Leverkusen for the talented number ten, having already opened communications through the nearly-complete transfer of Frimpong.
Leverkusen value Wirtz at about €150m (£126m), though whether FSG can engineer a more agreeable figure, and how the structure of the deal will play out, remains to be seen at this stage.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Any move for the German would make him the most expensive in his country’s history and indeed Liverpool’s record signing – but maybe not for all that long.
isak-wirtz-liverpool
But, Liverpool could also be in the market to add another attacking player on top of Wirtz, and he could an even better signing for the club…
Liverpool confident about signing new striker
As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are growing increasingly confident they can convince Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak to jump ship this summer, financially secure after several windows on the low.
The windfall from winning the Premier League and returning to the Champions League will have helped, of course. However, it will prove strenuous to drive a deal toward completion, for United are holding out for around £120m, though other reports suggest that figure could stretch toward the £150m mark.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Liverpool know that Eddie Howe will fight tooth and nail to keep his focal frontman at St. James’ Park, but FSG are willing to test Newcastle’s resolve with a formal offer in the coming months.
Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak
The justification behind an official bid for Newcastle’s star striker is pretty self-explanatory: he’s an incredible goalscorer, and with a dynamic and nuanced skill set which would be perfect for Slot’s specific system.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
It’s hard to see a world in which Isak wouldn’t hit the ground running at Liverpool. He’s powerful, athletic, pacy and deadly in front of goal. He’s the finishing piece from which someone like Wirtz could target to create an unstoppable attacking line.
Leverkusen’s man has been hailed as “a defender’s nightmare” by journalist Bence Bocsak, now imagine him combining with Isak, a terror in his own right.
The 25-year-old joined Howe’s side from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £63m fee and has since hit 73 goal contributions from 108 matches in all competitions, bringing a completeness that could be perfect for Slot’s fluent system.
Described as “the best striker in Europe” by Toon teammate Anthony Gordon, Isak would of course be a stunning addition to a winning Liverpool formula, replacing the flagging Darwin Nunez, the declining Diogo Jota, and taking Slot’s system to the next level.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
It’s for this reason that Isak could be the better signing, surpassing Wirtz, especially with an overreliance on a soon 33-year-old Mohamed Salah being a dangerous thing moving forward.
Isak has just produced his finest campaign, behind only Salah in the Premier League’s scoring charts. It’s frightening to think the pair could ply their trade side by side next term, and with Wirtz nestled in behind them too.
1.
Mohamed Salah
37
28
2.
Alexander Isak
33
23
3.
Erling Haaland
30
21
4.
Chris Wood
35
20
5.
Yoane Wissa
34
19
5=
Bryan Mbeumo
37
19
Salah is one of the greatest goalscorers the Premier League has ever known, but Isak is proving himself quite the menace on Tyneside, five goals behind the Egyptian but having played five matches fewer.
He’s also missed just 18 big chances in the top flight this term, as per Sofacore, denoting a cutting edge that Liverpool’s central striking options simply haven’t showcased since Slot took to the dugout.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Now that is a style Wirtz would delight in playing with. The German ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe this season for assists and the top 7% for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, illustrating an approach which would overwhelm Liverpool’s opponents.
While Wirtz has also created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga this season, his creativity is only one facet of a kaleidoscopic skill set. His combativeness, tenacity and workrate all make him the player he is, a superstar in the making.
This just goes to show he’s tailor-made for a place in Slot’s title-winning squad. For sure, Liverpool have a load of technical quality in their ranks, but they are built on their determination and application, flair enabled through hard graft and toil.
Make no mistake, if Liverpool manage, somehow, to sign both Isak and Wirtz, they will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come, if they are not already.
Isak, however, might just take the cake as the cream of an audacious transfer window, should he sign.
Open to leaving: Liverpool “machine” would be finished if FSG sign Wirtz
Liverpool are going punch-for-punch with Bayern Munich in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz.
After losing Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly set their sights on signing an impressive Championship forward this summer.
Cunha officially joins Man Utd
In one of the earliest, though perhaps least surprising moves of the summer, Cunha has now officially swapped Wolves for Manchester United. In truth, as soon as the Brazilian’s £63m release clause came to light, his exit seemed inevitable. For Wolves, it’s now more important than ever that they spend the money well and replace their talisman in seamless fashion. That, however, is easier said than done.
Appearances
92
Goals
33
Assists
15
Cunha’s record speaks for itself. The former Atletico Madrid man particularly found his best form throughout the 2024/25 campaign and replacing his impact will undoubtedly be Wolves’ toughest task this summer.
Whilst it’s easy to assume the worst, Wolves already experienced a glimpse of life without Cunha throughout the season when he was missing through injury and suspension. It was then that Vitor Pereira’s side proved that they’re more than just the Brazilian, securing three of their six impressive consecutive wins to send a statement in the battle to secure their Premier League status.
With that top-flight status secured and £63m to spare, Wolves should ensure that life without Cunha remains blissful rather than the nightmare many have envisaged in the past.
To that end, who could arrive remains to be seen. Stars such as Harvey Elliott have already threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks and signing a Premier League champion would certainly do no harm.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Whether the former Fulham gem is capable of producing the same output as Cunha is the big question, though. Instead, Wolves could push on to sign a proven goalscorer in the coming months.
Wolves "monitoring" Ivanovic
According to South London football reporter Richard Cawley, Wolves are now “monitoring” Mihailo Ivanovic following his excellent debut season at Millwall. The Serbian striker scored 12 goals in his first Championship campaign and only looks set to get better at just 20 years old.
Given how he starred in his first season, Millwall may naturally be reluctant to let their forward leave so soon after he initially arrived. But the Premier League call is certainly a difficult one to turn down.
Millwall manager Alex Neil has been among those full of praise for Ivanovic in recent months, telling reporters in April: “Any 20-year-old that leads the line in the Championship and can get nearly [10 goals], and he’ll get double figures before the end of the season.
“If you do that, that’s an unbelievable season and it won’t be surprising me if people start talking about him. I’ve already seen something the other day talking about the top 10 young talents in Europe – he’s one of them.”
Having lost a top talent in Cunha, if Wolves managed to sign one of the top 10 young talents in Europe – as Neil believes Ivanovic is – then that should be seen as excellent business.
Trent Rockets 145 for 7 beat Manchester Originals 144 for 8 by one runJordan Thompson stole the show and the match at Emirates Old Trafford, defending two runs from the final three balls of the game to secure Trent Rockets an improbable victory over Manchester Originals.On a day of last-ball finishes – after Originals women won the first game of the day by one run – it was once again the bowling side who ended up on top at the death when many may have been backing the batting side.Sikandar Raza scored 21 from 12 balls to take Originals to the brink, but when he was run out with one ball to go it left Max Holden (40) requiring two runs for the hosts. Holden could only top-edge his attempted pull to Sam Hain on the leg-side, much to the delight of Thompson and his Rockets teammates.Tom Banton got Rockets off to a flier at the top of the match, supported by Rovman Powell (27) and a big-hitting cameo from Rashid Khan (15), making his first appearance in the Hundred this year.Tom Hartley’s 3 for 25 on a slow pitch perhaps suggested it wouldn’t be the easiest chase for the Originals, especially with spin duo Rashid and Imad Wasim in their attack, but when Paul Walter cleared the ropes on three occasions the home fans began to dream about a day of double-header victories.Three wickets fell to those Rockets spinners in six balls to put doubts in the mind of the Originals faithful, but Raza looked to have allayed those fears until Thompson nipped in to make it two wins from two for Andy Flower’s Trent Rockets.Meerkat Match Hero Banton said: “The emotions are very up and down! Obviously they played extremely well to get to a very close ending and that’s what The Hundred is about, attracting the crowd. It was a good game.”My job at the top is to try and put their bowlers under pressure. I want to respect their good balls when they’re there, but when they’re in my scoring zone try and take it to them. And luckily it was my day.”That’s what we want to do. At the start of the competition we talked about qualifying and obviously two wins from two is a good start.”
With European football secured, Nottingham Forest now reportedly want to sign a Ligue 1 captain who is represented by the same agency as Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Although Nottingham Forest secured European qualification on Sunday, that was only half the story as they fell to a frustrating 2-2 draw against a relegated Leicester City side. From potentially finishing as high as third, a place in the top five is now out of Forest’s hands after picking up just one win in their last five Premier League games.
Many were left disappointed around the City Ground following the draw against Leicester, but none more so than Evangelos Marinakis. The Nottingham Forest owner marched onto the pitch to seemingly air his discontent at manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Marinakis has since released a statement revealing that his anger was aimed at the medical staff who misjudged Taiwo Awoniyi’s ability to carry on following his collision with the goal post in the dying embers, but the moment certainly sparked plenty of controversy.
The forward gave staff the green light to continue before then coming off not long after Forest had decided to make an alternative substitution.
Nottingham Forest now "ready" to make move for "talented" £17m Milan star
He has won 10 caps for England and played at the World Cup.
By
Henry Jackson
May 12, 2025
The Greek owner said in his statement: “We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
Away from any on-pitch controversies, meanwhile, it looks as though Marinakis is looking to put European qualification to instant use. According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest now want to sign left-back Adrien Truffert from Stade Rennais this summer.
The club’s captain at just 23 years old, whether Forest can pry Truffert away from Stade Rennais remains to be seen in the coming months, but what should help any deal is the fact that he’s represented by the same agent as Anderson and Gibbs-White.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Adrien Truffert
Neco Williams
Minutes
2,662
2,414
Key Passes
38
17
Tackles Won
34
48
Ball Recoveries
137
101
In terms of numbers, Truffert has endured an excellent season in comparison to Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams. Outperforming the Welshman when it comes to ball recoveries and key passes, there’s every chance that the Frenchman would gain a starting place at the City Ground if he completed a move this summer.
Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert
What his move would do as well is add key depth for Espirito Santo. As his side step into European football, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss will need quality in depth more than ever and Truffert would seemingly provide that at left-back.
The Dutch winger’s contract with LAFC will now run through Friday, July 25, instead of the original July 24 deadline.
Has scored two goals in five appearances for LAFCNot part of Club América’s future plans, the club wants to sell himLAFC reportedly interested in extending his loanGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Dutch winger Javairo Dilrosun will reportedly remain with LAFC for an extra day after the MLS club reached an agreement with Club América, allowing him to feature in this Friday’s match against the Portland Timbers. According to Tom Bogert, he will be eligible for the match, but his future is still to be determined with the club.
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According to ESPN, América are looking to sell Dilrosun during the current transfer window to free up a foreign player slot – key to André Jardine’s plans for a new signing in the coming weeks. However, LAFC is also exploring the possibility of keeping the Dutchman on loan for a longer spell.
Dilrosun is under contract with América through December 2026, but the Mexican club is working to terminate the deal early. In seven MLS appearances, he has scored twice, including a crucial goal in the “El Tráfico” derby against the LA Galaxy.
According to other reports, Dilrosun could also be included as part of a potential deal that would bring LAFC star Denis Bouanga to América.
Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
In just five MLS appearances, Dilrosun has already scored twice – a notable contrast to his time at Club América, where he managed just three goals across 52 matches. His early form with LAFC has certainly been a bright spot.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LOS ANGELES FC?
Steve Cherundolo’s team currently sits fifth in the Western Conference with 36 points. While the futures of Bouanga and Dilrosun are still being decided, both players are expected to feature in Friday’s away match against the Portland Timbers.
Liverpool’s summer transfer window is beginning to form a coherent picture, with FSG acting quickly to tidy up the defensive flanks and get the mammoth deal for Florian Wirtz over the line.
The Bayer Leverkusen superstar gave curious Liverpool supporters a taste of his quality during Germany’s Nations League semi-final tie against Portugal this week, scoring during the 2-1 loss.
Minutes played
90′
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots (on target)
2 (2)
Accurate passes
32/42 (76%)
Key passes
0
Dribbles
3/5
Tackles
3
Duels won
9/16
His intelligence, tenacity and movement underscored the playmaker’s ability, having been utterly fantastic during his time in Leverkusen’s squad, winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga Player of the Year after triumphing as an invincible before claiming more Man of the Match awards than any other player across this term’s Champions League campaign.
We’re a whisker away from a positive development in Liverpool’s bid to secure a marquee deal, but it might be a case of one out, one in.
While the Wirtz deal won’t have any bearing on the potential sale of Luis Diaz, the Colombian’s departure is something to consider.
The latest on Luis Diaz's future
On Thursday, Liverpool rejected an approach from Barcelona for forward Diaz, who scored 17 goals and laid on eight assists for Slot’s side this year.
The 28-year-old, who is entering the penultimate year of his contract, will only be allowed to leave if Liverpool are offered a significant sum; the Saudi Pro League have known admirers of the South American talent.
Though the thought of Diaz and Wirtz combining in a new-look Liverpool frontline is exciting, there may well be an opportunity to secure a new, younger signature.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
FSG’s no-sell stance is laced with the undertow of an openness, should the right offer be tabled.
Especially when talks have been held for an almighty replacement on the left flank.
Liverpool hold talks for marquee signing
According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool held discussions concerning Real Madrid’s Rodrygo last month, their intrigue persisting after initially drawing him up as a Mohamed Salah successor, should the Egyptian have left this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Arsenal would be Anfield’s most notable rival in the race, and though the Gunners have a vested interest, they have not yet launched an official bid for the Brazil forward.
Rodrygo, 24, has become disillusioned with life at Santiago Bernabeu, frustrated to be perceived to be in the shadow of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
For their part, Real no longer consider Rodrygo untouchable, but would only cash in if their €100m (about £84m) valuation was met.
What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool
While the jury will remain out for a little while as Xabi Alonso’s plans at Real Madrid begin to shape up, it’s difficult to imagine the Spanish tactician will remove Vini Jr. from his left-sided berth.
This could lead Rodrygo to make the eventual decision to leave Los Blancos, having featured 267 times, posting 118 goal contributions, for the club since signing from Santos for a £39.5m fee when he was just 18.
However, most of those outings have come off the right wing, whereas the right-footed forward prefers the alternate side as he feels it is here he reaches his zenith.
Right winger
29
7
4
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
8
–
–
If the 2024/25 campaign has any say on the matter, it certainly looks like this is the case, which is why Liverpool could hit the jackpot in bringing Rodrygo over as Diaz’s heir.
Especially when considering the partnership that could be forged with Wirtz, the two starring in the Champions League and driving Anfield through the domestic campaign.
Wirtz brings so much to the game, astounding in his creative output and indeed willingness to take on his man and drive the ball into the danger area himself.
The German international ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga this season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
For a gifted and technically crisp winger in Rodrygo, this could be a brilliant way to add intensity and fluency to an already thriving Liverpool frontline. Rodrygo, indeed, is a natural-born goalscorer, with his finishing once described as being “terrifyingly good” by journalist Sam Tighe.
Though he only managed to score six goals in La Liga this season, the “special” Rodrygo, as he has been praised by Carlo Ancelotti, only missed one big chance, as per Sofascore, highlighting the underlying data that Wirtz’s prowess would only enhance at Liverpool. Wirtz, in fact, created 17 big chances and supplied 12 assists in the Bundesliga this term despite only starting 25 matches.
Whether Liverpool act on their interest and launch a big-money bid for the star remains to be seen, but there’s no question he would be an incredible addition to one of the best teams in the world.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
For now, we will have to wait and see whether FSG accelerate their intrigue in the superstar, but with Arsenal keen and yet to show their hand in the transfer market, it would certainly help if sporting director Richard Hughes could draw rumours over Diaz’s future to a close.
If a suitable offer does arrive, Rodrygo might just follow Wirtz through the Anfield gates, consolidating Slot’s team as a goliath of the modern European game – here to stay.
Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.
da esoccer bet： O Atlético-MG venceu o Bahia por 1 a 0, na manhã deste domingo (13), com gol de Paulinho, no Mineirão, pela última rodada do primeiro turno do Brasileirão. Resultado dá fôlego ao trabalho de Felipão e pode fazer o Tricolor de Aço terminar rodada na zona de rebaixamento.
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da lvbet： Todos os 90 minutos foram muito equilibrados, os dois times conseguiram criar muitas chances, mas só Paulinho, no início do segundo tempo, conseguiu balançar as redes.
+ Veja a tabela do Brasileirão
LÁ E CÁ 11 chutes para o Galo e 14 para o Bahia; 39% de posse para o Galo, 61% para o Bahia. Os números podem até mostrar uma mínima vantagem para os tricolores, mas, no campo, o equilíbrio marcou a partida.
Quem chegou primeiro com perigo foi o Bahia. Ademir finalizou de fora da área uma bola cheia de veneno. Éverson, que completou 200 jogos pelo clube, foi seguro e encaixou. Depois disso, o goleiro quase desviou para dentro uma boa finalização de Cauly, mas antes disso, Paulinho também obrigou o goleiro Marcos Felipe a trabalhar. No fim do primeiro tempo, Hulk caiu na área e ficou pedindo pênalti de Kanu. O jogo ficou parado por um bom tempo, mas não houve nada.
PRESENTE PARA O PAULINHO PAI Mais uma vez quem começou com perigo foi o Bahia, na cabeçada de Vitor Hugo. Mas, quem marcou mesmo foi Paulinho, após receber bola enfiada de Hulk. No fim do jogo, o atacante dedicou o gol ao pai, seu ídolo. Logo na sequência, o Bahia chegou ao ataque e, no rebote, Thaciano chutou beirando a trave. No final, o Tricolor acabou se afobando para buscar o resultado e não conseguiu ameaçar tanto a defesa do Galo.
+Galo: Éverson completa 200 jogos hoje contra o Bahia
O próximo compromisso do Atlético-MG é contra o Vasco, no domingo (20), às 11h (de Brasília) em São Januário. O clube carioca ainda tenta levar a partida para o Maracanã. Já o Bahia enfrenta o Red Bull Bragantino no mesmo dia, às 16h, na Fonte Nova.
Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.
The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.
He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.
Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.
It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.
However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.
The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.
It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.
Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Isak
A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.
However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.
Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.
From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.
Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
33
33
33
Goals & assists
23
29
18
Progressive carries
3.3
2.7
1.7
Shots on target
1.5
1.3
1.1
Shots taken
4
3.1
2.5
Pass accuracy
76%
74%
67%
Shot-creating actions
3.5
3
1.9
Take-ons completed
1.8
1.4
1.4
He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.
The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.
It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.
Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.
Dream Wirtz alternative: Liverpool plot move for "generational" £34m star
Liverpool can forget about a move for Florian Wirtz, with another name entering the mix this week.
West Indies had done well to recover from a poor start and make 162, but it wasn’t nearly enough
Andrew Fidel Fernando17-Oct-2024
Kusal Mendis raised a crucial fifty•Getty Images
Pathum Nissanka sent Sri Lanka’s chase screaming out of the blocks, before Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera put on a clinical and unbeaten 106-run stand for the second wicket. For a team that had never before beaten West Indies in a T20I series, this chase was almost too effortless to believe. Each of the top three produced sparkling innings, as the hosts galloped to the target of 163 with 12 balls remaining, in front of a packed Poya-day crowd in Dambulla.West Indies had earlier done well to get to 162 themselves, though they largely have a late assault from Gudakesh Motie – who bludgeoned 32 off 15 – for getting to what was perhaps a higher-than-par score on a spin-friendly track.Though Dunith Wellalage went for runs, Sri Lanka’s remaining spinners kept a lid on the scoring. This too, was a key difference between the teams.Kusal Mendis went on to register the game’s highest score, with 68 not out off 50. Perera crashed 55 off 36. Nissanka had played the most aggressive innings, plundering 39 off 22.The 2-1 result is a further sign of resurgence from Sri Lanka, in the format in which they have arguably struggled the most in the last two years. They have this year won five Test matches, and had in July beaten India in a bilateral ODI series as well. This win also sees new coach Sanath Jayasuriya’s stock rise further.Sri Lanka attack earlyWest Indies bolstered their spin atttack by bringing Fabian Allen into the side for this match, but Nissanka ensured Sri Lanka’s batters established their dominance early. He cracked three fours off the first over, bowled by Allen, before launching seamer Alzrri Joseph for two sixes and a four next over – the runs coming all around the ground, though he did favour the square region on the offside. By the time Nissanka was bowled by a Motie slider after 5.2 overs, Sri Lanka had already sped to 60.Kusal Mendis and Perera consolidate, then accelerateThe early middle overs were quieter than what had come before. But soon, Perera began to find the boundary particularly off his legs, and the Sri Lanka run rate was off again, before West Indies could apply serious pressure. Kusal Mendis, who had begun to score rapidly towards the end of the powerplay, continued to strike regular boundaries as he strode to a 15th T20I fifty. Perera reached his half century – also his 15th – in what became the final over of the game.Pathum Nissanka came out of the blocks firing•Getty Images
West Indies miss chancesWest Indies had chances to dent the chase. Rovman Powell could have caught the dangerous Nissanka in the first over, but misjudged the high ball and palmed it into the rope instead. Later, Roston Chase dropped a straightforward return chance off Kusal Mendis on 44 – though Sri Lanka were well en route to victory by then. Shai Hope could have run out Kusal Mendis on 34 too, had he hit the stumps with a throw in the ninth over.Motie’s maulingThe high-point of West Indies’ innings, was the 15th over of the match, in which they reaped 25 runs. Their innings had been flagging at 86 for 5 after 14 overs, with plenty of spin to come from Sri Lanka. But Motie would lay into left-arm spinner Wellalage to revive the innings. His first boundary came off the outside edge, but the next three were towering, successive sixes – the first down the ground, the next two over deep midwicket. He was out soon after, but set West Indies on a better course.