Leeds United’s summer transfer window was focused on breaking the recent mould of newly promoted clubs being unable to survive in the Premier League.
On this front, they have made a stellar start, sitting comfortably mid-table, the same number of points away from 20th-place Wolves as they are 1st-place Liverpool. Despite the positive start, survival will still be difficult, and Leeds legend Lucas Radebe has recently spoken about the challenge that the club faces this season.
“I know Daniel Farke has a hard task with a lot of expectations from last season… If we can just survive this season, then hopefully we will get better as the years go by.”
New midfielders Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach are leading the way so far for league goal involvements, with both of them having registered a goal and an assist. While goals have come from all over the pitch, no one from the squad has yet to establish themselves as the consistent source.
It has now been revealed that Leeds could have brought in a prolific forward as they had the opportunity to re-sign a loanee who played an important role in their Championship promotion.
Leeds turned down opportunity to re-sign Solomon
Manor Solomon spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Leeds from his parent club Tottenham Hotspur. During his time at Elland Road, he registered 22 goal involvements in 39 League appearances, which were instrumental in seeing Farke’s side return to the Premier League.
It has now been revealed that Leeds had the chance to re-sign Solomon for a second consecutive loan spell during the summer transfer window but declined to do so.
This report comes from the BBC’s Adam Pope, who explained the 49ers’ decision.
Okafor, alongside free transfers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, were the main attacking reinforcements Farke received this summer, but given Solomon’s start to the season, the 49ers may be having some regrets about their decision.
Solomon's performances make Leeds rue decision
After Leeds decided not to bring Solomon back, the Israeli forward joined La Liga and Champions League side Villarreal on loan and has had a strong start to the season. For Villarreal and Israel, Solomon has registered two goals and three assists in just a few games for each.
In comparison, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha have three goals between them – at this stage in the season, Solomon is performing better than the three forwards they brought in combined.
Pope cited the injury record of Solomon as a contributing factor behind their choosing Okafor. Since the start of the 22/23 season, Solomon has missed 75 games for club and country through injury, whereas Okafor has only missed 40. The difference is Okafor cost £18 million.
At this point in time, it looks like Leeds made the wrong decision, but if Solomon gets injured or if the three new forwards start to find their feet, then the 49ers may feel vindicated.
Another European away trip ends in frustration for Celtic, with Brendan Rodgers’ side held to a 1-1 draw by Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday evening to mark a mixed start to their latest Europa League adventure.
There were no doubt echoes of Kairat about the first-half in Belgrade, with the visitors left with little to show for their dominance in possession, having also been forced to rely on the brilliance of Kasper Schmeichel to keep the home side at bay.
A rather uneventful opening 45 – excluding that stunning save from the veteran Dane – was subsequently followed by a far more exciting second period, with the introduction of summer signing, Kelechi Iheanacho, finally sparking the Hoops into life.
It was to be the experienced Nigerian who ultimately broke the deadlock for the Scottish champions with a tidy close range finish, albeit with another man of Premier League years past – Marko Arnautovic – reducing the arrears just ten minutes later.
There was to be no further breakthrough from either side, ensuring Rodgers will be left to ponder what he could have done differently following a Jekyll and Hyde display from his Glasgow outfit.
Iheanacho provides solution to Maeda problem
It isn’t exactly a new opinion to suggest that Celtic’s summer business was far from perfect. Indeed, even the positives – such as the arrival of Sebastian Tounekti – need to be scrutinised, particularly amid the stockpiling of talent on the left flank.
With the injured Jota already onboard, Rodgers and co have since added two players who predominantly operate off the left, in the form of Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Tounekti, the latter of whom opened his account against Partick Thistle at the weekend.
Such reinforcements have left the Celtic boss with a headache to solve regarding last season’s talisman, Daizen Maeda, with the 33-goal star subsequently relocated into the vacant number nine berth on Wednesday night.
Minutes
45
45
Touches
7
14
Goals
0
1
Pass accuracy
75%
88%
Key passes
0
0
Shots
0
3
Total duels won
0
0
Possession lost
2
3
Offside
2
0
While no stranger to that role, the Japanese speedster almost had an air of a player who didn’t want to be there, having regularly been too slow in getting himself back onside. In all, he made just seven touches, and failed to win a single duel, as per Sofascore, in what was a simply anonymous 45-minute outing.
For all the talk of desperation surrounding the addition of Iheanacho, the one-time Leicester City looked like an instant upgrade following his entrance at the break, having linked play so effectively again, as he did on Sunday.
Despite seeing two efforts denied by the impressive figure of Matheus in the opposing goal, the 28-year-old’s eventual goal was one of pure poise and composure, expertly receiving Benjamin Nygren’s pass before curling the ball home with ease.
It is still early days, although the free transfer signing already looks like he could have forced his way into Rodgers’ starting lineup. Elsewhere, however, his new teammate Reo Hatate looks to have played his way out of it…
One Celtic star's dismal display in numbers
There’s no getting away from what was a forgettable performance from Maeda in Belgrade, albeit with the makeshift striker getting little in the way of support from his teammates, with chances at a premium in that uninspiring first half.
Among those toiling behind him was his compatriot, Hatate, with the 27-year-old looking bizarrely lax and laboured in the centre of the park, prior to his withdrawal just after the hour mark.
As ever, there was purpose to Callum McGregor’s play at the base of the midfield, while new man Nygren was an effective link between that central trio and the attacking unit, creating three ‘big chances’ and completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.
The elegant Swede was the creative hub in the second half, in particular, although on the opposite side, Hatate’s influence continued to wane, having been unable to provide a single key pass all night.
Not only did he lose 50% of his total duels, but the former Kawasaki Frontale star also lost possession on 13 occasions, at a rate of once every 3.3 touches.
Wasteful and slack on the ball, it was no surprise to see Celtic’s number 41 eventually hooked heading into the closing stages, with perhaps now the time for Rodgers to hand a regular role to Arne Engels – or Paulo Bernardo – instead in that central role.
Yes, as he showcased with his August stunner against Aberdeen, Hatate is capable of a magic moment when at his best. Sadly, however, those moments appear to now be few and far between, with just one goal and no assists from his eight outings in 2025/26 thus far.
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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
With Engels and Bernardo waiting in the wings, it begs the question as to why Rodgers hasn’t been tempted to alter that midfield pecking order in recent weeks. Perhaps after last night’s showing, that situation might well have changed…
"Phenomenal" Celtic star looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti's rise
This Celtic star may end up being the biggest loser from Sebastian Tounekti’s form.
Manchester United are in deadline day contact to sign a £45m “machine” who is similar to former Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay.
Man Utd agree deal to sign new goalkeeper for Amorim
Ruben Amorim looks set to welcome at least one new signing on deadline day, with an agreement now reached for Man Utd to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United will fork out a total of €21m (£18.2m) to sign Lammens after shaky starts to the season from both Altay Bayındir and Andre Onana.
After Lammens’ transfer goes through, Man Utd’s summer spending will jump to more than £220m, the majority of which have been spent on attackers, and it looks as if INEOS are exploring a late loan move for a midfield target.
Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford
£71m
Benjamin Sesko
RB Leipzig
£66.4m
Matheus Cunha
Wolves
£62.5m
Senne Lammens
Royal Antwerp
£18.2m
Diego Leon
Cerro Porteno
£7m
Man Utd in contact to sign £45m Conor Gallagher
According to reports coming out of Spain on deadline day, Man Utd have enquired with the agents of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Signed from Chelsea in 2024, Gallagher is under contract until 2029, however, the Red Devils have made contact to see if there is the possibility of a loan.
The La Liga giants want to include a £45m obligation to buy in a temporary deal, although Man Utd would prefer a straightforward loan deal.
Gavi
Barcelona
Sandro Tonali
Newcastle
Scott McTominay
Napoli
Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle
Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa
Gallagher, dubbed a “machine” has certainly made an impression under Diego Simeone, with the Atletico Madrid boss praising the Englishman earlier this year.
“When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well. It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language. He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable.
“He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”
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As can be seen, Gallagher has been likened to former United midfielder McTominay, who has starred for Napoli after leaving Old Trafford.
A move could be one to watch, but INEOS need to act fast and potentially accept Atletico Madrid’s demands.
On Monday evening, Liverpool left St. James’ Park with all the goods, but Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United strengthened that tight bond with their devoted fanbase and proved once again their tenacity and will to win.
On face value, one point from the opening two fixtures of the Premier League is frustrating viewing for Magpies fans, but, strikerless and disrupted by the Alexander Isak saga that has shaped Newcastle’s summer transfer window, the squad have showcased remarkable togetherness against Aston Villa and the defending champions.
It seems that the next few days will finally shed light on whether Isak will stay or go, with Yasir Al-Rumayyan in town and leading crunch talks to reach a resolution.
In the event that the rebel Sweden striker does get his wish, Newcastle would require not one but two new number nines, and that might be tricky to achieve at the eleventh hour of his breakneck transfer window.
And, of course, the unsavoury situation has been exacerbated by Anthony Gordon’s red card, picked up against Liverpool on Monday night.
Anthony Gordon's night of anguish
Gordon apologised after the match: he apologised to the fans, to the club and to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. His intentions were pure. But even so, the versatile forward is now banned for three Premier League matches: Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth.
It’s a concern, for Gordon had started Newcastle’s opening fixtures as a stand-in centre-forward, and unless United act with rapidity in the coming days, Saturday’s visit to Elland Road will see William Osula handed his first top-flight start in England.
The 24-year-old Gordon, who won Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Season, struggled to reach the same talismanic heights last year, but he returned to United’s pre-season camp with renewed vim and vigour, and is expected to play a defining role in the term ahead.
However, his passion got the better of him once again, his third red card as a Magpie.
Newcastle need to start getting some points on the board, and to achieve that, they must land themselves an out-and-out striker.
Luckily, PIF have just the player in mind.
Newcastle to bid for Premier League striker
According to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Newcastle are planning to launch another bid for Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, having already seen a £50m offer knocked back on Monday afternoon. The Toon, for clarification, remains in talks for the Norway international.
Previous reports outline the Old Gold wish to see £65m banked for the striker they signed on a permanent deal this summer, following his successful 2024/25 loan stint at Molineux.
Ryder intimates the 25-year-old Strand Larsen has been earmarked as a replacement for Callum Wilson, who left Newcastle at the end of his contract in June, with a move greenlit by Al-Rumayyan.
In other words, he is not considered Isak’s potential successor, and may yet play alongside the Sweden star this season.
Why Newcastle want Jorgen Strand Larsen
Newcastle have signed several talented players this summer, yet the focal striking berth remains untouched, with Wilson’s exit indeed depleting the ranks.
The England international was sidelined for most of last season through injury, so Strand Larsen would feel like quite the imposing fresh presence, having scored 14 times across his debut campaign in England’s top flight last year.
Following that thought, it’s unlikely that Newcastle would welcome both Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who is desperate to join the Tynesiders and has been the subject of a rejected bid, yet remains at the Gtech, with his employers not looking to sell.
Strand Larsen could be the perfect alternative, potentially even surpassing the DR Congo international. What we know for sure, in any case, is that the Norwegian would mark an upgrade on Gordon, who is a great player but not a striker.
Left winger
65
18
17
Centre-forward
10
2
0
Right winger
10
1
6
Attacking midfield
3
0
0
Sofascore record that Gordon has actually missed three big chances across his one-and-a-half matches in the Premier League this season, without scoring a goal.
Ten shots all told prove that Gordon has the hunger to moonlight as a striker, but when you’ve got someone like Strand Larsen who operates with a similarly relentless ball-striking emphasis, it’s clear that Howe would land himself an upgrade, for the Wolves star is equipped to score goals with consistency as the frontman of a side who have demonstrated their creative capacity over these past two matchweeks.
Indeed, data-driven site FBref have recorded that Strand Larsen ranks among the top 1% of Premier League strikers last season for shot accuracy, with 61.1% of his efforts hitting the target.
And anyway, Gordon’s pace and fleet running are best utilised out wide, sure to work in wonderful tandem with a target man like Strand Larsen, who was hailed by pundit Alan Shearer last season for being a “nuisance” of a forward who showcased at times some neat hold-up play and a willingness to use his focal role to promote the overall fluency of his team.
Strand Larsen is a top talent, to be sure, and he’s demonstrated across his debut year in the English game that he has what it takes to thrive as a chief goalscorer for a team battling against the threat of relegation.
Luckily, Newcastle’s sights are set on a different part of the league ladder, but there’s every chance that he could prove to be a wonderful addition for Howe’s side, who could do with a goalscorer such as him to mark an upgrade on Gordon, who has made it clear in recent weeks that he is not a viable solution to the conundrum at number nine.
Huge upgrade on Strand Larsen: Newcastle in talks to sign "special" £50m CF
Yoane Wissa isn’t the only forward Newcastle are trying to sign before the closure of the transfer market.
Liverpool’s search for a top-tier striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its final stages.
The club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated headlines this summer.
However, with Newcastle holding firm over a potential British-record transfer fee, Liverpool have started exploring alternative options.
Alexander Isak
The Reds have already been active in the market.
They have brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitiké from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Giovanni Leoni from Parma.
These signings signal the club’s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and a fresh Champions League campaign.
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Isak’s protracted saga has created uncertainty, forcing the club to explore options capable of delivering an immediate impact while providing long-term potential.
One such player has emerged as a potential alternative.
A striker described by journalist Pablo González as a “monster,” whose skill set and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing proposition for a team with high expectations in both domestic and European competition.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Enter Julian Álvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine international. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has suggested that the former Manchester City star is ‘another name’ on their radar, while his colleague, Paul Gorst, has questioned how much ‘appetite’ there might be on Liverpool’s end to test Atletico Madrid’s resolve.
With a market value soaring to £142m, Álvarez has made 46 appearances for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and netting 29 goals alongside seven assists across all competitions last season for Atletico.
His statistical profile positions him as a modern forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, drawing comparisons to players such as Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.
Liverpool’s interest reflects a desire to secure a striker who combines goal threat with versatility.
Álvarez is capable of playing across the front line, linking effectively with wingers, and providing an option in wide channels if needed.
While the price tag and competitive market will complicate negotiations, his proven ability to perform in high-level competitions makes him an appealing alternative should the Isak deal fall through.
How Álvarez compares to Isak
From a tactical standpoint, Álvarez offers several advantages that could make him a suitable replacement for Isak while also complementing Liverpool’s existing attacking options.
His profile blends technical skill, mobility, and a high work rate, which would enable him to integrate into Arne Slot’s pressing and positional systems.
Whereas Isak excels as a central finisher with excellent movement and finishing in tight spaces, Álvarez provides additional dimensions through progressive passing and creative contributions, offering versatility in multiple attacking scenarios.
Statistically, the comparison underscores this difference.
2024/25 Season
Metric
Isak
Álvarez
Matches Played
34
37
Starts
34
30
Goals
23
17
Assists
6
4
Penalty Goals
4
4
Source: FBref
In terms of ball progression, Álvarez averages 2.83 progressive carries per 90 versus Isak’s 2.71, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90 compared with Isak’s 2.88, highlighting his involvement in moving the ball forward and initiating attacking sequences.
Shooting metrics reflect a similar pattern.
Álvarez takes 2.51 shots per 90 with 1.29 on target, slightly below Isak’s 3.10 shots and 1.34 on-target rate, but his shot accuracy (51.4%) surpasses Isak’s 43.2%, indicating a higher efficiency when attempting to score.
Passing also remains an area where the Atleti forward differentiates himself, completing 25.7 passes per 90 at a 74.2% pass completion rate, compared with Isak’s 17.0 passes and 75.3% accuracy.
Notably, Álvarez’s progressive passing distance of 95.1 metres per 90 dwarfs Isak’s 53.7 metres, showing his capacity to advance the ball into threatening positions consistently.
In terms of creativity, Álvarez recorded 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, significantly above Isak’s 3.01, suggesting he can make an impact beyond pure goal scoring.
This combination of attributes makes Álvarez a multi-dimensional forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to Liverpool’s wide and central attacking structures.
He offers a slightly different skill set from Isak, providing Slot with the flexibility to adjust the team’s tactical approach depending on opposition and match context.
His ability to carry the ball into attacking zones, create chances for others, and finish efficiently mirrors Liverpool’s style of blending pressing intensity with dynamic attacking movement.
Moreover, the 25-year-old’s versatility could help Liverpool mitigate risk.
Should Isak’s transfer fail, having a player capable of playing across the front line or drifting into wide channels ensures Liverpool are not left with a single type of striker.
His profile complements the creativity of Mohammed Salah, allowing for multiple combinations in attack.
While Isak may bring superior finishing instincts, Álvarez provides a more rounded offensive package, combining goal-scoring ability with creative distribution and positional fluidity.
He represents a high-potential alternative for Liverpool, embodying the traits necessary to thrive in the Premier League while adding layers of creativity and adaptability.
The Argentine offers a balance of efficiency, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that aligns with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.
If Liverpool act decisively, he could emerge as a central figure in their forward line, bridging the gap left by an unsettled Isak while complementing the club’s existing offensive talents.
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Kerkez will love him: £76m star talking to Alisson about joining Liverpool
Liverpool are drawing up contingency plans in the event they can’t sign Newcastle’s Isak.
DC have retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel
Nagraj Gollapudi31-Oct-2024Rishabh Pant will be among the high-profile names at the 2025 IPL mega auction after not being retained by Delhi Capitals (DC). ESPNcricinfo has learned that talks between DC’s ownership group and Pant failed after stretching over the past few months and Wednesday. The franchise, though, has retained four players: the spin pair of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, South Africa batter Tristan Stubbs and uncapped Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel.DC will have two RTM card options at the auction, and, it is understood that they will attempt to buy back Pant, who joined the franchise in 2016 and became their key player, including taking over captaincy in 2022. In case DC can’t buy him back in the auction, they will have to pick a new captain. With three capped and one uncapped retentions, DC’s purse will be depleted by at least INR 47 crore (18+14+11+ 4) and they will have INR 73 crore to build their squad at the auction.Axar had been with DC since 2019, his second franchise after Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kuldeep since 2022 (after five seasons with KKR) and Porel since 2023. Pant, Kuldeep, Axar and Porel had all been retained by DC before the last auction where the franchise had bought Stubbs for his base price of INR 50 lakh (approx. US$ 60,000 at the time).The turnaround of events concerning Pant’s future at DC have been dramatic. Months leading into the retention deadline (expires Thursday at 5pm IST) it was expected Pant would be DC’s’ top retention. However, it is learnt that not everybody in the leadership group wanted him to continue as the franchise’s captain.Both DC’s co-owners, GMR Group’s Kiran Grandhi and JSW Sports’ Parth Jindal, had in-person meetings with Pant. It is learned that Pant had his ideas and suggestions of how to go forward. Eventually, though, both the player and the ownership group couldn’t reach an agreement.In 2021, Pant became the fifth-youngest captain in the IPL when he initially took charge in interim capacity at DC before the franchise retained him in the leadership position which lasted until 2024 season.Pant led DC in 44 matches from 2021 to 2024 (barring 2023 after his car crash) of which they won 24 and lost 19. As captain, Pant scored 1205 runs while averaging 35.44 – almost identical to his overall IPL average of 35.31 – at a strike rate of 143.96, only slightly worse than his IPL strike rate of 148.93.
The tournament will feature teams from five different countries with a prize money of US$1 million
ESPNcricinfo staff07-Oct-2024A new five-team T20 tournament called the Global Super League is set to launch in Guyana and will be played from November 26 to December 7. The league will feature teams from five different countries and is sanctioned by Cricket West Indies (CWI) and “fully supported” by the government of Guyana, a “key stakeholder” in the competition, which has a prize money of US$1 million.This is slated to be South America’s first standalone cricket event and will feature Guyana Amazon Warriors from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and four other “established” T20 teams from around the world. ESPNcricinfo has learnt Hampshire, the three-time champions of England’s T20 Blast, are among the invited teams.There will be a total of 11 matches in the Global Super League T20 with each team playing four matches in the group stage. The top two teams will then progress to the final. All the matches will be played at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. A media release also said that the event is set to take place annually featuring different teams from around the world being invited to take part each season.”The passion for cricket in Guyana rivals that of fans anywhere, and we look forward to celebrating our love of the game and our rich and vibrant country with both those visiting in person and watching from around the world,” Clive Lloyd, the Global Super League chairman was quote via a release.Amazon Warriors, the 2023 CPL winners, are the home team from Guyana. They have also been runners-up six times: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2024.”The Global Super League has the full support of the Government of Guyana as we build a world class sports tourism product,” Mohammed Irfaan Ali, president of the co-operative Republic of Guyana said. “Cricket is part of our cultural history, it is that unifying force, part of our heritage and an integral part of our strategic objective in economic diversification with a strong emphasis on tourism.”The Global Super League will clash with the Abu Dhabi T10, slated to be held from November 21 to December 2, and with Bangladesh’s tour of the Caribbean although that will start with the Tests from November 22 to December 4, followed by three ODIs from December 8 to 12 and three T20Is from December 16 to 20.
It feels as if things are finally starting to fall into place at Arsenal.
For example, Sporting Director Andrea Bertas has been able to secure new long-term contracts for Gabriel Magalhães and Myles Lewis-Skelly, but that’s not all.
He has also seemingly secured the services of Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga while also pursuing several exciting striker targets.
The forward who seems to be most heavily linked with a move to the club is Benjamin Sesko, and if recent reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be moving to sign someone who’d be a dream teammate for the Slovenian star.
Arsenal target Premier League superstar
Signing a new striker was always going to be an objective heading into this summer, as while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are talented and useful players, neither has ever been, nor is likely to become, prolific.
The list of centre-forwards supposedly targeted by the club includes the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak, but the goalscorer who has arguably been linked most with the club, and therefore feels like the most realistic to end up in North London, is Sesko.
The RB Leipzig star was a target for the Gunners as far back as last summer, and while the German outfit is still holding out for a sizable fee, recent reports suggest that the 22-year-old could make his way to the Emirates for around £70m 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.
It would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad and one made all the better by the capture of another target: Eberechi Eze.
Yes, according to a recent report from insider Hand of Arsenal, Arteta was involved in direct talks with the Crystal Palace star’s camp on Saturday.
Talks have not been held directly with the South London side, and although there’s no mention of a fee, it has been widely reported that the Englishman has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract.
It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, but given Eze’s ability and track record, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be incredible alongside Sesko.
Why Eze would be a dream for Sekso
The first reason Sesko would love to play alongside Eze at Arsenal is incredibly straightforward: his output.
The Crystal Palace star has long been an effective player for the South London side, but in recent seasons, he’s really stepped it up when it comes to goals and assists, with this season being a particular high point for him.
For example, in just 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, the “dangerous” playmaker, as dubbed by Oliver Glasner, was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes, which for someone in a midtable side, is unreal.
Eze’s 24/25
Appearances
43
Minutes
3303′
Goals
14
Assists
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
132.12′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Just imagine what the Leipzig gem could do with a player as effective as the Englishman playing behind him or off to his left; he’d surely see his own goal and assist tallies soar.
Moreover, he’s not just stat padding against the weakest teams or in meaningless games, as the 26-year-old opened the scoring in the semi-final of the FA Cup this season and then scored the winning goal in the final, demonstrating exactly why teammate Tyrick Mitchell thinks he’s “one of the best players in the Premier League”.
The second reason that the Slovenian would love the former QPR gem is that he’s not afraid to do the dirty work when needed.
For example, FBref ranks him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders or wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for passes blocked and in the top 11% for ball recoveries per 90, which could free up the former RB Salzburg star to focus all his attention on scoring goals.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
Finally, the fact that the Greenwhich-born dynamo can play as a ten or off the left of a front three should help him get more minutes with the Leipzig star and, in turn, build up more chemistry and a better understanding with him.
Ultimately, while it would be a lot of money, Arsenal should do all they can to sign both Sesko and Eze this summer, as together, they could help Arteta and Co finally get over the line next season.
Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom
The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.
The investigators looking into allegations of racist behaviour in Scottish cricket have denied they “exonerated” anyone after referrals that have so far led to a series of “learnings” but no disciplinary action against alleged perpetrators.Two legal firms, Harper Macleod LLP and Bishop Lloyd Jackson Solicitors, and the race inclusion charity Sporting Equals have been investigating over 50 referrals – individual complaints of alleged racist behaviour – over the last year, stemming from the independent review in July 2022 that found Cricket Scotland to be institutionally racist.On Friday, the team issued its first public statement. Although no individuals were mentioned, it was in response to John Blain’s statement earlier in the week, in which the former Yorkshire and Scotland fast bowler said he had been cleared of allegations of racist behaviour earlier this year. Blain called for a “full and transparent inquiry” into those running cricket in the country.Related
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Former Cricket Scotland chair attacks 'fatally flawed' racism report
John Blain calls for Cricket Scotland inquiry after being cleared of racist behaviour
Blain said the investigation’s findings “fully exonerate me” and also made public a letter from Cricket Scotland’s interim CEO Pete Fitzboydon from January, informing him that the allegations against him were “unfounded” but requesting that he kept that information confidential to allow time for the complainers to be informed of the outcomes. Cricket Scotland’s subsequent “delay and prevarication” in going public, Blain said, forced him to release his statement, five months after receiving the letter.In its response, however, the investigating team insisted that its role had not been to “make findings of fact, nor to pronounce guilt, nor to exonerate or pronounce as innocent any person against whom allegations had been made”. As a consequence, it was stated that they had neither “exonerated” any individual in any of their reports, nor reported “in any way to the Board of Cricket Scotland to suggest that an individual was “exonerated” or equivalent”.Instead, the investigating team insisted its role was to identify “learning lessons”, of which, it said, there have been over 250 across 51 referrals so far. Cricket Scotland has been making some of these learnings public on its website, as and when batches of referrals have concluded over the last year.The investigators, having engaged with over 170 people and witnesses so far, acknowledged the difficulties in looking into these complaints, some of which were from nearly two decades ago. The nature of allegations of discrimination – “having to consider competing accounts” – made it “universally a complex task”.That no disciplinary proceedings had taken place so far, the investigators said, did not diminish the allegations but only served to illustrate the difficulties involved in such investigations; including issues of a lack of governance and processes; the historic nature of some breaches; incidents that were outside Cricket Scotland’s jurisdiction; and some cases in which disciplinary action had already been taken.Any action stemming from the referrals, the investigators made clear, was for Cricket Scotland to take.John Blain, during his playing days in at the 2007 World Cup•Getty Images
The 2022 “Changing the Boundaries” report, which led to the Cricket Scotland board resigning en masse, has come under criticism from, among others, Tony Brian, a former board chairman. Brian has repeatedly raised concerns about how the review was conducted and its findings, calling it “fatally flawed” and demanding a government inquiry into how it was put together. Brian was chair from 2015 to 2022, a period during which some of the allegations made by former players Majid Haq and Qasim Sheikh – whose testimonies led to the review – took place.But the investigation team unequivocally backed the report, saying that its own investigations “echoed” findings in “Changing the Boundaries”.”Evidence of poor governance, poor and/or absent policies and procedures to handle complaints of racism, inappropriate and/or a lack of support for whistleblowers and/or complainers, and failings in the delivery of appropriate diversity, equity and inclusion policies were all evident to the Investigation Team. These factors all unquestionably contributed to the subsequent number and breadth of complaints made, where race was spoken to as a factor in the allegations made.”The investigators urged the game’s stakeholders to acknowledge the recommendations the report had made, as well as its own recommended learnings, and to acknowledge that the game had been exclusionary for too many people who faced “unacceptable behaviours” and had no recourse to complain about it.The resurfacing of tensions around the investigations comes as the national men’s team prepares to take on Australia in St Lucia in the T20 World Cup with progression to the Super Eight stage in their own hands. Anything other than a defeat on Sunday evening will see Scotland through, even if England succeed in beating Namibia on Saturday.But the fact that the investigators felt compelled to issue a public statement will only add more pressure on Cricket Scotland, who were also criticised last week by Haq and Sheikh for their role in the events that led to Blain’s statement. It will also increase scrutiny over its January communication to Blain who was told by Fitzboydon: “As advised, these allegations have not been founded, and there is not any case to answer, and so this matter is now considered closed.”In response to Blain’s earlier statement, the board had said it would “continue to respect that independent process [of investigations], with the welfare of all involved as a priority, in order that we can reach a conclusion that enables our sport to move forward with unity.”Further comment, the board said, would come at the end of the investigative process.
Over the years, Liverpool have signed numerous players who have had a huge impact on their squad, ultimately helping them claim Premier League glory this campaign.
Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly the biggest example, costing £75m from Southampton back in January 2018 and being a spare head in their backline ever since.
The Dutchman, who’s now the club’s captain, has played every minute of the league season in 2024/25, helping the side keep 14 clean sheets in the process – the most of any side in the division.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Players like Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister have also been influential in their success, nailing their place down in various positions across the field.
However, this summer presents a fresh opportunity for Slot to add new blood to his squad, with numerous players already emerging on their shortlist ahead of the window.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings this summer
Martin Zubimendi is a player who’s been on Liverpool’s radar constantly over the last few years, even having an offer accepted for him last summer.
The Spaniard turned down a switch to Anfield before reemerging on their shortlist ahead of the summer, but he appears to be heading to Arsenal in a £50m move after Fabrizio Romano’s latest report.
However, the same can’t be said for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman appearing to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to Anfield ahead of the summer.
It’s been confirmed that the 24-year-old is keen on a move to the club after the Reds held talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal for the full-back, who has a £29.5m release clause in his current deal.
However, despite the moves for the aforementioned duo, one current first-team player is already worth as much as the pair combined, highlighting the great work done by the hierarchy in recent times.
The Liverpool star who’s worth as much as Zubimendi & Frimpong
Slot’s ability to win the league title in his first season in charge is nothing short of remarkable, undoubtedly getting the best out of the players who are already at the club after his appointment.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Such success could lead to an exciting prospect for supporters when he’s able to spend money this summer and make his own stamp on the squad on Merseyside.
The likes of Frimpong could add further quality to the first team squad, helping his compatriot achieve the unthinkable and retain their title in 2025/26.
However, the Leverkusen star could also link up well with current midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who’s managed to hugely impress throughout this season, after getting the chance to thrive under Slot’s guidance.
After joining for £34m from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old only made 12 league starts in his first season – unable to cement his place in the starting eleven.
However, his importance to the squad has been immeasurable this time around, starting all but one meeting and being a crucial cog in the midfield for his compatriot.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 90% of the passes he’s attempted, allowing him to notch a tally of four assists in the Premier League this campaign.
Games played
35
Assists
4
Pass accuracy
90%
Tackles won
52%
Interceptions made
1.7
Successful dribbles
1.1
Aerials won
65%
Gravenberch has also starred without the ball, winning 52% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making 1.7 interceptions per 90 – often being the player to break down the opposition’s threat going forward.
As a result, he’s now valued at a staggering £80m by FootballTransfers, a mammoth increase after his big-money transfer to Merseyside less than two years ago.
His subsequent value is the same as Zubimendi and Frimpong’s respective transfer fees of £50m and £30m, highlighting the progression he’s made throughout this season.
If the club are to mount a charge to maintain their title glory next season, investment will be crucial, handing the manager the funds he needs to make adequate changes.
However, the form of Gravenberch will also be imperative, with his performance levels certainly aiding their pursuit if he can replicate the success he’s enjoyed in Slot’s debut campaign.
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