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South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj has come out in support of the ODI Super League, which will be scrapped after the current cycle and will not form a part of the new FTP cycle.Maharaj, who is standing in as South Africa’s captain in the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma in England, argued that the league not only contextualises bilateral ODI cricket, but forces countries to field their best XIs, which they otherwise may not do in a packed schedule.”It’s good to have the Super League. It makes you play your best cricket throughout the year and allows you to come up with various styles of play that you want to implement at the World Cup,” Maharaj said, ahead of South Africa’s ODI series against England. “I think it’s a good system. You’ve got to play your best team at all times. I’m in favour of it.”Ironically, the three-match series does not form part of the Super League (South Africa will host England for World Cup Super League matches in February next year), and South Africa are resting their highest-ranked ODI bowler Kagiso Rabada for the matches. Even more ironically, South Africa have opted out of Super League ODIs against Australia next January because the board wants the best players available for a new franchise T20 competition which it says will secure the game’s financial longevity, and has left South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup hanging by a thread.The players are understood to be disappointed but understanding of the decision and would have preferred to play in Australia if only to give themselves more of a chance to ensure they wouldn’t have to play in the qualifiers in Zimbabwe next year.If all that makes you wonder what the point of the upcoming England series is, Maharaj has an answer. “It’s important for us as an ODI unit to keep playing together. The more you play the better you get,” he said. “It’s still an international cricket game, so there’s enough motivation. And it’s build-up for a series that does carry points. I’m so glad we’re playing it leading up to an important summer and year for us. In the next two years there are a lot of ICC events coming up, and it’s a nice way of finding combinations you want to play going forward.”Maharaj’s comments came minutes before England’s Ben Stokes announced his decision to retire from ODI cricket because playing in all three formats is “just unsustainable for me,” and will further add to the debate around the viability of bilateral cricket, especially ODIs.For South Africa, this will come into sharper focus as the World Cup approaches. They sit 11th on the World Cup Super League table and dropped points in Ireland and Sri Lanka while still struggling to find an ideal XI. Maharaj hopes these matches can help them do that. “We could build some confidence in our ODI unit before the World Cup next year,” he said.

The FIFA World Cup final is the pinnacle of sporting entertainment. Over the decades, billions have tuned in to watch the event, which has delivered drama, brilliance and heartbreak in equal measure.

Featuring Pele’s redemption in 1970 and Lionel Messi’s crowning moment in 2022, these are the 12 best World Cup finals in history, according to FootballFanCast.

The top World Cup goalscorers of all time

Some of the greatest players of all time have performed on the biggest stage.

By
Ross Kilvington

Nov 30, 2024

12

West Germany 1-0 Argentina (1990)

Fierce match settled by controversial penalty

West Germany avenged their 1986 defeat to Argentina with a narrow 1-0 win in Rome following an ugly, yet controversial World Cup final.

The fiercely contested match, which saw Argentina reduced to nine men, was decided by Andreas Brehme’s coolly converted (and contentious) penalty in the 85th minute.

At the final whistle, Diego Maradona, who had berated referee Edgardo Codesal all game, burst into tears and once again launched a scathing attack on the Uruguay-born official.

Codesal later described Maradona as “one of the worst people I have known in my life”, while Los Angeles Times reporter Ian Morrison described Germany’s win as good for the game.

“Had the Argentines lifted the World Cup – with two wins and five goals in their seven matches – it would have been a catastrophe,” he wrote.

11

Netherlands 0-1 Spain (2010)

Cards galore as La Roja triumph in South Africa

While not a classic in terms of the quality of football on display, Spain’s 1-0 win over the Netherlands in 2010 is without doubt the most fiery World Cup final of all time.

There were 14 bookings on the day from English referee Howard Webb – nine for the Netherlands and four for Spain, as well as one red card, which was awarded to Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga in extra-time – though how Nigel de Jong didn’t see red for kicking Xabi Alonso in the chest, we’ll never know.

The game was won by a solitary goal from Andres Iniesta in the 116th minute, with victory for Spain securing their second major trophy in a row, having also won the European Championship in 2008.

10

Argentina 3-2 West Germany (1986)

German comeback not enough in topsy-turvy finale

The 1986 World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany was a true rollercoaster affair.

Goals from Jose Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano had given Argentina a 2-0 lead, but West Germany mounted a comeback to level through Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller as the game entered its final stages.

But with just six minutes to play, Jorge Burruchaga, teed up by the tournament’s star man Diego Maradona, notched the winner to secure Argentina the trophy.

9

Argentina 3-1 Netherlands (1978)

Dutch threaten final protest as Argentina win tetchy clash

Argentina won their first World Cup eight years earlier by defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in a dramatic final in Buenos Aires.

The build-up to the match was mired in controversy as Rene van de Kerkhof was forced to reapply the bandage of his injured arm, which despite having been previously deemed OK by FIFA, forced the referee to delay proceedings as the Dutch threatened to walk off in protest.

The game itself saw Mario Kempes give Argentina the lead after 38 minutes, before Netherlands substitute Dick Nanninga levelled late on. The Dutch could have won the game in the final moments but for Rob Rensenbrink hitting the woodwork, taking the match into extra-time.

Kempes scored again at the end of the first half of extra-time, before Daniel Bertoni tapped in to seal a historic victory for the Albiceleste.

8

Italy 3-1 West Germany (1982)

Tardelli goes wild as Italy end 44-year wait for World Cup

Italy triumphed over West Germany in the 1982 final with a clinical display of counter-attacking football.

After a goalless first half, Paolo Rossi scored his sixth of the tournament to open the scoring, before Marco Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli sealed victory for the Azzurri. Germany’s late consolation goal couldn’t dampen Italy’s celebrations as they lifted their third World Cup after a 44-year wait.

For Tardelli’s celebration alone, this match has got to be up there.

7

Italy 1-1 France (2006)

Zidane scores Panenka and sees red in Berlin

Italy won their fourth World Cup with a penalty-shootout victory over France in 2006, but the match is more remembered for a moment of madness from Zinedine Zidane in his final match as a professional footballer.

Zidane had dazzled during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, particularly in Les Bleus’ quarter-final win over Brazil where he often belied his ageing years. The 34-year-old dazzled early in the Berlin final too, dinking a penalty just over Gianluigi Buffon’s goalline to give France the lead.

While Italy equalised through Marco Materazzi soon after, the confrontation between the two goalscorers has since gone down in football folklore. Zidane reacted badly to an apparent sent his way by the Inter defender by charging his head into the Italian’s chest.

Zidane was given his marching orders, walking past the World Cup trophy that he almost won for a second time, but for David Trezeguet’s missed penalty and Fabio Grosso’s eventual winner.

6

Brazil 0-3 France (1998)

Ronaldo concerns mar Les Bleus' crowning moment in Saint-Denis

Sadly for France, the 1998 World Cup is best remembered for the wayward performance of Ronaldo rather than Les Bleus’ terrific display.

Just hours before kick-off, the Brazil striker, who was the tournament’s star player and top scorer is thought to have suffered a convulsive fit. It was initially announced that he was not going to play, but against medical advice, he did, with Brazil reinstating him on their teamsheet 42 minutes before the game started.

Ronaldo, clearly still struggling, had just 20 touches throughout the entire match as France ran out as comprehensive winners thanks to a brace from Zinedine Zidane and a goal from Emmanuel Petit.

Manager Mario Zagallo later said that while Ronaldo playing wasn’t the reason his side lost, the “collective trauma, created by the atmosphere of what had happened” was.

5

Brazil 5-2 Sweden (1958)

Teenage Pele makes World Cup history

Brazil changed football forever by winning the 1958 World Cup. Spearheaded by a 17-year-old Pele, the Selecao were simply unstoppable thanks to their flamboyant style of play – the sort the world had never seen before.

Pele finished the tournament as top scorer with five goals, two of which came in the final as Brazil thumped Sweden to lift the trophy for the first time.

Not only had a legend been born, but a new dawn had begun for the sport.

4

England 4-2 West Germany (1966)

Football comes home at Wembley

England’s 4-2 win over West Germany in the final of the 1966 World Cup was, to put it nicely, controversial. With the scores level at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the game headed into extra-time, where 11 minutes in, England’s Geoff Hurst hit the underside of the crossbar with a shot from close range. The ball appeared to bounce down onto the line rather than over it, but the goal was awarded.

As West Germany went desperately searching for an equaliser, Hurst scored again to secure a first World Cup truimph for the Three Lions.

“They think it’s all over. It is now!” BBC commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme famously said as Hurst scored England’s fourth.

3

West Germany 3-2 Hungary (1954)

Semi-pro Germans shock Mighty Magyars in huge upset

West Germany weren’t always footballing powerhouses. In fact, they went into the 1954 tournament having only been reinstated to FIFA in 1950 following the Second World War.

The Germans were also semi-professional and were expected to be beaten in the final by their professional Hungarian counterparts – who had already beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stages, as well as Brazil and reigning champions Uruguay.

Ferenc Puskas opened the scoring as Hungary raced into a 2-0 lead inside eight minutes, and what followed what has now become known as ‘The Miracle of Bern’.

West Germany responded as Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn levelled things up in the space of ten minutes, before Rahn’s eventual winner six minutes from time secured one of the biggest shocks on the biggest of stages.

Blackburn Rovers are confident they will win the race for a 22-year-old midfielder in the January transfer window, according to a new report. Rovers made it five wins on the bounce and four consecutive 1-0 wins as they beat Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night to climb to fifth place in the Championship table.

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Blackburn Rovers news

After 19 games, Blackburn find themselves in the play-off race, having won ten and picked up 34 points; only Sunderland, Burnley, Leeds United, and Sheffield United have more. The January transfer window opens in a couple of weeks, and manager John Eustace believes it is a good opportunity to show that the club can eventually win promotion to the Premier League.

He said: “It’s important we improve and invest in the right areas. It’s evident where we need to do that. If we’re in a strong position come January, then why not? The league is wide open, and we’ve got to keep building and believing in what we’re doing.

“I’m not saying about being promoted, but I’m saying about building and bringing good quality into the group. It’s important that we want success, and that isn’t given; you have to earn it. It might not be this season, but we’re certainly headed in the right direction, so it’s important we keep building with quality.”

Blackburn Rovers confident they can sign Aasgaard in January

According to Football League World, Blackburn Rovers are confident they can sign Thelo Asgaard from Wigan Athletic in January. The 22-year-old has been an impressive performer for the Latics this season, despite their place near the bottom end of the League One table.

Aasgaard is a product of Liverpool’s youth system before playing for Wigan’s under-18s and eventually moving up to the first team in the 2020/21 season. That campaign saw Aasgaard, who was born in Liverpool but has 11 caps for Norway’s under-21s, score three goals and record two assists in 33 League One games.

Ever since, Aasgaard has been a firm part of the starting XI at the DW Stadium. The midfielder, who has scored 25 career goals in total, played a key part in Wigan beating the drop to League Two last season. His performances for the Latics are not going unnoticed, as Blackburn are keen on a deal and are now confident in getting it done in the New Year.

Football League World reports that Asgaard could have left Wigan in the summer, with Blackburn, Stoke City and Nottingham Forest admirers of the midfielder. They state that Blackburn have remained interested in Aasgaard, and there is confidence at Ewood Park that they can tempt him to join in the New Year, given they are in the play-off race in the Championship. Aasgaard is under contract until 2028, but a tempting offer from Rovers could force Wigan to sell the midfielder.

The Austrian powerhouse has underwhelmed of late, must rally after being outscored 26-5 in Champions League

Austrian side FC Red Bull Salzburg are set to compete in their first FIFA Club World Cup this summer, looking to upset the rest of the field in the United States. The Red Bull club are not expected to advance out of the Group Stage. However, none of that matters to them. They qualified ahead of many other mighty European teams and are looking to prove they belong on the world's biggest stage at the club level.

Led by manager Thomas Tesch, Salzburg are looking to make history this summer with their young, but talented squad.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, from the opener on June 14 until the final on July 13. In the U.S., fans can stream or watch matches on DAZN or TNT.

Leading up to kickoff, GOAL will provide scouting reports on each of the 32 participating teams in the expanded field. Next up is Salzburg, with a look at key players to watch, and expectations for the Austrian club ahead of this summer's tournament.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The Basics

  DOMESTIC LEAGUE: Austrian Bundesliga

  CLUB WORLD CUP HISTORY: This is their first appearance.

  GROUP: H (Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, FC Salzburg)

  OPENING MATCH:  Pachuca – June 18, 6 p.m., Cincinnati

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• How they got here

  Salzburg clinched a berth through the UEFA Ranking Pathway after Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenal from the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League. That result gave the Austrian side the 12th and final European spot at the Club World Cup based on their performances in the UCL over the past four seasons.

• Getty
  

  The player to watch

  Salzburg have long been known to develop world-class talents, from Erling Haaland to Sadio Mane and Dominik Szoboszlai. The latest talent to come out of the Austrian side is Oscar Gloukh.

  The Israel international, 20, leads the team in scoring in 2024-25 despite playing as a central midfielder/winger. Across all competitions, he's totaled nine goals and recorded two assists while starting in all eight of their UEFA Champions League games this season.

  He navigates the pitch with ease, and has brilliant vision on and off the ball in transition. Against top opponents in the U.S. this summer, he is undoubtedly the key player.

• AFP
  

  Realistic expectations

  Paired with Pachuca, Al Hilal and Real Madrid in Group H, honestly, winning one Group Stage match for the Austrian side would seem a massive achievement. Making it out of the Group? That would be surpassing all expectations.

  are the heavy favorites to advance, but second will be a toss-up between the rest of the group. Salzburg's most important matches will be against Pachuca and Al Hilal. They'll rely on their European competition experience against some of the best clubs in the world to prepare.

  One concern, though, is their 2024-25 form. From 2013-14 to 2022-23, Salzburg won 10 straight domestic titles, but fell short last season and were runners-up to Sturm Graz. Now, in 2024-25, they sit fourth in domestic play just one game out from the start of the March international break.

  They've underwhelmed throughout the regular season, even more so in European competition. In this year's UCL, they qualified for the Group Stage through the playoff system in August, but struggled mightily through eight matches. They were outscored 26-5, a dire minus-21 goal differential. Their only win was against Feyenoord on Matchday 4. It will be a true Cinderella run if they find form at the Club World Cup.

Arsenal are set to appoint former Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta as their replacement for Edu in the same role.

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• Berta to replace Edu at Arsenal
• Arrives after long stint at Atletico Madrid
• Signed off on huge deals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Berta left Atletico after 12 years in January and has been considered a chief option for the Gunners since, considering his track record of keeping the Spanish side competitive with Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as sanctioning high-profile deals. He has previously held roles at Parma and Genoa in Italy and now The Athletic report he is set for north London.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Berta was fundamental during a period of huge success for Atletico, who won two La Liga titles, the Europa League and finished as Champions League runners-up twice during his period at the club. He bought and sold Antoine Griezmann and Rodri for large sums and last summer spent £180 million ($232m) on Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth to regenerate Diego Simeone's squad once more.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Edu left a vacancy at the Emirates in November and is set to take a role overseeing Evangelos Marinakis' multi-club network. That group includes 2024-25 Premier League surprise package Nottingham Forest.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal look set to finalise the appointment of Berta during a crucial period of their season. Their Premier League hopes hang by a thread, sitting 16 points behind leaders Liverpool with two games in hand ahead of their game at Manchester United on Sunday, but they are almost certainly in the Champions League quarter-finals after thrashing PSV 7-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Ellie Taylor admits that “everyone loves the Ted Lasso universe”, with another nod offered towards Season 4 being in the pipeline.

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Cast & crew are back on boardProduction lined up for 2025New storylines for AFC RichmondFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Leading members of the show’s cast and crew have aired their excitement at AFC Richmond returning to Apple TV+ streaming services. Jason Sudeikis, as writer and man behind the moustache on the affable American coach, is said to be fully on board.

AdvertisementGettyTHE GOSSIP

He is ready to “reboot” the award-winning series, with it already being claimed that Lasso could be reintroduced to a global audience as coach of a women’s team. That would allow new storylines and characters to be introduced.

WHAT ELLIE TAYLOR SAID

Taylor, who plays Flo ‘Sassy’ Collins, told the when asked about the long-awaited return of Ted Lasso: “I've heard that apparently, maybe there is going to be a series four. It would be lovely if there was because everyone loves the Ted Lasso universe, so I wonder if there's room for that to expand or grow or continue in some way.”

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She went on to say: “I feel so lucky to be part of such a beloved show. Rarely are you part of something that means so much to so many people. It came out over lockdown and entertainment was so important to all of us and it became this uncynical bit of joy. The latest series was a few years ago and people still want to talk to me about it like it was out last week.”

Usman Khawaja replaces Travis Head as the one change for Australia at the SCG

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2022Scott Boland has retained his place in the Australia side for the fourth Test at the SCG after it was decided against risking either Josh Hazlewood or Jhye Richardson.Hazlewood, who misses out on his home ground, has not quite recovered from the side strain he picked up at the Gabba and will now target a comeback in the final Test in Hobart.Australia are also continuing to manage Richardson who reported some leg soreness after the Adelaide Test which kept him out of Melbourne.”Joshy had a few bowls and Jhye a bit similar, just not quite up to 100%,” Pat Cummins said. “We gave Joshy every chance we could, just felt like he couldn’t quite bowl at full tilt yesterday.”Cummins confirmed Hazlewood would have played if fit but any difficult conversation with Boland has been delayed by at least a week after his stunning 6 for 7 secured the Ashes at the MCG.”It would have been a shame to see Scotty not to play this week after his efforts last week so it’s unfortunate for Josh, I feel for him, but really glad he gets another crack at it,” Cummins said. “I doubt it will be 6 for 7 but I did say nothing more than last week, don’t try any harder.”On a surface that Cummins did not believe would offer much help for the quicks, despite a decent covering of grass that may provide some early assistance, Boland’s skillset could be important.”There’s not a lot of swing, not a lot of bounce, you need that bulldozer bowler who will give you 50 overs if you need it of economical, challenging fast bowling that will challenge the knee roll of the batter,” Cummins said. “That suits him to a tee.”It is the first time in the series that Australia have named an unchanged attack from one match to the next having cycled through six fast bowlers in the first three games due to Covid and injury issues. Michael Neser has not been able to earn a second cap after his debut in Adelaide.The only change for Australia is Usman Khawaja replacing Travis Head who was ruled out of the match after testing positive for Covid-19. It will be Khawaja’s first Test since he was dropped midway through the 2019 Ashes, but it is likely to be one-off comeback with Head set to return for the final Test.Cummins also said there was never a realistic chance of legspinner Mitchell Swepson making a debut adding that currently he did not see any conditions around Australia that would warrant two spinners.”I don’t think anywhere in Australia that I’ve played on in the last few years has dictated a two spinner,” he said. “We’d love to have that option, he’s a class bowler, itching to get him in the side one day…we think he will debut one day, probably most likely with the amount of subcontinent tours coming up that will be his opportunity.”Australia XI 1 David Warner, 2 Marcus Harris, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Usman Khawaja, 6 Cameron Green, 7 Alex Carey, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Scott Boland

The 49ers Enterprises and Leeds United are said to be “keeping tabs” on a £4m international defender alongside Cheikhou Kouyate, according to a new transfer report.

Leeds looking at signing free agent Kouyate

The Whites have been linked with a move for Kouyate in recent days, with the Senegal veteran now a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.

One report earlier this week claimed that the 34-year-old had agreed a move to Elland Road, coming in on a free transfer to ease Daniel Farke’s issue of having Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both out injured for the foreseeable future. It has even been said that he completed his medical, with the transfer in its closing stages.

There has now been an alleged twist regarding the situation, however, with reliable journalist Adam Pope reporting that Kouyate’s move to Leeds is still in the balance, with the switch not as far down the line as had previously been stated.

While the Whites’ interest in the former Forest man is at the forefront of the club’s transfer news currently, a fresh rumour regarding a different player has now emerged.

Leeds eyeing move for £4m international defender

According to The Mirror, Leeds are among the clubs “keeping tabs” on FCSB defender Joyskim Dawa, with Premier League pair Everton and Fulham also in the mix.

The 28-year-old has won both of his Europa League games this season and his “representatives believe he is capable of playing at the top level”. The report also adds that he has a release clause of just £4m, allowing the Whites and others to bring him in for a relatively cheap amount in the modern game in 2025.

Dawa could be an excellent signing for Leeds, coming in during the January window and adding depth at the heart of Farke’s defence, giving them extra solidity for their Championship promotion push during the second half of the season.

He has made 106 appearances for FCSB, chipping in with 11 goals in that time – a solid return for a central defender – while at international level he has nine caps to his name for Cameroon.

In his two Europa League outings this season, Dawa has completed 89.5% of his passes, which suggests his quality on the ball would appeal to Farke, with Pascal Struijk (92.2%) and Joe Rodon (91.6%) impressing in that area of their game this season. He has also averaged an incredible seven clearances per game in Europe, highlighting his defensive expertise out of possession.

With Max Wober out injured and the absent Ampadu also a strong option at centre-back, there is a clear need for Leeds to make a signing in that area in January, or risk falling away in the promotion race if Struijk or Rodon suddenly suffer a setback, too.

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Daniel Farke could have Leeds United’s next Raphinha in his ranks.

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Dawa looks ideal in that respect, although fighting off interest from two Premier League teams won’t necessarily be easy, despite the size of the Whites as a club, and their financial power under the 49ers.

Following a difficult start to life under Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United have reportedly turned their focus towards the transfer market, where sporting director Tim Steidten could land a long-term loan move.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers were among the Premier League’s biggest spenders in the summer transfer window as they welcomed the likes of Jean-Clair Todibo, Crysencio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug. However, those at the London Stadium are yet to reap the rewards for such spending amid a tough start under new manager Lopetegui. Fresh from the David Moyes era, the Spaniard will be desperate to gain a foothold in charge of the Hammers.

Former West Ham chief slams Irons after Lucas Paqueta claim he's heard

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ByEmilio Galantini Oct 18, 2024

If he manages to weather the storm until the January transfer window, that’s when Lopetegui may find his feet by adding the finishing touches to his squad. Ahead of the winter window, the transfer rumours are already coming thick and fast. The east London club have already been linked with moves for the likes of Leo Ortiz and Charles De Ketelaere, who would likely steal the headlines.

Meanwhile, they may even look towards one of their London rivals for reinforcements. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Steidten could now land a long-term loan deal to sign Ben Chilwell from Chelsea in the January transfer window. West Ham chiefs reportedly admire the England left-back, who has been frozen out under Enzo Maresca in a ruthless act that many have become familiar with at Stamford Bridge.

In a possible 18-month loan deal, West Ham would be signing a player with plenty of experience to compete against Emerson Palmieri in an interesting battle given the Italian’s own Chelsea ties. However, with Chilwell earning a staggering £200,000 a week, West Ham would likely need to find a way past the defender’s hefty salary if they want to land his signature in 2025.

"Aggressive" Chilwell desperately needs move

From vice-captaincy to the Chelsea reserves, Chilwell’s fall from grace has been as brutal as it comes at Stamford Bridge, but there’s still time for the left-back to prove Maresca wrong elsewhere – and that’s where West Ham could come in. They’ve already benefited from Emerson down the left-hand side and could now swoop for another Chelsea defender in need of a career turnaround.

So far this season, Chilwell has made just one appearance in all competitions, which came in the Carabao Cup against Barrow. Still 27 years old and in the prime of his career, there won’t be many players more frustrated than the former Leicester City star in the current campaign.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate was one of many to be full of praise for Chilwell not so long ago, making his current struggles all the more unexpected. After the left-back impressed for England despite defeat against Brazil back in March, Southgate told reporters (via Metro): “Ben Chilwell was very good, he was aggressive in his defending and he gave us width.”

When January arrives, Chilwell should be first on the list of Chelsea departures, with West Ham potentially lying in wait to land the defender’s signature.

With Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool contract coming to an end next summer, Arne Slot has reportedly been convinced by the Reds’ recruitment team that one player is capable of replacing the Dutchman.

Liverpool transfer news

As things stand, it’s set to be panic stations around Anfield this time next summer, with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all on course to leave the club as free agents. And whilst that could still change, contract talks are seemingly yet to take place with any of their star men, potentially leaving Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes to frantically search for replacements.

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Alexander-Arnold recently spoke about his future, choosing to remain coy. He said via Fabrizio Romano: “I’ve been at Liverpool for 20 years now. I’ve signed four or five contract extensions and none of them have been said in public. This one won’t be either.”

With Real Madrid sniffing around, however, Liverpool will certainly be sweating over the right-back’s future, given just how irreplaceable he is. When it comes to Van Dijk, meanwhile, there will undoubtedly be the same concerns regarding his new deal, though it seems like the Reds have more of a plan in place in the Dutchman’s case.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool’s recruitment team have now convinced Slot that Marc Guehi can replace Van Dijk at Anfield just months after the former Feyenoord boss was of the belief that the Crystal Palace defender was not at that level.

Given a resounding endorsement by Edwards, Hughes and Co, Guehi may yet find himself on his way to Anfield next summer just one year on from Newcastle United’s persistent attempt to secure his signature before ultimately failing to agree a deal with Crystal Palace.

Earning a reported £50,000-a-week at Selhurst Park, Guehi wouldn’t disrupt Liverpool’s wage bill and represents a solid option to turn towards when it comes to boosting Slot’s backline.

"Great" Guehi could be handed impossible Liverpool role

Like in the case of Alexander-Arnold, anyone who attempted to step into the role of Van Dijk at Anfield would be replacing the irreplaceable. But Guehi’s attempt would at least be one to watch. His recent rise saw him thrown into the deep end at Euro 2024, before he arguably became England’s most consistent player at the tournament as they lost out to Spain in the final.

It was a tournament which saw the Palace star earn plenty of deserved praise, including from centre-back partner John Stones, who told BBC Radio 5 Live via The Metro: “So good, so good. For him to come in, not having felt the feelings around tournament football before or these kind of games, all kinds of different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before. He’s handled [it] so well, his performances have been great.

“I said to him when we’re in this, or whoever’s playing or whoever I’m playing with, I’m your right arm, you are my left. We do this together. I’ve got your back and he’s bought into that so well.”

Replacing Van Dijk would be his toughest job yet, but Liverpool’s recruitment team and now reportedly Slot believe that Guehi is more than capable of doing just that.