O lateral-esquerdo Pedrinho, ex-Athletico Paranaense, concluiu sua transferência para o Shakhtar Donetsk, da Ucrânia, de acordo com a jornalista Nadja Mauad, do portal “GE”. Segundo informações, o atleta já está em solo europeu para realizar exames e se integrar ao grupo em Roterdã, na Holanda, onde sua nova equipe fará a pré-temporada para 2023-24.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalConheça o Rio Grande, clube de futebol mais antigo do BrasilFutebol Nacional17/07/2023Copa do Mundo FemininaDias, horários dos jogos, onde assistir e o grupo da Seleção Brasileira na Copa do Mundo Feminina 2023Copa do Mundo Feminina23/07/2023Futebol InternacionalApós marcar mais um gol, Dawhan celebra vitória e destaca sequência invicta do Gamba OsakaFutebol Internacional17/07/2023
O contrato do jogador havia sido rescindido com a equipe paranaense após citação na Operação Penalidade Máxima, do Ministério Público de Goiás, que investiga esquema de apostas no futebol brasileiro. O nome de Pedrinho apareceu junto ao de Bryan Garcia, também ex-Furacão. Este segundo fechou um acordo com o Ministério Público de Goiás (MP-GO) para ser testemunha no caso. Ele também deixou o clube.
Pedrinho havia chegado ao Athletico em 2021, em transferência a custo zero junto ao Vitória. Com a camisa da equipe do Sul do Brasil, o lateral atuou em 69 oportunidades, com nenhum gol marcado, mas dois passes para gol, ambos na disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2022. Seu vínculo com o clube duraria até agosto de 2026 caso não houvesse rescisão.
continua após a publicidade
+ Barcelona faz anúncio oficial de contratação de Vitor Roque, do Athletico-PR
Semelhante ao jogador do Furacão, outros atletas envolvidos na Operação Penalidade Máxima rumaram ao futebol europeu. Um deles foi o zagueiro Eduardo Bauermann, ex-Santos, que se transferiu para o Alanyaspor, da Turquia, em contrato válido por dois anos. Richard, volante com passagens por Fluminense e Cruzeiro, acertou com o mesmo time de Bauermann.
Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad was clouded by controversy as referee Alejandro Hernandez admitted he wrongly awarded the corner that led to Jules Kounde’s equaliser, goalkeeper Alex Remiro says. The Sociedad star labelled the error “a shame”, but also admitted his side’s poor defending played a role in their defeat.
Hernandez admits mistake in Barcelona’s comeback win
Barcelona’s comeback 2-1 victory over Sociedad hinged on a controversial moment. The referee admitted after the match that he wrongly awarded the corner that led to Kounde's equaliser. La Real, who had taken the lead in the 31st minute through Alvaro Odriozola, were furious as the Catalans used the momentum to complete the turnaround with Robert Lewandowski’s header in the second half.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRemiro voices his frustration
Goalkeeper Remiro revealed in the mixed zone that the referee accepted his mistake: "I've also complained… We've spoken with Alejandro, with the referee, and he's accepted his mistake. It's more of a mistake for us to defend the corner poorly."
He added: "It's a shame, and VAR can't be used due to protocol, and I don't think it should be used either, because otherwise it would be outrageous. It's a fine line. Corner, and we were bad in that particular moment defending, and we need to correct it."
La Liga title race and relegation battle impacted
For Sociedad, the decision only deepens their struggles, sitting in 17th and battling for early-season points, this blow feels especially damaging. For Barcelona, however, the win was priceless, putting them back on top of La Liga after Real Madrid suffered a 5-2 loss against Atletico. Beyond the controversy, Flicks side were lifted by Lamine Yamal’s lively cameo, who came on in the 58th minute and assisted Lewandowski’s decisive goal.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
AFPNext fixtures for Barcelona and Real Sociedad
Sociedad will look to bounce back when they face Rayo Vallecano next weekend, needing points to move clear of the relegation zone. Barcelona, meanwhile, turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes midweek clash that will test their defensive organisation and attacking fluidity.
Manchester United minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is expected to put Ligue 1 club Nice up for sale at a price of around €200 million (£174m/$237m). An official announcement is expected from INEOS shortly, as Ratcliffe is said to finally be ready to give up his stake with the French team that he originally acquired back in 2019 for approximately £89 million (€100 million).
Update on Nice expected from INEOS
Ratcliffe has been tipped to sell Nice throughout 2025 and an official announcement is now expected in the coming days, according to . Interested parties are expected to have to shell out €200m to take over the Ligue 1 side, with previous speculation claiming Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could make a move for the French club.
Advertisement
AFP
Ratcliffe involvement criticised at Nice
Ratcliffe has come in for criticism during his time with Nice, largely due to a perceived lack of involvement. The billionaire has openly admitted he "doesn't enjoy" watching Nice play because the "level of football is not high enough for me to get excited." His comments brought a swift response from Nice boss Franck Haise, who said back in March that Ratcliffe "hasn’t seen a Nice match this season".
Man Utd is Ratcliffe's priority
Ratcliffe's priority is now Manchester United, with problems piling up at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have made their worst start to a season in 33 years, meaning pressure is rising on manager Ruben Amorim. Replacements are reportedly already being linked up to take over from the Portuguese boss, but if Ratcliffe does pull the trigger it will cost United a compensation fee of £12 million ($17m).
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty Images Sport
Another managerial change for Ratcliffe?
Ratcliffe has made a habit of changing coach at Nice, using seven managers in just six years during his time with the club. The Manchester United co-owner is now being tipped to make another change at Manchester United, with Amorim reportedly having just three games to save his job. The first of those takes place on Saturday at Old Trafford against Chelsea.
Forwards signed? Tick. Striker in the door? Tick. What’s next on Manchester United’s summer shopping list?
Well, if reports are to be believed, Ruben Amorim – having already overseen a £214m outlay – is keen to bring an athletic midfielder and a new goalkeeper into the fold, having so far only bolstered his ranks at the top end of the pitch.
FFC Manchester United Sesko Mbeumo Cunha
There is a touch of the Adrien Rabiot regarding links to Paris Saint-Germain stopper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, although ESPN have reported that United are among the clubs who are expected to make an offer for the towering Italian, with less than a year to run on his existing deal.
With the former AC Milan man emerging as a leading contender to replace Andre Onana, a standout midfield target has also since been revealed, with reports earlier this week outlining that the Red Devils have made contact regarding Brighton and Hove Albion sensation, Carlos Baleba.
The 21-year-old – who is reportedly valued at over £104m by the Seagulls – certainly won’t come cheap, however, with the Old Trafford side wise to be seeking out potential alternatives.
Man Utd eyeing Carlos Baleba alternative
Excluding prior links to former Aston Villa man, Douglas Luiz, it had been rather quiet regarding United’s concrete midfield targets this summer, with full focus seemingly placed in the search for a striker.
Sesko vs Hojlund
Well, that all changed this week as the news broke that United are interested in trying to do a deal for Baleba, having only just wrapped up the £74m signing of RB Leipzig’s Slovenian sensation, Benjamin Sesko.
Unsurprisingly, Brighton are not set to allow the Cameroonian starlet to depart without a fight, with the south coast side more inclined to sanction an exit next summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
With that in mind, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that those at Old Trafford are also eyeing up alternatives to the former Lille man, with Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand believed to be among them.
As per Bailey, Amorim is said to be keen to reunite with ‘trusted figures’ as he looks to get his 3-4-3 system up and running, with Hjulmand having thrived in Lisbon after being signed from Lecce by the Portuguese coach in the summer of 2023.
Morten Hjulmand for Sporting Lisbon
Reportedly valued at around £42m, the Dane could well be an astute addition to Amorim’s side, representing the perfect partner for another man with Sporting ties, Bruno Fernandes.
Why Morten Hjulmand could thrive at Man Utd
While Amorim might want to steer clear of Erik ten Hag’s policy of signing his former assets – with the new Bayer Leverkusen boss having repeatedly dipped into the phonebook during his time at the helm – adding in at least one familiar face surely wouldn’t be too much of a gamble.
Erik ten Hag
Of course, the 40-year-old has already seen his ex-Sporting talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, head on over to Arsenal, although Hjulmand would offer the chance to acquire another of his trusted lieutenants in what is a key area of the pitch.
Although things are beginning to take shape in the backline and the frontline, there are problems to be solved regarding the centre of the park, with a suitable partner for that man Fernandes yet to be found.
The hope was that the arrival of Amorim would spark Manuel Ugarte into life, with the pair having also worked together back in Lisbon, although on recent evidence, the Uruguayan shuttler has yet to convince.
Having been an unused substitute in the Europa League final defeat, the 24-year-old has also endured a sticky summer on pre-season duty, having notably been well below par in the 2-2 draw with Everton last week. Indeed, as MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst noted, he was simply ‘dominated’ by the Toffees’ midfield.
Manuel Ugarte
There might be concerns regarding the capture of a player who actually replaced Ugarte at Sporting, although as journalist Zach Lowy has pointed out, Hjulmand is an “absolute monster” in regaining possession, albeit while “far less reckless than Ugarte ever was”.
Also described as the “complete midfielder” by all-seeing analyst Ben Mattinson, Hjulmand’s destructive midfield presence would be perfect to allow Fernandes’ attacking talents to shine. That quality was evident last season, as the £42m man averaged 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game in the Primeira Liga, while also averaging 5.7 balls recovered per game.
Hjulmand vs Ugarte – 24/25 league stats
Stat (*per game)
Hjulmand
Ugarte
Games (starts)
28 (26)
29 (22)
Goals
2
1
Assists
2
2
Big chances created
2
3
Key passes*
0.9
0.3
Pass accuracy*
91%
89%
Tackles & interceptions
2.9
3.6
Balls recovered*
5.7
4.2
Total duels won*
62%
53%
Stats via Sofascore
There is silk to match the steel, however, with Hjulmand ranking in the top 1% in the league for pass completion, as well as in the top 13% for progressive passes, as per FBref, at an average of 6.38 per 90. Ugarte, for comparison, averaged just 3.08 for that latter metric in the Premier League in 2024/25.
Having a figure who can be an asset both in and out of possession alongside him would be a real bonus for Fernandes, with the division’s chief creator thus provided the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third.
Of course, there is excitement brewing over the enhancements that have been made at the top end of the pitch, although for all that fresh lick of paint, the Red Devils need to ensure that the engine is also running smoothly.
Better signing than Baleba: £25m sensation wants Man Utd move after Sesko
Manchester United appear to be putting focus into other targets alongside Carlos Baleba.
With the Club World Cup now out of the picture and a Premier League season to prepare for, Chelsea are looking to make moves in the transfer market once again.
It’s already been a good summer of business for Enzo Maresca’s side. When it comes to outgoings, they’ve been able to finally shift Kepa Arrizabalaga and make a significant profit on Noni Madueke, with both players taking the well-trodden path to Arsenal.
Then, in terms of incomings, the Blues have seriously strengthened the frontline with the additions of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
The next target on the West Londoners’ list appears to be Xavi Simons, but he’s not the only one, as reports suggest that Chelsea are also working on a deal to sign someone who’d be a dream winger for the Dutchman.
Chelsea target dream winger for Simons
As things stand, it looks like the next player who could be on his way to Stamford Bridge is Simons.
Transfer Focus
For example, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano revealed yesterday morning that the player himself is “keen” to join Chelsea and that direct talks between the two clubs are “advancing,” and then, in the afternoon, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claimed that RB Leipzig expect the Blues to make their “first offer soon.”
In terms of the 22-year-old’s potential cost, it appears that the final fee could be in the region of £52m, which, for a player who amassed a tally of 11 goals and eight assists in 33 games last season, seems reasonable.
However, as we mentioned above, the West Londoners aren’t planning on stopping there, as it also appears that they are trying to sign another international, someone who could be a dream winger for Simons.
At least that’s according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, which claims Chelsea are still very interested in Alejandro Garnacho.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Pensioners have been in talks with Manchester United over a deal, although Aston Villa have been as well, and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest.
Interestingly, due to the Red Devils’ desire to sell the player, following his falling out with the manager, another report states that he could be available for around £40m, which could be a bargain for a young talent, especially as he could be a dream winger for Simons.
Why Garnacho would be a dream winger for Simons
Okay, so we know that Garnacho doesn’t exactly have the best reputation at the moment, but there are several reasons he could be the ideal winger for Simons, and the first is his output.
Manchester United's AlejandroGarnachoreacts
Despite being just 20 years old for the entirety of last season, and playing for a historically poor United side that changed managers a third of the way into the campaign, the Madrid-born gem was still able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3,568 minutes.
In other words, the Argentine international averaged a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or more impressively, every 169.90 minutes.
Appearances
58
Minutes
3568′
Goals
11
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.36
Minutes per Goal Involvements
169.90′
Just imagine what numbers he’d be able to put up playing ahead of Simons in this Chelsea side and under the guidance of Maresca, especially as he continues to develop, which brings us to the following reason: his age.
According to research carried out by The Athletic in 2021, wingers do not hit their peak until the age of 26, so if the dynamic attacker is already able to put up 20-plus goal involvements now, it’s not hard to see him being a serious threat a few years from now, especially if he develops alongside Simons.
Finally, even if you are unimpressed by his output, the “generational” talent, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has some genuinely impressive underlying numbers to his name.
According to FBref, he was in the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League last season for touches in the opposition penalty area and carries into the final third, the top 7% for progressive carries and total shots, and the top 10% for carries into the penalty area.
In other words, when his teammates get him the ball, he can and often does make things happen, and in a team with players like Pedro, Delap and Simons, that could result in far more goals than it did at Old Trafford.
Ultimately, for the reported price, Chelsea should look to bring Garnacho to the Bridge this summer, as not only could he develop into a great player in his own right, but he could also be brilliant alongside the Leipzig star.
Unofficial Chelsea swap deal possible as club open talks for Maresca outcast
Everton are among a host of clubs to have “called” about the availability of a “fantastic” attacking player, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Barry expected to oust Beto at Everton
The Blues have completed the exciting £27m signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, with the Frenchman feeling like a statement signing by The Friedkin Group and David Moyes.
The 22-year-old has replaced Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton, coming in to battle Beto for minutes, but journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that he will be the undisputed first-choice striker for the Merseysiders next season.
“Barry will be leading the line for Everton this season, I have little doubt. Will he start the campaign, I wouldn’t rule out Beto starting at this point, but Barry is going to be the main man long-term. Everton are so excited by this lad, he really is a great signing. There are few deals this summer that I have personally been more impressed by than this deal. We will have to see how he settles, but I don’t think it is going to take too long for him to be leading the line.”
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
Everton fans will hope that there are further signings to play alongside Barry, though, and a new update certainly bodes well in that respect.
Everton have "called" about £17m winger – Romano
Taking to X, Romano claimed that Everton have “called” about signing PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko in a potential £17.3m deal this summer, with many clubs in the same boat to sell the forward who PSV are “set to sell”.
Bakayoko is a player with so much long-term potential, having already racked up a tally of 33 goals and 22 assists in 131 appearances for PSV, as well as being hailed as a “fantastic” player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last year.
Better signing than McGinn: Everton holding talks over "world-class" star
David Moyes is looking to sign a midfielder or two this summer at Everton
ByRoss Kilvington Jul 11, 2025
The 22-year-old also isn’t short of confidence, either, once talking up his hopes of winning the Ballon d’Or one day: “In the next five years, I want to be close to winning the Ballon d’Or. I’ll do my best and see where it can end, but I don’t want to give myself limits. I don’t want to say, ‘I remember when I won the Ballon d’Or’, or something like this. I want to keep going.”
A right-sided winger who can cut onto his left foot and wreak havoc, Bakayoko could be an ideal choice, adding similar quality to Iliman Ndiaye on the opposite flank.
Manchester United have now opened talks to sign an “insane” £13m+ colossus, making contact with his representatives in recent days, according to a report.
Man Utd set sights on new goalkeeper
It would be fair to say that Andre Onana has flattered to deceive ever since arriving from Inter Milan, and Ruben Amorim even dropped the goalkeeper for Altay Bayindir at times during the 2024-25 season, with the Turk playing three of the final four Premier League games.
As such, it is no surprise that United are now looking to bring in a replacement for Onana, and they have set their sights on a number of ambitious targets, many of whom are vastly experienced at Champions League level.
Target
Current club
UCL appearances
Gianluigi Donnarumma
PSG
40
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Barcelona
85
Emiliano Martinez
Aston Villa
14
Diogo Costa
FC Porto
23
That said, it could be difficult to attract some of Europe’s top goalkeepers after the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, and the Red Devils have now joined the race for a perhaps more attainable target.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man United have now opened talks with the entourage of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, although given that the two clubs are owned by INEOS, a deal may not be possible until January 2026.
United cannot do business with the French club until September, so they may wait until January before making a move for the goalkeeper, who is valued at over £13m, or failing that they could look to bring him in on a free transfer next summer.
Man Utd now preparing Zirkzee plus cash offer for "unbelievable" £50m+ star
The Red Devils are now willing to use Joshua Zirkzee as part of a swap deal…
ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025
AC Milan and Galatasaray could provide competition for Bulka’s signature, with United yet to engage in formal club-to-club negotiations, indicating the potential move is not yet at an advanced stage.
"Insane" Bulka impressing in Ligue 1
Football scout Ben Mattinson has expressed his shock that the 25-year-old has remained at Nice for so long, given his impressive performances in France, saying: “Marcin Bułka was insane vs PSG. I’m surprised he’s still at Nice after being the best GK in Ligue 1 last season.
“The combination of his shot stopping prowess and quality both-footed distribution whilst being 6’6” makes him a great option for big teams.”
OGC Nice's Marcin Bulka.
Indeed, the Polish shot-stopper put in what could be a career-best performance against former club PSG back in April, achieving a 10 SofaScore rating after making nine saves from inside the box and preventing 2.53 goals.
Nice ran out 3-1 winners against the European champions, embarrassing them in their own backyard courtesy of their colossus between the sticks, who averaged the second-highest Ligue 1 rating in the squad last season.
As such, Bulka could be an excellent signing for Man United, and he may be a more attainable target than the likes of Donnarumma and Ter Stegen, although the fact they will have to wait until January is frustrating.
Whilst the drama of the Premier League continues through May, Leeds United are already done and dusted with their triumphant 2024/25 campaign in the Championship.
Indeed, Daniel Farke’s Whites would close out the season as champions, having obtained a remarkable 100-point haul, which is the highest points total ever reached by the West Yorkshire giants.
With no football left to play on the pitch, Leeds’ main focus now rests on the hectic transfer window to follow, with plenty of rumours already coming out of Elland Road.
Leeds' attempts to strengthen up top
Farke won’t want to lose the identity of the squad that managed to leap up to the Premier League, but he will be aware of how punishing the top division can be if improvements are not sought after.
One area that Leeds look to be prioritising is in attack, with rumours already coming to the surface that the newly promoted side are keen on the likes of Richarlison and Troy Parrott as fresh centre-forward personnel.
But, there is another new face in this department that will really intrigue the Elland Road masses, with Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett revealing that the Whites could put a new £100m+ transfer kitty to good use by snapping up Everton star Beto, a player they have a vested interest in ahead of the summer.
Dorsett has further revealed that it’s unclear whether the Toffees would allow for this switch to take place, but if Farke and Co were successful in landing the towering 27-year-old, the German could have his next Teemu Pukki on his hands with the Finnish ace always a solid and robust option up top for Norwich City.
How Beto could be Farke's new Pukki
Obviously, the main standout moments of Pukki’s career at the Canaries under Farke came in the Championship.
The 129-time Finland international would collect 65 of his strikes in Norfolk in the bread and butter of the second tier, but the 5 foot 11 menace did manage to show off some flashes of his immense quality up a level too under his ex-manager.
Whilst Farke’s Canaries did immediately fall back down to the EFL at the end of the 2019/20 season, Pukki could at least exit that dismal campaign with his head raised high, having amassed a respectable 11 strikes from 36 contests.
Beto could well eclipse that total in the here and now for Moyes’ side with three league games left to go, with the German perhaps seeing a similar style player to his former great in the Portuguese forward, who could potentially offer the Whites a stable head in attack when navigating the step-up.
Pukki’s numbers in the PL (19/20) vs Beto’s (24/25)
Stat (* = per 90 mins)
Pukki
Beto
Games played
36
27
Goals scored
11
7
Assists
3
0
Touches*
24.0
18.5
Shots*
2.2
1.5
Big chances missed
11
9
Big chances created
4
1
Stats by Sofascore
Looking at the table above, Beto hasn’t blown anyone away this season at Goodison Park with seven strikes from 27 league games, but the £17m-rated forward does operate in a similar fashion to his 35-year-old counterpart, with both attackers in question content with limited touches of the ball before firing home an opportunity in the same bullish and dogged fashion.
Moreover, adding in the ex-Udinese man to the Leeds ranks would offer Farke something different to what he currently has at his disposal, with Beto previously praised for his “powerful” nature by former manager Sean Dyche, away from possessing some similar attributes to Pukki.
He could love life in West Yorkshire too lining up next to Dan James and Manor Solomon who twist and turn defences for fun, before then presenting the 27-year-old with some golden chances.
Of course, this could all just be speculative chat churned out of the rumour mill, but if Leeds do have an opportunity to land Beto, they should take it, with Farke ready to work his magic on the Lisbon-born forward like he did with Pukki.
Leeds could seal best striker signing since Wood with move for 20-goal star
Leeds could land their best striker signing since Chris Wood in a swoop for this star.
It’s been coming. Liverpool have enjoyed the most incredible of campaigns, FSG hitting the jackpot with their appointment of Arne Slot, but in keeping with the yearly routine, the season has produced a bitter pill for the fanbase to swallow.
Last year, it was a tired Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down after nearly nine illustrious years at the helm. 12 months earlier, Liverpool waved goodbye to Bobby Firmino, with the core of Anfield’s midfield all departing too.
Now, Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract this summer, and while it hasn’t been set in stone, he will sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Why Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool journey has been synonymous with the club’s ascension under Klopp’s wing. The German gaffer birthed Trent onto the senior stage, handing him his debut across every competition for the Reds.
He’s won it all, but the 26-year-old’s decision to leave Liverpool and the peak of their (and his) powers is something that many fans aren’t going to be able to accept.
Premier League
257
18
67
Champions League
60
2
13
FA Cup
13
1
3
Carabao Cup
10
0
6
Europa League
5
0
2
Club World Cup
2
0
1
CL Qualifying
2
0
1
Community Shield
2
1
0
UEFA Super Cup
1
0
0
FSG did everything in their power to keep him on the books, reportedly offered him a healthy upgrade on his £180k-per-week contract, showcased an ambitious plan led by Slot, whose tactical grasp Trent has been dazzled by.
In the end, he just wanted to leave.
We could pick at it all day but the truth is that Alexander-Arnold feels he has given two decades of his life to his football club and won the lot. He believes that this is the right time for a change, and Real Madrid usually get what they want.
Sky Sports have even suggested that playing in Los Blancos white is something of a lifelong ambition for the England international, whose sights have likely been set on a move for a few years now, in one way or another.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will take his time in working with Slot and deciding on the best route forward at right-back. For now, though, he is looking to sign another defender nice and swiftly.
Liverpool lining up new defender
The Premier League champions are gearing up for a big summer, and the perfect way to put Alexander-Arnold’s decision in the background would be to win the race for Dean Huijsen.
Bournemouth’s star centre-back has been one of the breakthrough stars of the season, thriving on the South Coast. He has a £50m release clause in his contract and is being pursued by all of England’s heaviest hitters.
Certain reports have suggested Chelsea have the edge but according to Fabrizio Romano, the race is very much on, and Liverpool are in need of a new up-and-coming defensive star.
Why Dean Huijsen could be a bigger talent than Trent
Huijsen hasn’t been in the Premier League for long, but he’s already being head-hunted by the best of the best and this is all down to his performances on the pitch.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
How Juventus must regret their decision to sell the 20-year-old to Bournemouth in a £15m deal last summer, for he has featured prominently in a Cherries side chasing Europe, with journalist Henry Winter even noting that he “shackled [Alexander] Isak on ground and in the air” back in January.
Sofascore record that Huijsen has won 61% of his aerial battles in the Premier League this season, also averaging 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, so it’s clear he’s able to produce the goods against the best of the best with consistency. One analyst has already declared that he’s going to be “world-class” in the coming years.
His latest showstopping game, a 2-1 win over Arsenal away from home, highlighted many of the qualities that have piqued the interest of so many clubs, notably scoring the equalising goal.
It was a statement display, not just the architect of the Emirates fall through his headed goal, but an all-round display that negated much of the Gunners’ attacking play.
A big-game player, dynamic as they come, Huijsen is already demonstrating an ability that could see him slot right into Liverpool’s starting line-up, fostering his talents over the coming years to eventually become an even bigger star than Alexander-Arnold.
With some suggesting that he has everything he needs to become “the ultimate modern-day centre back,” Huijsen could actually rise to an even higher level than Alexander-Arnold, should he make the move to Liverpool.
That’s not actually to detract from the Three Lions star’s skill set: Trent is a one-of-a-kind player, with a celestial range of passing that has been so important across a sustained period of success at Anfield.
But Huijsen, too, is showing himself to be a unique player. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal contributions, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for blocks and clearances per 90.
It’s not difficult to see why Liverpool (and all the rest) have a vested interest in securing his services as he steps toward footballing maturity.
Surpassing Alexander-Arnold’s legacy would take quite an effort from a young Spaniard like Huijsen (born in the Netherlands), but the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have already arrived as foreigners and established themselves as heroes for the ages.
Huijsen could repeat the trick, outstripping Alexander-Arnold in doing so.
Better than Rogers: Liverpool could see £65m bid accepted for 18-goal star
Liverpool are in the market for new forwards this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now dropped some early team news ahead of Bodo/Glimt, and he has hinted that a key player may not be available.
Europa League or bust for Ange
It was always going to be a daunting task travelling to Anfield to take on a Liverpool side that needed just one point to clinch the Premier League title, but it was yet another dismal performance from Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, suffering a crushing 5-1 defeat.
Courtesy of a third defeat on the spin, Spurs are 16th in the table with just four games left to play, but it appears as though Postecoglou’s job could be safe for the time being, given that his side are in a strong position to win the Europa League.
The Lilywhites picked up a rare clean sheet against Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-final, advancing to the final four after a 1-0 victory in Germany, and on paper they have a kind route to the final in Bilbao.
Tottenham serious contenders to sign Premier League star at £50m+ discount
Tottenham are among the main suitors for a winger, whose club are now willing to let him leave this summer.
ByDominic Lund Apr 27, 2025
Postecoglou’s side are set to face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final, with the Eliteserien champions becoming the first Norwegian side ever to reach the semi-finals of a European competition after defeating Lazio over two legs in dramatic fashion.
The Norwegian side defeated the Italians on penalties at the Stadio Olimpico, progressing to the semi-finals despite losing 3-1 on the night, so they will be confident they are capable of causing Tottenham problems.
As such, Postecoglou will be hoping to have Son Heung-min available for the crucial match, but the manager has now hinted the forward may not be available for the first leg, saying: “It’ll be touch and go for Thursday. He’ll try hard. If [he’s not ready] for the first game we think he’ll be ready for the second game.”
Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures
Date
Bodo/Glimt (h)
May 1st
West Ham United (a)
May 4th
Bodo/Glimt (a)
May 8th
Crystal Palace (h)
May 11th
Aston Villa (a)
May 18th
"Incredible" Son would be big miss for Spurs
Tottenham may have seriously underperformed in the Premier League this season, but Son has continued to catch the eye with some of his performances, picking up seven goals and ten assists in 28 appearances.
The £190k-per-week forward has impressed throughout the Postecoglou era, with his manager previously lauding him as “incredible”, and he could be a big miss if he is unavailable for the crucial encounter against Bodo/Glimt.
Tottenham Hotspur'sSonHeung-minreacts
That said, Spurs should have more than enough to progress past the Norwegians regardless, given the disparity between the Premier League and the Eliteserien.
There have been suggestions that Postecoglou is set to face the sack regardless of whether Tottenham win the Europa League, but if they come up short in the semi-final, it would surely be the end of the road for the Australian.