Rio Ferdinand may not have been teammates with Manchester United players who were knocked out of the first round of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby, but he did still share a dressing room with some frustrating figures.
Of course, when compared to Ruben Amorim’s current squad, some may say that the likes of Anderson and Bebe wouldn’t be bad options to turn to these days – that’s how bad things have become. But the reality is that, under Sir Alex Ferguson, both players were not up to the incredibly high standards set by Ferdinand and others in that Old Trafford dressing room.
Man Utd record
Bebe
Anderson
Appearances
7
181
Goals
2
9
Assists
0
20
Whilst Bebe was swiftly moved on at Manchester United, Anderson’s slow burn from one of the world’s best young players into a forgotten star is one that often frustrated Ferdinand.
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The Red Devils have had multiple humiliating losses since 2013.
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The former centre-back said, when speaking on FIVE: “Anderson was a player that used to frustrate me sometimes. This kid won the Golden Boy, that everyone goes mad about now, he won it when he was at Porto, best young player in Europe.
“The kid was unreal talent-wise but we have a WhatsApp group we always talk about, where he gets hammered. We always appreciate his ability but we’re all frustrated that he didn’t probably apply himself like he could have, because if he did, he might not have got injured as much as he got.”
Manchester United's Anderson celebrates goal.
It also goes without saying that there were plenty more to forget alongside Anderson and Bebe. In the middle of a dressing room full of success, Diego Forlan also failed to live up to the hype – scoring just 17 goals in 98 appearances.
However, as disappointing as Forlan and Anderson were, and as poor as Bebe was, Ferdinand decided to name-drop an unexpected Manchester United legend as his “worse teammate”.
Ferdinand names Rooney as "worst teammate"
Out of all the transfer flops that came and went, it’s Wayne Rooney who’s taken the crown as Ferdinand’s worst teammate. Somehow, some way, the man with the most goals in Manchester United history has found himself with an unwanted title. But Ferdinand has his reasons, as the defender revealed to the Seven Meets Podcast in 2023.
The Manchester United dressing room were never shy when it came to airing their grievances. Perhaps that’s why they proved to be so successful. Although David Beckham and a certain football boot may have something to say about that.
Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to gather momentum, with Arne Slot looking to add quality and depth across multiple positions.
Defence is the focus for the time being, as the club push to secure Parma’s Giovanni Leoni and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
The need for defensive reinforcements grew after Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s calf injury, leaving Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk as the only fit senior centre-backs.
Alongside this, Liverpool’s recruitment team have also been monitoring the Isak situation at Newcastle.
If any encouragement is given, they’re ready to return with another bid for the Sweden international.
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Liverpool targeting new midfielder
The club are targeting reinforcements in another area of the pitch: midfield.
The player in question has drawn comparisons with some of Europe’s most refined passers, instead of the usual industrious English midfielders.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
To some, he is a throwback to the days when Xabi Alonso dictated the tempo at Anfield, switching play with metronomic precision and breaking lines with his vision.
That player is Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace’s rising star, described by Henry Winter as a “pressing machine” and by Oliver Glasner as someone whose “decision-making is amazing.”
Wharton first came to wider prominence after signing from Blackburn Rovers for an initial £18m in January 2024.
His adaptation to Premier League football has been seamless when fit.
Although a groin injury sidelined him for 17 games last season, he still made 27 appearances across all competitions, providing two league assists and showing the kind of game intelligence more often associated with one of La Liga’s most cultured midfielders.
His influence was particularly evident during Palace’s run to the FA Cup final, with his semi-final display against Aston Villa underlining his ability to dominate a game without fuss.
Liverpool are far from the only suitors. Indeed, according to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring the 21-year-old, while Tottenham made an inquiry before May’s FA Cup final.
Manchester United and Manchester City are also in the mix, though Liverpool’s long-standing admiration makes them one of the front-runners should Palace decide to sell.
Adam Wharton: Shades of Alonso
The Xabi Alonso comparison isn’t a lazy one.
Both players share a deep-lying playmaker’s instinct, operating where the pitch is in front of them, scanning before receiving, and hitting passes that slice through pressure.
Alonso’s Anfield legacy rests on his technical elegance and tactical intelligence.
Wharton is shaping into a midfielder of the same mould, blending defensive awareness with creativity. Statistically, the resemblance is striking.
According to Fbref, Wharton ranked in the 91st percentile for key passes per 90 (1.78), the 91st percentile for progressive passes per 90 (7.31), and the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions per 90 last season (4.03).
Those numbers place him among Europe’s most incisive passers, with the 86th percentile for long passes completed (4.78 per 90) hinting at the kind of diagonal switches Alonso once made a trademark.
Wharton also ranked in the 93rd percentile for dribblers challenged successfully (3.00 per 90) and the 96th percentile for ball recoveries (6.97 per 90).
He presses with purpose, tackles decisively, and anticipates danger early.
Adam Wharton for Crystal Palace.
Liverpool’s current options in midfield – Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch – all bring individual strengths, but Wharton offers a rare combination.
The defensive capability to shield a back line and the technical vision to dictate from deep.
In that sense, he could be the missing link in transitioning Liverpool from one phase of play to the next, something Alonso did under Rafael Benítez.
There’s also a psychological element at play. Alonso was never flustered, and Wharton carries the same air of composure.
In big moments – like Palace’s equaliser in the Community Shield against Liverpool, which he set up – he seems to make the right choice more often than not.
That knack for calm decision-making in high-pressure situations is precisely what Liverpool need as they look to build on last year’s title.
The price tag could be the sticking point. Palace know they have a valuable asset, and interest from Madrid and multiple Premier League rivals will only drive his valuation up.
His current market value according to Transfermarkt is around £40m, but any deal would likely require a figure well beyond that, especially given his age and home-grown status. Some reports suggest the Eagles value him at £100m.
For Liverpool, the question becomes whether the cost is worth the potential Alonso-esque impact.
For now, Liverpool’s attention may remain divided between defensive targets and the Isak chase, but the temptation to secure their new Alonso will be hard to resist.
In Wharton, they wouldn’t just be buying talent – they’d be investing in a playing style that once underpinned one of the club’s most successful modern sides.
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A dream partner for Isak: Liverpool in discussions to sign £87m winger
Liverpool could add one or two forward to Arne Slot’s frontline this month.
لا ينفصل الجدل عن المدرب البرتغالي جوزيه مورينيو، كما هو الحال منذ بداية مسيرته التدريبية في البرتغال، ولم يتغير شيئاً منذ عودته لبنفيكا.
وقد اتضح ذلك في المؤتمر الصحفي الذي عقده جوزيه مورينيو قبل لقاء بورتو وبنفيكا مساء اليوم في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري البرتغالي لكرة القدم.
ويحتل بورتو صدارة ترتيب الدوري البرتغالي برصيد 21 نقطة خلال 7 مباريات، بينما يحتل بنفيكا المركز الثالث برصيد 17 نقطة.
ونشرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” أنه لم يكن الأمر هذه المرة مع منافس بل مع صحفي، حيث انزعج جوزيه مورينيو من سؤال حول راتبه الذي يتقاضاه مع بنفيكا بعد توليه مسؤولية الفريق.
اقرأ أيضاً.. بالدي: عانينا من خطئين تحكيميين أمام إشبيلية.. ولن نبحث عن أعذار
وقال الصحفي لمورينيو: “لم تأتي بسعر رخيص للنادي، لديك سيرة ذاتية تحسد عليها”، ليرد المدرب البرتغالي: “لماذا تجبر نفسك على ربط المباريات براتبي؟ كم راتبك، هل تريد أن تقول ذلك أم لا؟ حسناً، لن تقوله، إذن لا تتحدث عن الراتب”.
وأضاف: “تستمر في قول إنني إذا كنت غاليًا جدًا فأنا بخيل جدًا، وكم الراتب الذي أحصل عليه أو لا أحصل عليه”.
وفي تلك اللحظة أراد الصحفي تبرير سؤاله قائلًا: “لم أقل ذلك لأقلل من احترامك”، فرد مورينيو: “لا، أنت لا تقلل من احترامي لكن يبدو أنك فضولي للغاية لكي تريد معرفة كم أتقاضى من راتبي”.
تحدث لاعب خط وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي باريس سان جيرمان عن فوز فريقه أمام برشلونة في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا.
وكان باريس سان جيرمان قد حقق فوزًا ثمينًا على حساب برشلونة بهدفين مقابل هدف في المباراة التي جمعتهما مساء أمس، الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية من مرحلة الدوري لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.
واستضاف ملعب “مونتجويك” المباراة المثيرة بين حامل لقب البطولة باريس سان جيرمان وبطل الدوري الإسباني برشلونة.
كان برشلونة قد تقدم في النتيجة عن طريق مهاجمه فيران توريس بعد عرضية رائعة من ماركوس راشفورد وضعها المهاجم الإسباني على يسار حارس المرمى الفرنسي شيفالييه.
فيما تعادل مايولو لفريق باريس سان جيرمان بعد تمريرة رائعة من نونو مينديز انفرد مايولو بالمرمى وسددها على يسار الحارس البولندي فوتشيك تشيزني.
اقرأ أيضًا | راموس يسخر من لاعب برشلونة : عليك إثبات أفضليتك بالفعل وليس بالكلام
وأضاف جونزالو راموس الهدف الثاني لصالح باريس سان جيرمان في آخر دقائق المباراة بعد عرضية نموذجية من أشرف حكيمي سددها المهاجم البرتغالي على يسار تشيزني.
وقال بيدري في تصريحات قبل المباراة أن فريقه أفضل من باريس سان جيرمان، فيما نشر لامين يامال حالة عبر حسابة الرسمي على انستجرام يقول فيها: “لقدت عدت والمهمة عادت أيضًا”.
حول ذلك، قال فيتينها في تصريحات عقب المباراة نقلتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لا نهتم بتلك الأفعال ونرد في الملعب فقط”.
وأتم: “هذا يحدث أحيانًا، نعلم أن مثل هذه التصريحات تحدث قبل المباريات وهذا وارد، ليس لدينا خيار ولا نُبالي، أردنا خوض المباراة وفزنا، ونحن سعداء بذلك”.
Liverpool won the Premier League last season, but Arne Slot doesn’t seem like one to rest on his laurels, and is set on making the forthcoming campaign one of an even more significant triumph.
While the Reds were incredible across the league term, they left plenty to be desired through the season’s offshoots, losing an FA Cup tie to Plymouth Argyle, who were ultimately relegated from the Championship, and falling against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final and eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
Not too shabby, all told. Premier League rivals Arsenal finished ten points behind Liverpool in second, after all. But there’s little question that Slot lacked depth, for the Dutch coach was hesitant in enforcing rotation to a fault, though this illustrates his frustrations regarding some of Anfield’s wider members of the first-team squad.
At the front of his issue was Darwin Nunez, who, as Liverpool’s star striker, only scored seven goals across all competitions, with Slot even stating he “can’t accept” the Uruguayan’s work-rate across a string of matches.
Though a move to Napoli fell through this week, FSG still expect to cash in on Nunez this summer, having already moved to sign his replacement.
Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike
Liverpool have stolen ahead of Newcastle in the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with the French forward having submitted a transfer request to push negotiations closer toward the finish line.
Ekitike is only 23, but he’s established himself as one of Europe’s top young forwards, with journalist Graeme Bailey even coining him “the next Mbappe” for his blend of pace, physicality and potency in the final third.
However, the dynamic talent wasn’t Liverpool’s first choice. That would be Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, FSG’s formal efforts to prise him away from St. James’ Park proved fruitless.
It’s a shame, but Ekitike’s arrival would cushion the blow and then some, for he has the makings of a truly world-class superstar.
With suitors in the Saudi Pro League eager to snap Nunez up in the coming weeks, Ekitike’s prospective arrival will be an elating thing, having notched 40 goal involvements across a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.
His silky, fleet-footed movements and dogged approach in the final third have led FBref to record him as one of Isak’s most comparable players, so you can certainly see the vision.
And for a cheaper sum too. Isak would have cost upwards of £120m to bring over to Merseyside, and would that truly be tenable? With a central defender still required and maybe a winger too, perhaps not.
Though Isak would have been an incredible addition, Liverpool fans have already been bestowed one earth-shattering acquisition by the ambitious owners this summer.
And Florian Wirtz might even prove the cream of a crop that, hypothetically, contained Isak in a Liverpool shirt too.
Liverpool have already struck gold on Florian Wirtz
Wirtz doesn’t need to kick a ball in a competitive setting for Liverpool fans to know that Slot has struck gold with this signing, owing to the diligence and perseverance of sporting director Richard Hughes.
Wirtz, 22, joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £100m last month. If potential add-ons are met, this fee will stretch higher still and extend to £116m, past Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the current record holder at £115m.
Despite his relative youth, the German midfielder has already established quite the résumé, having been awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Year for 2023/24, when Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen dethroned Bayern Munich as invincibles, previously rebounding with vigour from an ACL injury.
Florian Wirtz
Last season yielded nothing on the trophy front, but Wirtz still maintained his world-class level, hailed as a “truly generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, who believed the creative star was performing at a level higher even than Harry Kane in Germany’s top flight.
What about across Europe’s top five leagues? Well, as per FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers last season for goal involvements, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 7% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
He’s a rather efficient playmaker, and with Liverpool having parted with Trent Alexander-Arnold, now Real Madrid property, it’s vital that Slot and co maintain the squad’s peerless creative levels. Wirtz has been picked as the man for that task, it appears.
24/25
Liverpool
112
23/24
Liverpool
102
22/23
Liverpool & Man City
103
21/22
Liverpool
97
20/21
Liverpool
82
You get the picture; Liverpool have signed a sensation. This marquee man’s ability is better defined, perhaps, through the lens of CIES Football Observatory’s player-valuing system.
Indeed, according to the renowned research site, Liverpool’s record signing is actually worth £150m, a stratospheric figure. Pundit Paul Robinson felt previously that this was an accurate figure when considering the player’s worth.
Isak, however, comes in at a ‘lowly’ £95m.
Of course, that is not a fair reflection of Isak’s value in the modern market, but it does serve to illustrate exactly how incredible a signing Liverpool have pulled off by signing Wirtz without breaking the British transfer record (yet).
Already, Liverpool fans have been gifted a glimpse into the playmaker’s winger footwork, seemingly fitting right in as pre-season preparations get underway.
Slot’s side is replete with high-level quality, and though Isak would have been a wonderful addition this summer, those of a Reds persuasion can take more than a measure of solace in having sealed a signing already, which may break the English transfer record.
In any case, given that Wirtz is considered to be the more valuable player, have Liverpool not hit the jackpot?
New Van Dijk: "Unreal" talent hands in transfer request to join Liverpool
Liverpool are making things happen in the summer transfer market.
Newcastle exceeded expectations when winning the Carabao Cup and rolling out the carpet for the forthcoming Champions League campaign, qualifying as they did via the Premier League.
Given that Eddie Howe was forced to contend with less than fluent form in the early stages of the season as a by-product of a disappointing summer transfer window that was itself preceded by a crushing end to their 2023/24 season, missing out on Europe after Manchester United won the FA Cup, this is a truly remarkable feat.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
And now, during this current window, more adversity has been met. Newcastle need new forwards, but they’ve struggled to reel them in thus far.
That is, up until a breakthrough in regard to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.
Why Newcastle are signing Anthony Elanga
When Newcastle parted ways with Miguel Almiron midway through the 2024/25 campaign, it was expected they would sign a replacement.
They have needed a right-sided forward for a while, but Jacob Murphy’s incredible form has tempered the urgency over the past 12 months, having chalked up 20 goals and assists in the league alone last season.
Now, though, Elanga could provide the perfect competition, bringing a high-speed, high-energy and high-creativity style of football to Howe’s team, already so impressive in transitional sequences.
Having already seen a £45m offer knocked back, the Magpies have demonstrated their intent by returning with an improved £55m bid, with anticipation growing that their efforts will prove fruitful.
Having already missed out on a slew of top targets such as Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, United are in need of some uplifting news.
They will strike gold with Elanga, who has posted 31 goal contributions across his two top-flight terms with Forest, after initially signing from Man United for £15m in 2023.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
However, Elanga’s high stock doesn’t mean he automatically qualifies as the cream of Newcastle’s wide attacking crop.
Murphy and Harvey Barnes have both been exceptional for the Toon; however, Anthony Gordon would wager himself the best of the bunch.
Newcastle have hit gold with Anthony Gordon
Gordon didn’t start his Newcastle career on the firmest footing. Indeed, after forcing his way out of Everton and joining the Toon in a £45m deal back in January 2023, he played a peripheral role that lacked a potent finish over the business months of that campaign.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
However, he’s since come alive; now a fully-fledged Three Lions star and one of Howe’s most talented forwards, fearsome alongside the world-class Alexander Isak, Gordon is regarded as “one of the best wingers around” by retired manager Harry Redknapp.
It bears testament to his quality that even after an up-and-down year, only scoring nine goals (and providing seven assists) across 42 games, the 24-year-old has still retained the admiration of the fans and indeed potential suitors, who have circled over recent weeks.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
34 (28)
Goals
11
6
Assists
10
5
Shots (on target)*
2.3 (0.9)
1.7 (0.6)
Pass completion
82%
81%
Key passes*
1.6
1.5
Big chances created
16
6
Dribbles*
1.5
1.1
Ball recoveries*
3.6
2.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
1.1
Duels (won)*
5.3 (49%)
4.4 (52%)
Gordon might not have had the finest season in the world, but he showcased his high-level quality across the previous year, racking up 21 goal contributions in the Premier League and dazzling with underlying creative and physical metrics that were certainly still on show last term.
His efforts across his first full term on Tyneside saw the England international crowned the club’s Player of the Year, a talisman through an injury-hit spell that hampered Howe’s project considerably.
The goal involvements act as a neat barometer for assessment of Gordon’s talent, but his performances on the field almost defy such statistical analysis. His driven, tough and intelligent performances have made him an instrumental part of Howe’s success, especially as he’s so versatile, playing dutifully as a right-winger or even as a makeshift centre-forward.
But Gordon’s high ceiling was rubber-stamped when Liverpool came calling, the Anfield side being offered their one-time academy member as St. James’ Park sweated over compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Ultimately, United managed to weave around any costly breaches by offloading more peripheral members of the squad – like Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh – but the fact remains that fans got a glimpse of the financial reckoning their winger is held in, with the Reds looking to strike a deal for £75m.
That figure in itself underscores Gordon’s superior value to Elanga, who could leave the City Ground for £55m, but Gordon has actually seen his stock rise higher still this year, with the £150k-per-week talent now valued at an eye-watering £100m.
His might seem over-expensive, but this is the modern market we’re talking about, and it illustrates Gordon’s reputation as being one of the most talented wingers on the continent.
Anthony Gordon
Confident in his skills, Gordon has declared himself a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, owing to his combative and electric running style, his willingness to take on his man and get stuck in during defensive phases.
Having extended his contract with Newcastle in October 2024, Howe must well and truly feel that he has hit the jackpot with this wonderful player, whose left-sided predilection will perhaps see him partner Elanga for years to come, servicing the focal Isak in the middle.
Market Movers
Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?
Newcastle have come a long way over the past few years, but with Howe engineering such exciting and precise signings with a regularity that eludes many of their divisional rivals, there’s every chance that the best is yet to come.
Howe's next Tonali: Newcastle preparing bid for £43m "monster"
Newcastle may need to sign a midfielder this summer.
أعلنت رابطة الأندية المحترفة المصرية، مواعيد مباريات النادي الأهلي، في مسابقة بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.
وأوقعت قرعة كأس الرابطة، الأهلي بالمجموعة الأولى، بجانب كل من سيراميكا كليوباترا وفاركو وطلائع الجيش وإنبي وغزل المحلة والمقاولون العرب.
ويشارك في بطولة كأس الرابطة هذا الموسم 21 فريقًا المتواجدين في بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز على رأسها الأهلي والزمالك، وتم تقسيم الأندية على 3 مجموعات، كل مجموعة تضم 7 فرق.
طالع | نتائج قرعة كاس الرابطة المصرية 2025-2026
ويلعب كل فريق 6 مباريات في دور المجموعات من أجل حسم التأهل للدور ربع النهائي، على أن يتأهل أول وثاني كل مجموعة بالإضافة لأفضل فريقين احتلا المركز الثالث لربع النهائي.
وتقام بطولة كأس رابطة الأندية للمرة الخامسة، بعد أن أقيمت 4 نسخ من قبل، توج بها فيوتشر في المرة الأولى وسيراميكا كليوباترا حصل عليها 3 مرات متتالية. مواعيد مباريات الأهلي في كأس الرابطة المصرية
الجولة الأولى – الأهلي ضد إنبي، استاد القاهرة – يوم الخميس 11 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الثانية – الأهلي ضد سيراميكا كليوباترا، استاد السلام.، يوم الجمعة 19 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الثالثة – الأهلي ضد غزل المحلة، استاد المحلة، يوم الثلاثاء 23 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الرابعة – الأهلي ضد المقاولون العرب، ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الثلاثاء 30 ديسمبر، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة الخامسة – راحة للعدد الفردي في المجموعة المكونة من 7 أندية.
الجولة السادسة – الأهلي ضد فاركو، ملعب برج العرب، يوم السبت 10 يناير 2026، الساعة 8 مساءً.
الجولة السابعة – الأهلي ضد طلائع الجيش، ملعب استاد القاهرة، يوم الخميس 15 يناير 2026، الساعة 8 مساءً.
Despite winning the Premier League in the 2024/25 campaign, Liverpool are incredibly active in the summer transfer window in an attempt to bolster their squad.
The window officially opened for business on Sunday and the club have already confirmed Netherlands international Jeremie Frimpong as their first signing of the year.
He has come through the door as the direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has completed a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup.
Liverpool are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, as David Ornstein has claimed that the Germany international is keen to make the move to Anfield.
The 22-year-old star delivered 16 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Leverkusen during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that the Reds could be bringing in an influential figure at the top end of the pitch.
These new signings coming in could provide added competition for the existing stars at Anfield, and one player who may need to be on his toes is Ibrahima Konate.
Why Ibrahima Konate could be concerned this summer
The France international started 30 of his 31 appearances in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, as the main partner for Virgil van Dijk at the back.
However, it did not always look like that was going to be the case for the former RB Leipzig star. Last summer, Football Insider reported that Arne Slot was not convinced by the centre-back, due to his performances on the pitch and in training, as well as his injury record.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
That was seemingly backed up by the Dutch head coach’s decision to go with Jarrel Quansah next to van Dijk ahead of Konate on the opening day against Ipswich Town. However, the English youngster endured a difficult half against Liam Delap and was replaced by the French titan at half-time.
Konate then went on to be a regular starter in the Premier League, despite those early concerns about his place in the side, but there were still moments that could throw his long-term future into doubt.
24/25 Premier League
Ibrahima Konate
Appearances
31
Starts
30
Ground duel success rate
61%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
Error led to shot
2
Error led to goal
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the French colossus was largely dominant in duels on the deck and in the air, but was also no stranger to making a mistake at the back.
Errors crept into his performances, with three errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition, in the Premier League, and that is why the club’s reported interest in a new central defender could leave him concerned this summer.
Liverpool eyeing deal for new centre-back
According to Football Insider, the path has been cleared for Liverpool to pursue a deal to sign RB Leipzig central defender Castello Lukeba in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
The report claims that the German side’s seventh-placed finish in the Bundesliga, which means that they will not be playing European football next season, has cleared the path for the Reds to swoop in for the centre-back, making them one of the favourites to secure his signature.
Transfer Focus
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It states that the French star has a release clause of £74m in his contract with Leipzig, and that Liverpool are on high alert after his team failed to qualify for Europe.
The report adds, however, that the Premier League giants will attempt to use the situation to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old titan, which means that they could sign him for less than the £74m release clause.
Konate could, now, be concerned by this news because another centre-back arriving at Anfield this summer could create competition for his place that could see him drop out of the starting XI on a regular basis.
If Liverpool can get a deal over the line for Lukeba in the coming weeks or months, Slot could have a centre-back on his hands who has the potential to be an upgrade on his current partner for van Dijk.
Why Castello Lukeba could replace Ibrahima Konate
Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as the “perfect” left centre-back slash left-back hybrid, which could mean that he could move over to the left side of the pairing with the captain on the right in order to replace Konate.
The Leipzig star’s reliability, first and foremost, is what may attract Slot to him. In 103 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga for Lyon and Leipzig combined, the 22-year-old star has not made a single error that has directly led to a goal for the opposition.
On that evidence, it’s hardly a surprise that Mattinson has also referred to him as “one of the best defensive prospects in world football” and one of “the best U21 centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.”
In comparison, Konate has made five errors leading to goals in just 82 appearances in the Premier League, which suggests that he is nowhere near as reliable as Lukeba in that sense.
This means that Slot could rely on the £74m-rated star more to deliver consistent performances without making critical mistakes that create chances for the opposition.
24/25 season
Konate (Premier League)
Lukeba (Bundesliga)
Appearances
31
23
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.8
2.0
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.3x
Ground duel success rate
61%
65%
Aerial duel success rate
71%
65%
Error led to shot
2
0
Error led to goal
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Lukeba also made slightly more tackles and interceptions per game on average at league level this season, whilst also winning a higher percentage of his ground duels.
Konate appears to have the edge over him when it comes to winning aerial duels, although the Leipzig star is not weak in that respect, but overall, the Liverpool defender comes out second-best.
These statistics indicate that the Reds number five should be concerned about his place in the starting XI if Lukeba walks through the door, because the young titan has the qualities to displace him next season.
Slot could improve his team by signing the French star to provide a more reliable presence at the heart of the defence in comparison to Konate, due to his lack of errors in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, which is why this could be an excellent addition for the club.
He's like Wirtz: Liverpool can axe Diaz by signing 'England's best winger'
Liverpool face the summer sale of one of their most important players.
This summer is a huge one for Mikel Arteta if he is to be successful at Arsenal, needing to secure key additions to his first-team squad to help take them to the next level.
The Spaniard has been in the role since December 2020, conducting an overhaul of the squad and helping them rise back up the Premier League table over recent years.
However, in the last two years, the Gunners have only been able to finish in second place, unable to make the leap and go one step further and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph.
During his tenure, the 43-year-old has only won one major trophy, claiming the FA Cup back in 2019/20 – with more success needed if he is to maintain his position at the helm.
If he is to do that, he will need to be backed by the board in the transfer market, needing to land various key targets in multiple areas to provide the strength and depth he greatly desires.
An update on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer
Over the last few weeks, a striker has been top of Andrea Berta’s shopping list as Arsenal’s sporting director, with Viktor Gyokeres being his number one option this summer.
The Swede is of huge interest from multiple clubs across Europe after netting 52 goals in his 48 games across all competitions in 2024/25 for Sporting CP.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
However, he’s not the only player on their shortlist, with Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz the latest name to emerge on their summer shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that the Serie A side could entertain offers in the region of €90m (£76m) for the 20-year-old Turkish international in the coming months.
The Gunners are said to be wanting to improve Arteta’s options within the final third, with Yildiz high in their estimations given his versatility and that they could offer the youngster an exciting opportunity in North London.
Why Arsenal’s £76m target could replace Odegaard at Arsenal
Martin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s go-to star in terms of creativity over the last couple of seasons, handing Arteta the platform to succeed in the Premier League.
The Norwegian has been a regular starter in the attacking midfield role for the Gunners since his £30m move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2021.
However, he’s been unable to produce his best performance levels in recent months, with injuries hampering his progress and undoubtedly having an impact on his showings.
The ankle issue he suffered back in September saw him miss six weeks of action, only registering nine combined goals and assists in the league since, highlighting his lack of form at the Emirates.
The summer will give the 26-year-old more time to regain full fitness, but he may not be able to thrive in his regular role in 2025/26 should the hierarchy pull off a deal for Yildiz.
Juventus' KenanYildizcelebrates
The youngster, who’s primarily a winger, is also capable of operating in a number 10 role, which could end the Norwegian’s time as a regular starter in Arteta’s plans.
When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Turkish star has managed to outperform Odegaard in various key areas – highlighting what a superb addition he would be in North London.
How Yildiz compares to Odegaard in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Yildiz
Odegaard
Games played
33
27
Goals & assists
8
9
Progressive carries
4.1
3.4
Shot on target accuracy
36%
30%
Take-ons completed
2.3
0.9
Take-on success
56%
51%
Tackles won
1.2
0.4
Stats via FBref
The Juve star, who’s been labelled “spectacular” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed more progressive carries per 90, along with more take-ons completed – showcasing the threat he poses with the ball at his feet in attacking areas.
He’s also managed to achieve a higher shot-on-target rate and more tackles won, having the ability to make an impact at both ends of the pitch within Arteta’s system.
Whilst it would be a hefty addition given the price tag that has been mooted, Yildiz has showcased his quality consistently at the top-level despite his tender age.
He has the potential to take his career to the next level in the Premier League, arguably being the club’s shining light in their ambitions of returning to the top of the division in the near future.
Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth
Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.
Virat Kohli did too, a little bit, as the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup final gave us many memories to cherish
Alagappan Muthu29-Jun-20241:23
Flower: ‘Fascinating game of cat and mouse from Rohit’
A catch for the agesIt went up and there was sky. It came down, and there was SKY again. Suryakumar Yadav on the long-off boundary in the 20th over, with 15 runs to defend, pulled off a catch that will be talked about like Kapil Dev’s from 1983.Related
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It was a full toss from Hardik Pandya. A wide full toss. Perhaps a mangling of a wide yorker. David Miller connected more off the bottom of the bat, but still it flew. Suryakumar was haring to his left. At full tilt. He was stretching. He shouldn’t have had any balance out there going as fast as he was, but he did. Somehow. The ball came down just in front of him and he caught it. But he wasn’t done. Because he was so close to the rope. Barely inches from it. So he tossed the ball up, high enough that he could step over the boundary, collect himself, step back in, and keep control of the ball all the way through. Catches win matches. This one won a World Cup.Genius at playIt was an old ball. It looked scruffy. It shouldn’t be doing these things for a fast bowler. But Jasprit Bumrah is not just a fast bowler. He is miracle made flesh. With South Africa needing 21 from 15 balls, he went wide of the crease. He landed it outside off. It screamed in between bat and pad and brought down Marco Jansen’s castle with him looking utterly bewildered. This was movement off the pitch. The seam pointing in. One side of the ball ragged. The other slightly less so. Reverse? The things Bumrah does escapes the realm of sense and meaning. No one can be that good when this much is on the line.Klaasen goes boomOne of these days, Heinrich Klaasen is going to hit a cricket ball so hard it breaks in two. He hit five sixes during a hair-raising knock. One of them, with the wind, just flew flat and hard over extra cover. Another went into the wind, and still had enough on it to clatter on to the roof. The power he has is unbelievable. Klaasen hit 70% (seven of ten) of South Africa’s boundaries while he was at the crease and four of them in a single over against a previously unhittable Axar Patel. It was remarkable and he was doing it with such ease. In a World Cup final. In a South Africa shirt. For a little while, it really did feel like the curse was going to be broken.Suryakumar Yadav pulled off a catch that will be talked about like Kapil Dev’s from 1983•ICC/Getty ImagesThe trap that wasn’t, but wasQuinton de Kock hitting over square leg is inevitable. And that swing of his bat. Starts up high. Comes down smooth. Fully uninhibited. In the old days, Sanath Jayasuriya used to be the master of this shot. And he used to play it the same way. On instinct. So when de Kock had the opportunity to unleash it, in the 13th over of the game, he took it and found six. India immediately stationed a man there. It wasn’t meant to be a trap, because it was right there in plain view, but it worked like one. Arshdeep Singh bowled the same ball. De Kock played the same shot. Only Kuldeep Yadav was there to catch it.Kohli pulls up the anchorVirat Kohli was playing a strange innings. He was 14 off five. Then he was 36 off 43. He’d hit only four boundaries in 48 deliveries. He and India were working on the theory that a par score would be enough. This was a final. That does things to people. So a man who had embraced a more attacking game went back to find that old trusty anchor and dropped it all the way down. Then the 18th over came along. A six and a four off Kagiso Rabada. The same dose to Jansen. India got 33 runs in two overs. Kohli finished with 26 off his last 11 balls. Later that night, he was crowned champion.