Category Uncategorized

Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur was the final nail in the coffin for what has been a truly dismal 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim’s side have ended the campaign without any form of European football next season, currently sitting in a measly 16th place in the Premier League table.

Such a loss could see the club lose up to £200m throughout 2025/26, having a real impact on the financial situation and any potential transfers this summer.

An overhaul is desperately needed, given their failures during the current campaign, with new signings and departures required to hand the manager the tools he needs to change the current situation.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work is already being done behind the scenes at Old Trafford to land players who would certainly add to the squad currently at Amorim’s disposal.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with Viktor Gyokeres a name constantly touted, given his previous time under Amorim at Spotting CP.

The Swede would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the Red Devils given his record of 53 goals in his 51 appearances, but could be set for a summer switch to fellow English side Arsenal.

As a result, the club will have to target other options in such an area, leading to rumours over a deal for Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, according to Fabrizio Romano.

He’s claimed that the Red Devils hierarchy have already held face-to-face talks with the 22-year-old, after he scored 12 goals in his 36 league appearances for the Tractor Boys this campaign.

It’s also reported that he will be available for around £30m this summer, after his relegation release clause became active, but they could also face keen interest from Chelsea during the off-season.

Why United’s latest target could end Hojlund’s time at Old Trafford

Rasmus Hojlund arrived at United with huge excitement back in the summer of 2023, costing a staggering £72m from Serie A outfit Atalanta, after scoring 10 goals throughout 2022/23.

The Dane has since struggled to replicate his best form in England, scoring 26 goals in his 94 appearances for the Red Devils, with only four of his strikes coming in the league this season.

He’s endured long droughts throughout 2024/25, including a run that saw him go 21 matches without a goal in all competitions – leading to frustrations amongst the fanbase.

His showing in the Europa League final was another one to forget, featuring for 71 minutes and only registering a total of 15 touches, losing possession every 3.75 touches.

If the club are to make the step under Amorim next campaign, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back him in the summer, handing the funds to make the changes he requires in such a department.

Delap would be an excellent addition for the fee mooted for his signature this summer, massively outperforming Hojlund in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Ipswich star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has massively outscored the Dane, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing the clinical threat he poses.

Games played

36

31

Goals & assists

14

4

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

38%

Shots on target

1.1

0.5

Progressive carries

2.1

1.2

Progressive passes

1.1

0.7

Take-on success

47%

28%

Aerials won

42%

23%

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more take-ons, handing Amorim the all-round option in the final third he’s often lacked throughout his tenure at Old Trafford.

Delap has already won 19% more of the aerials he’s contested, handing the side a focal point to play off, subsequently allowing the likes of Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes to improve their own tallies.

£30m could prove to be an excellent price for a player who has bags of time to build on his excellent debut season in England’s top flight, given his tender age.

Given the interest from elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to avoid missing out on a player who could easily end Holland’s time at the Theatre of Dreams.

Worse than Hojlund: Man Utd must axe dud who Neville dubbed "embarrassing"

Man Utd have been left to rue their recent transfer mistakes, namely the signing of Rasmus Hojlund

ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

With other Premier League sides emerging in the race to sign James Trafford this summer, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards an impressive Ligue 1 alternative.

Interest growing in Trafford as Newcastle consider other options

Whilst the Magpies have reportedly had personal terms agreed with Trafford since last year, they’re yet to get a deal over the line with Burnley and may lose out amid the fresh interest of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Suddenly, Newcastle could be left scrambling to find another top target to replace the ageing and struggling Nick Pope.

The Newcastle No.1 has had plenty of injury struggles in the last year or so and is yet to provide convincing form since returning to full fitness. Now, for the first time in his time at St James’ Park, the shot-stopper’s place is in doubt.

Trafford would arguably be an instant upgrade on Pope too, having enjoyed an excellent season in the Championship with Burnley, who have been one of the best defensive side’s in the division’s history.

Starts

41

21

Clean Sheets

28

5

Saves P90

1.78

3.14

Save Percentage

85.2%

71%

More clean sheets than Pope has managed Premier League starts this season, Trafford is one that Newcastle will not want to miss out on in the coming months.

On that note, however, it seems as though those in Tyneside are at least planning for the worst, having identified a number of alternative options. The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, for example, have been among the headlines as of late and reportedly finds himself on Newcastle’s radar despite suffering relegation at Southampton.

Newcastle in talks to sign Marseille winger Luis Henrique

The Magpies want to beat one of their league rivals to his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 15, 2025

What’s more, the Magpies have also reportedly turned their attention towards an option outside of English football and one who has attracted plenty of attention from the Premier League.

Newcastle make first checks on "incredible" Fofana

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now made their first checks in the race to sign Yahia Fofana from Angers this summer. They’re not alone in their interest, however, with Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Manchester City all reportedly sending scouts to watch the goalkeeper secure a clean sheet in a recent 2-0 victory over Montpellier.

So, just like in the race to sign Trafford, Newcastle must battle their way past a growing line to get themselves front of the queue for Fofana, who has already earned plenty of praise this season.

Praised for an “incredible breakout season” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in the last campaign, Fofana has only improved since then and now rightly finds himself on the radar of the Premier League. If Newcastle miss out on Trafford this summer, then turning towards the 24-year-old would certainly be a good idea.

Stats highlights from the penultimate day of the Oval Test

Sampath Bandarupalli03-Aug-20251:44

Bangar: India could have bowled straighter to Root

24 – Hundreds for Joe Root in Tests in England, the most by a batter in a single country. He goes past Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis and Mahela Jayawardene, who have 23 centuries each at home.Root now has 39 tons in Test cricket, the fourth-most by a batter, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Kallis (45) and Ponting (41).13 – Number of hundreds for Root in Tests against India. Only Don Bradman has more Test tons against an opponent – 19 against England, while Sunil Gavaskar also has 13 against West Indies.Related

• Root says shoulder injury won't prevent Woakes from batting

• India claw back after Brook, Root tons to set up thrilling finish

50 – Innings Harry Brook has taken to record ten Test hundreds; the least for any batter in the last 70 years. Overall, only eight batters have taken fewer innings to score their tenth hundred in Tests.13 – Fifty-plus scores for Root in the fourth innings of a Test match, the joint-most by any batter, alongside Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Graeme Smith and Chris Gayle.7 – Brook’s 91-ball century in this fifth Test is the seventh-fastest in the fourth innings of a Test match. The two fastest fourth-innings hundreds have been by England players – Gilbert Jessop off 76 balls against Australia in 1902 and Jonny Bairstow off 77 balls against New Zealand in 2022.1:58

Bangar: Brook largely responsible for what unraveled

21 – Number of individual hundreds by England and India batters in the five Tests, the joint-most for a Test series, alongside the five-match series between West Indies and Australia in 1955.9 – Number of batters with 400-plus runs, the most for a Test series. The previous highest was eight during the Frank Worrell Trophy in 1975-76, and the 1993 Ashes.19 – Century partnerships in this series are the joint-most for a Test series. The 1957-58 series between West Indies and Pakistan and The Wisden Trophy in 1967/68 also had 19 century stands.The 195-run partnership between Root and Brook was the 85th century-stand in all Test cricket involving Root. Only Rahul Dravid (88) and Tendulkar (86) have been involved in more century stands, while Ponting was also part of 85.100 – Total number of hundreds for England in Tests at The Oval. It is the second venue where England batters have a century of tons in Tests, after Lord’s (141). Australia have three such venues – Melbourne (116), Adelaide (110) and Sydney (108).

They have traditionally built their game on bowling power, but batting is their stronger suit at this World Cup

Firdose Moonda06-Oct-2023Is it too soon to say that South Africa arrived at the 2023 ODI World Cup so quietly that Temba Bavuma appearing to fall asleep at the captains’ day press conference epitomises their under-the-radar entry? Maybe.But we’ll go with it because it was also the camera angle – Bavuma was actually looking down at his hands – that finally, and ironically, put South Africa in the spotlight at this tournament, albeit not for the reason they may have wanted. Whatevs. At least we’ve all noticed they’re here.That was barely the case in the build-up, which was dominated by endless details about England’s revolutionary approach (what do they call that again? Something with a ‘B’?) and whether India will farewell Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format with a win when it matters most. It seems a foregone conclusion that Australia – who South Africa beat 3-2 just a few weeks ago though with an experimental Australia XI – will find their big-tournament mojo and New Zealand, as they have done in the last two tournaments, are among those that could reach the final.Related

Temba Bavuma hamstring injury gives South Africa cause for concern ahead of semi-final

South Africa gear up for free hit, a World Cup final somewhere at the back of their minds

How Heinrich Klaasen bosses spin with a destructive quasi-pull

When Miller is comfortable with his hitting, he won't stop

In warm and humid Delhi, it could be South Africa's batters vs Sri Lanka's spinners

Given that Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Netherlands are not on many lists to make the knockouts and Sri Lanka seem to be a diminished force, Pakistan, after a disappointing Asia Cup, and South Africa have been left in World Cup no-man’s land. But they shouldn’t be. As an indication that they are still respected World Cup opposition, seven of the 12 experts on ESPNcricinfo’s panel picked them as among those that could make the semi-finals, and if we look at the numbers, their chances seem better than that.While South Africa have traditionally built their game on bowling, this time it’s the batting line-up which stands out. Since the last World Cup in 2019, South Africa’s top three collectively average 43.41, with only Pakistan and India registering better returns. Interestingly, Quinton de Kock, who has the biggest reputation of the trio, has the smallest average – 44.75, which is nothing to sniff at. Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen average over 55. Bavuma, in particular, is enjoying the best year of his ODI career. In 2023, he has played ten matches and scored 637 runs at 79.62 with three match-defining centuries to his name. The first of those: 109 against England in Bloemfontein in January, put South Africa on course to automatic qualification for this World Cup, in a must-win series.All that sounds good, and sets the tone for a strong start, but it gets better. South Africa’s middle order, which has usually been their undoing in big tournaments, is the best in the world according to the numbers. Since the last World Cup, the No. 5 and 6 batters in the line-up average 51.50, with a higher strike rate than anyone else: 112.24. They have used a few different players in those positions but for the last few months and at this World Cup, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller have taken ownership of those spots.

“At the moment, maybe it’s the batters who are firing and taking on that responsibility and there is room for us to improve within the bowling front.”Bavuma ahead of South Africa’s opener against Sri Lanka

Ordinarily, Miller would be the player we would focus on, but Klaasen has established himself as the premier finisher in the global game, in both international and league cricket. In 2023, he has scored 527 runs in 11 ODIs, at 58.55 and a strike rate of 151.43 – the highest of any batter who has played more than ten ODIs this year. He has also smashed 47 fours and 25 sixes this year. Of batters at this World Cup, only Rohit and Shubman Gill have hit more.Expectations are that Klaasen will set South Africa’s campaign alight, but, as Bavuma rightly says, he is able to do that because of the platform laid by the top order. “Klaasen is walking on water at the moment with the way he’s been batting,” Bavuma said in Delhi on the eve of South Africa’s opener against Sri Lanka.”He’s obviously a big player for us and [he] comes in and he marshals that middle order. I guess his success, not to take credit away from it, is probably largely due to the platform that it gets from the guys who come in at the top of the order whether it be Quinton, myself or Rassie. It’s important that those guys do their jobs so guys like Klaasen, even a guy like David or Aiden [Markram] can go out and do what we expect and want them to do.”Heinrich Klaasen is in some form this year, hitting 527 runs in 11 ODIs, at 58.55 and a strike rate of 151.43•AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa initially only had one genuine allrounder in their squad – Marco Jansen – which raised questions about the balance of their team and whether they would find themselves short on resources. They have since included a second in Andile Phehlukwayo, who came in for an injured Sisanda Magala. Phehlukwayo could add some batting depth if needed. Importantly, he also brings variety to the attack, which finds itself playing a supporting role, but Bavuma cautioned that all the responsibility should not lie on them.”There are days where the batting won’t fire and we’re going to need the bowlers to come through, and vice versa,” Bavuma said. “At the moment, maybe it’s the batters who are firing and taking on that responsibility and there is room for us to improve within the bowling front.”These are not statements you will often hear a South African say because their cricketing DNA is based on steady batting and explosive quicks. But this is not a usual South Africa team. This is one that booked its spot at the tournament at the very last direct opportunity – literally. They only confirmed qualification in May, when Ireland could not beat Bangladesh to clinch the eighth spot, and were in the middle of a five-month international break at the time. Since then, they have only played one series in the build-up, not several, as they have previously done, and their arrival in India has been as low-key as it comes, apart from that Bavuma incident, which has become a meme.At least the man himself took it in good spirit, which is also different to how previous South African captains have reacted to being provoked at the start of a big tournament. Maybe things have changed. Now, South Africans will hope that the more they do, the less the outcome of big tournaments will be the same.

Ishant, Bumrah and Shami managed only one wicket between as they strove for the right lengths in seaming conditions

Nagraj Gollapudi20-Jun-20211:58

Manjrekar: Rahane’s dismissals associated with his state of mind

One wicket. That is what Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami managed across nearly two sessions on Sunday afternoon on a hard, fast pitch in seaming conditions. It is easy to judge that as a failure when measured against New Zealand’s inspired bowling performance in the morning, when India’s middle order lost the plot, as well as seven wickets for just 71 runs.But that would be overly critical of the Indian fast men. The combination of grey, cloudy, overcast weather along with the Dukes balls is a delight to fast bowlers who can impart swing and seam. If done wisely, as Kyle Jamieson displayed in the morning, it can be destructive. Yet, as enticing as the English conditions can be, the bowler still has to pitch the ball on the right length and make the batter play.Related

• Patience and restraint, the new arrows in Kohli's quiver

• Kyle Jamieson, Devon Conway nudge New Zealand ahead

• As it happened – India vs NZ, WTC final, 3rd day

And finding that length is anything but easy. Even the New Zealand fast pack found it hard on Saturday, despite having the best bowling conditions so far in the match on a fresh pitch with a lot of moisture. While credit has to go to the India top order, which showed application and determination, the New Zealand fast bowlers, especially Tim Southee and Trent Boult, were inconsistent. But on the second morning, Jamieson found the appropriate length, blended with movement and accuracy, to snatch control of the match from India.Having watched the New Zealand bowlers correct their mistakes and their lengths, India would have been confident that their experienced seamers would get settled in quickly on their first day at the job. Yet New Zealand’s batters had a few things in their favour. Firstly, the Ageas Bowl was glowing in sunshine, a spell that had started in the hour before lunch when the India lower order was at the crease. Secondly, both Tom Latham and especially Devon Conway had struck form during the two-Test England series, which took place in the build-up to the World Test Championship final. So both the openers were acclimatised to the conditions.Mohammed Shami catches Tom Latham’s splice, but it flies over Ajinkya Rahane•AFP/Getty ImagesIn contrast, Ishant, Bumrah and Shami were bowling in England for the first time in Test cricket since the 2018 tour. All three were successful on that tour, but now they had to re-start. Ishant and Bumrah, sharing the new ball, were pitching on lengths that the New Zealand openers found easy to leave and negotiate.As per the ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, Latham and Conway’s in-control percentages were 90.32% and 80% respectively in the first spells by Ishant and Bumrah. Although they had made just 17 runs after nine overs, when Bumrah was replaced by Shami, New Zealand’s openers looked composed and set for a long stay. Both Conway and Latham were happy to leave as many balls when they could.The India fans were growing restless. Their spirits were lifted somewhat by an energetic first spell by Shami, who delivered with that upright seam at high speeds and caused some distress to the batters. Still both Conway and Latham’s combined in-control percentage in Shami’s first spell, lasting six overs, was nearly 70%. But the absence of wickets in a match influenced heavily by fraught weather, left some tough questions for the Indian camp if they wanted to get a positive result.Ishant Sharma reacts on the field•Getty ImagesOne reason they did not show any desperation was was because they had kept a tight leash on the run rate, which has remained around two and over throughout this match. Such a low scoring rate would have grated with the pundits and fans usually. But the WTC final has been an engrossing duel where the balance has shifted between both teams.After Latham fell to R Ashwin, Ishant and Bumrah returned with renewed vigour and more blunt plans that put pressure on Conway and Kane Williamson, who were made to play the ball instead of leaving. Bumrah went over the wicket to attack Conway with an angle that the batter found difficult to deal with and couple of times found himself in an awkward position playing balls coming on to his legs. Against Williamson, Bumrah was in the middle of setting up a plan as he asked difficult questions by shaping the ball away with the intention of bringing it back in.

Watch cricket on ESPN+

The WTC final is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match.

Ishant, too, had found a length where he could both shape the ball away or in to the batter, who could no more refuse to play the ball. With pressure being built from both ends, Conway failed the test, playing a fateful stroke off Ishant minutes before day ended.The India bowlers, as well as their think tank, would agree Sunday was all hard grind. And it will not be a one-off. There will be similar days during the rest of this long English summer, featuring a five-Test series against the home nation, and when the India fast-bowling pack will doubtless be challenged in tougher conditions.

نافش ريو فرديناند، أسطورة نادي مانشستر يونايتد، مستقبل محمد صلاح مع ليفربول، موضحًا أن الدولي المصري سيرفض الانتقال إلى أحد الأندية الكبرى إذا تم تقديم عرض له.

محمد صلاح يعيش أوقاتًا صعبة خلال الأيام الماضية ، وذلك في ظل بقائه بشكل مستمر على دكة بدلاء ليفربول في المباريات الثلاث الأخيرة التي لعبها الريدز في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويعتقد فرديناند، أن نادي مانشستر يونايتد ربما سوف يقدم عرضًا للتعاقد مع محمد صلاح خلال فترة الميركاتو الشتوي المقبل في يناير، موضحًا أن ابن الـ33 عامًا سوف يرفض اللعب مع الشياطين الحمر.

وورد أن ليفربول مستعد لسماع العروض من أجل بيع محمد صلاح، حيث تبرز أندية الدوري السعودي والدوري الأمريكي على رأس المرشحين لضم اللاعب.

اقرأ أيضًا .. محمد صلاح يشعل حربًا بين كاراجر وريتشاردز.. اتهامات بالتفاهة وتييري هنري يتدخل

وقال فرديناند في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة مترو: “مستحيل أن ينتقل محمد صلاح إلى مانشستر يونايتد، لا أعتقد أنه يمتلك تلك الصفة التي كان يتمتع بها واين روني أو كارلوس تيفيز، وهي بذل جهد إضافي”.

وأضاف فرديناند في حديثه عن محمد صلاح: ”لكن نعم، سأقدم عرضًا، عرضًا علنيًا أيضًا، سيكون أمرًا لا يصدق أليس كذلك؟. سيكون مزحة حقًا”.

واختتم المدافع السابق: ”ليس لدي أدنى شك في أن لاعبي ليفربول لا يريدون رحيل محمد صلاح لأنه يساعدهم على الفوز بالألقاب، لكنني أعتقد أنه سوف يرحل ، لقد انتهى الأمر”.

ولم يدفع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بمحمد صلاح بشكل أساسي في مواجهات وست هام يونايتد ، وسندرلاند، وأخيرًا ليدز يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وأظهر محمد صلاح ردة فعل غاضبة في المقابل على قرارات سلوت، حيث أكد أن العلاقة بينه وبين المدرب الهولندي قد تدمرت، موضحًا أن إدارة ليفربول لم تقف بجانبه ولم تنفذ الوعود الي قدمتها له.

ونتيجة لتصريحات محمد صلاح تم استبعاده من مباراة ليفربول وإنتر ميلان يوم أمس الثلاثاء في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وذلك كإجراء تأديبي للملك المصري.

واستعاد ليفربول الثقة وحقق الانتصار على إنتر ميلان 1-0، حيث أحرز هدف الريدز الوحيد دومينيك سوبوسلاي.

حذر كارلو أنشيلوتي، مدرب منتخب البرازيل، نجم نادي ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جوينور، بشأن وضع الأخير مع السيليساو.

ويستعد منتخب البرازيل للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم العام المقبل، والتي سوف تقام في كندا والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والمكسيك.

ويعاني فينيسيوس من انتقادات عديدة خلال هذا الموسم، وذلك في ظل هبوط مستواه مع نادي ريال مدريد، بينما دخل الدولي البرازيلي في خلافات مع مدرب الفريق الملكي، تشابي ألونسو.

وأشار أنشيلوتي في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، إلى أنه لا يوجد أي لاعب ضامن لمركزه في منتخب البرازيل خلال الفترة المقبلة.

وأكد أنشيلوتي أنه لن يقوم باستدعاء أي لاعب إلا إذا كان جاهزًا بنسبة 100، وذلك عند سؤاله كذلك عن إمكانية استدعاء نجم سانتوس الحالي وبرشلونة السابق، نيمار للمنتخب البرازيلي.

اقرأ أيضًا .. رد حاسم من بايرن ميونخ على اهتمام ريال مدريد بضم أوباميكانو

وقال أنشيلوتي عن نيمار وفينيسيوس: ”يجب أن يكون اللاعب في كامل لياقته البدنية، هناك العديد من اللاعبين المميزين ويجب علي اختيار لاعبين في كامل لياقتهم البدنية، ليس نيمار فقط بل فينيسيوس أيضًا”.

وأضاف أنشيلوتي في حديثه: ”إذا كان فينيسيوس في كامل لياقته البدنية فسأستدعي لاعبًا آخر في كامل لياقته البدنية، لأن الفريق يتمتع بمستوى عالٍ من المنافسة، وخاصةً في الهجوم”.

واختتم أنشيلوتي: “كان حظ نيمار سيئًا بالإصابة خلال الفترة التي قضيناها معًا في منتخب البرازيل، لم يستطع الاستعداد ليكون في حالة بدنية جيدة بسبب الإصابات، نيمار في نفس مستوى الجميع نظرًا لموهبته الاستثنائية”.

Liverpool’s disastrous campaign is showing little sign of relenting at the moment, and there are so many different parts of Arne Slot’s system to criticise.

After the 4-1 defeat at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate took heavy pelters for their woeful defensive displays.

However, they were hardly the only Redmen who flattered to deceive, with Cody Gakpo yet again failing to convince on the left side of Slot’s frontline.

It might seem somewhat blunt to say, but Gakpo plays with a lack of dynamism, often repeating the same old patterns. As per Sofascore, he is averaging less than one dribble per game in the Premier League this season, while only completing 39% of his attempted ball carries on the continent.

Though he scored 18 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for Liverpool last season, it always felt like Luis Diaz had more to his game.

Well, now Diaz plies his trade with Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are searching for a left-sided forward after opting against a like-for-like replacement this summer.

Liverpool searching for a left winger

We’re just over one month away from the opening of the January transfer window, and Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been confirmed.

Semenyo, 25, has been one of the most in-form forwards in the Premier League this year, but FSG and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes appear to have earmarked an alternative who may actually prove a better pick than the Ghanaian.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool chiefs have learned that a deal for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior would likely cost the club about £80m next summer, with the Brazil international informing Los Blancos he will not be renewing his contract, of which has entered the penultimate year.

Manchester United are set to rival the Reds for the 25-year-old, while old suitors in the Saudi Pro League are bound to return for his signature. Hughes needs to pull the right strings quickly if he is to get this one over the line.

What Vinicius Junior would offer Liverpool

Vinicius Jr has been a thorn in Liverpool’s side on numerous occasions over the years, scoring five goals and providing two assists across six meetings. It was his goal that sealed the Champions League title against Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2022.

Brought from his Brazilian homeland to the Spanish capital in 2019, Vini has won the whole gamut at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring 111 goals and supplying 89 assists across 340 matches in all competitions.

There’s no question that Vinicius Jr would mark an upgrade on a player like Gakpo, offering a wide range of qualities that could even see him replace, metaphorically, Mohamed Salah, as the club legend begins to wind down.

Matches (starts)

12 (10)

13 (10)

Goals

3

5

Assists

2

4

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (0.4)

2.6 (1.2)

Big chances missed

2

5

Accurate passes

19.3 (81%)

26.8 (82%)

Chances created*

1.8

2.2

Succ. dribbles*

1.3

2.3

Tackles*

0.8

1.2

Duels won*

5.1

5.5

Hailed as “the best player in the world” by teammate Jude Bellingham, it stands as a testament to Vinicius Jr’s level that he is still comfortably outstripping Gakpo as far as respective league stats are concerned, having endured something of a testing campaign under Xabi Alonso’s wing.

The fact that Gakpo is hitting the target less than once every two Premier League matches is deeply concerning. This is not the rip-roaring prolific form that Slot and Liverpool’s coaches would expect, and his limited output across other areas amplifies the noise. That said, Gakpo is creating a consistent number of chances this season, and that does count for something.

Hailed by former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric as being one of the Spanish outfit’s “world-class superstars” and as “the best player on the planet” by Statman Dave, signing Vinicius Jr would signal an ominous statement of intent at Liverpool, and now it’s up to the Reds to put the plan into action.

Would that mean the end of Gakpo at Liverpool? The Dutchman did cohabit with Diaz, but there is a difference in quality that Vini would be sure to take advantage of, and it would throw Gakpo to the backbench.

As bad as Konate & Van Dijk: £85m Liverpool duo cannot start together again

Liverpool plummeted to new depths after losing 4-1 to PSV at Anfield in the Champions League.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has now dropped a fresh injury update on Cole Palmer ahead of the tough Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

The Blues are gearing up for a difficult fixture in mid-week, taking on reigning La Liga champions Barca in their fifth Champions League fixture this season, and Maresca’s side will be aiming to put things right after only being able to muster up a 1-1 draw against Qarabag last time out.

However, the west Londoners have been struggling on the injury front for quite some time, which will be a concern for the manager, with the likes of Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Palmer still sidelined, missing the 2-0 victory against Burnley at the weekend.

The Italian will no doubt be frustrated the England international has missed large parts of the campaign, having said back in January: “His team-mates see him as a top player so at the moment when we have some difficulties and we are looking for the closest one to help us, we need Cole to step forward in that moment.

“In that moment, in the second-half against Wolves, he showed his team-mate he is a leader inside the pitch.”

However, there has now been a promising update on the 23-year-old’s injury ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Barcelona…

Enzo Maresca drops injury update on Cole Palmer

As relayed by Football London, Maresca has now confirmed Palmer has already returned to training, saying: “Yeah, we don’t know when, but for sure, it will be soon. He is already on the pitch, touching the ball and the feeling is good.”

The 45-year-old stopped short of confirming whether the £130k-a-week star will be available for the tough test against Barca, but a swift return appears to be on the cards, which will be welcome news, heading into a tricky run of fixtures.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Barcelona (h)	November 25th
Arsenal (h)	November 30th
Leeds United (a)	December 3rd
AFC Bournemouth (a)	December 6th
Atalanta (a)	December 9th

The Blues may have an outside chance of winning the Premier League title, having moved into second place courtesy of the victory at Turf Moor, and they could make a major statement by defeating league leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

However, Maresca will need his best players available if Chelsea are to stand any chance of beating the Gunners, and the former Manchester City man is certainly in that category, having contributed 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 appearances since moving to west London.

Palmer will also be eager to receive consistent game time to ensure he is on the plane to the World Cup with England, having proven his ability to deliver in big games by scoring against Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

Chelsea have Palmer 2.0 with a "left foot made of gold"

Chelsea have Palmer 2.0 with a "left foot made of gold" & it's not Estevao

The promising talent could be the perfect solution to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer problem.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 22, 2025

Major League Baseball's free agent frenzy is in full swing, and we all know who the top targets are. With Juan Soto, Max Fried, Blake Snell and other big names already off the board, most teams have turned to digging into the next tier of available players.

There are plenty of hidden gems in this free-agent class. What follows is a look at five of the most underrated players still available.

Joc Pederson, OF/DH (No. 30, SI Big Board)

Pederson finished his 2024 campaign by slashing .275/.393/.515, with 23 home runs, 64 RBIs and a wRC+ of 151 in 132 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He produced 2.9 WAR, which was his best since 2019, and his .908 OPS was a career high. So why isn't he getting more attention on the free agent market? Pederson is almost exclusively a designated hitter at this point in his career, and most teams prefer to rotate at the position.

Still, Pederson continued to reinvent himself in 2024, which bodes well for his future. He slugged a career-best .636 against fastballs and continued to crush right-handed pitching. He finished the season slashing .281/.392/.531 with an OPS of .923 in 335 at-bats against righties, and racked up 22 home runs in the process. The problem is, he still struggles against lefties, and hit .219 against them with one home run.

The 32-year-old Pederson will find a job but it'll take a while for the market to clear enough for him to get his shot.

Walker Buehler, SP (No. 25)

Buehler struggled for much of the 2024 season as he returned from Tommy John surgery. He went 1–6 with a 5.38 ERA, a 1.55 WHIP and 64 strikeouts against 28 walks in 75 1/3 innings pitched. But he seemed to find something in the postseason and helped the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a World Series title.

In the playoffs, Buehler had three starts and went 1–1 with a 3.60 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 13 strikeouts against five walks in 15 innings. Over his final three appearances, he allowed no runs and five hits over 10 innings while striking out 13 and walking four. He took the win in Game 3 of the World Series after baffling the New York Yankees' lineup, going five shutout innings and allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five. He also came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 5 to close out the series, pitching a shutout inning and striking out Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo to secure the win and the championship.

Buehler has a ways to go to return to his status as an All-Star. But he's only 30 years old and there is tremendous upside here.

Carlos Santana, 1B (No. 44)

Santana continues to find jobs and hit well enough deep into his thirties to latch on somewhere year after year. The 2025 campaign should be no different despite the fact he’ll turn 39 in April. Last season with the Minnesota Twins, Santana slashed .238/.328/.420 with 23 home runs, 71 RBIs and an wRC+ of 114. He also picked up the first Gold Glove of his career.

An All-Star in 2019, Santana is in the journeyman stage of his career, playing for five teams in the last three seasons. But he provides value as a switch-hitter and positively hammered left-handers, as he posted a .923 OPS and 161 wRC+ against them in 2024. He did struggle against righties, as he only put up a .676 OPS in 374 at-bats against them.

Santana will be a useful bat who can still get provide excellent defense at first base. He should be a low-cost option for teams in need of a placeholder there.

Kirby Yates, RP (No. 33)

Yates is one of the most underrated players in baseball. He was an All-Star in 2024 for the second time in his career and was named second-team All-MLB. He joined the Texas Rangers and went 7–2 with a 1.17 ERA, a 0.83 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts against 28 walks in 61 2/3 innings. He also converted 33 saves in 34 chances.

Yates will be 38 when the 2025 season begins, so he'll get a short contract, but he has proven again and again that he's an elite reliever. He only pitched 11 1/3 innings from 2020 through ’22 due to injuries, but around that he has had four consecutive seasons with an ERA below 3.30, and has 93 saves in 101 chances since ’18.

Someone will sign Yates and he'll likely continue to be an excellent piece at the back of a bullpen.

Max Kepler, OF (No. 48)

Kepler looked to be returning to his former self in 2023, as the 31-year-old posted a .816 OPS, a 123 wRC+, and produced 2.9 WAR. Unfortunately, last season made that seem like a momentary upward blip.

He broke out with 36 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2019, producing a 4.0 WAR season he has yet to duplicate. In 105 games last season he slashed .253/.302/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBIs, an OPS of .682, a wRC+ of 94, and produced 1.0 WAR. It wasn't a great look for a guy headed into free agency.

Kepler is still a good defender who has the potential to hit 30 home runs if someone could fix his approach. This is a pure upside play for a guy who will be 32 and will be looking for a short-term, prove-it deal.