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Change has very much been afoot for Liverpool this summer, and Arne Slot’s managerial capacity will be put to a new kind of test as he prepares to defend the Premier League title he claimed in his first term at the helm.

Jurgen Klopp parted ways with Liverpool in 2024, and many expected his predecessor to fail in his place. When FSG’s new era failed to bring in significant transfer investment with the 2024/25 campaign kicking off, such concerns were magnified.

This hinges on Newcastle United’s ability to sign a replacement. The Magpies are fighting to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but they are fighting against Manchester United, who are pushing to win the race and concurrently strike a blow to Liverpool’s plans.

However, for all the Florian Wirtz’s and Hugo Ekitike’s and maybe Isak’s too, Slot also has command of one of European football’s most exciting up-and-comers.

And Rio Ngumoha is showcasing his potential to become a mainstay in the years to come.

Rio Ngumoha's potential at Liverpool

Ngumoha turned 16 one month ago, and already he’s establishing himself as an important part of Liverpool’s pre-season plans, starring against Preston North End before claiming an assist against AC Milan and scoring against Yokohama FM in Japan.

The silky winger’s performance against Milan, Serie A giants, was particularly striking: as per Sofascore, he complemented his assist with two key passes, three successful dribbles and four won duels.

But perhaps he truly came into his own against Yokohama, making mazy runs the (admittedly inferior) opponents knew not how to handle.

While Luis Diaz’s £65.5m sale to Bayern Munich has polarised the fanbase, there’s little question that Ngumoha has the potential to become a star every bit as bright down the line.

After the event, The Athletic’s James Pearce, who was in attendance, said, “This kid is a joy to watch.”

Liverpool discuss move for Diaz heir

Plenty of rumours have floated about in recent weeks, with speculation rife over Diaz’s future and who could be welcomed to the fold in his place.

But Fabrizio Romano has shed some concrete information on the matter, revealing to GIVEMESPORT that Lyon’s Malick Fofana has been discussed internally, although a bid or indeed talks have not yet started.

Everton have submitted a bid and are hopeful that they will add the 20-year-old Fofana to their ranks, but he is holding out for a club boasting Champions League football. A club like Liverpool.

Furthermore, Newcastle have registered their own interest this summer, with reports claiming it would take a £43m fee for Lyon to part with their prospect.

Why Liverpool want Malick Fofana

Fofana is only young, but he’s already demonstrated his quality. After the 2024/25 campaign, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he’s “still a bit inconsistent, but already showing flashes of his enormous potential.”

And it’s that enormous potential which has charmed the Liverpool data analysts, for Fofana has caused quite the stir across his season-and-a-half with Lyon, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists across 64 matches.

Fofana would be a work in progress, for sure, but you can see why Liverpool fancy him as the successor to Diaz’s place in Slot’s squad. He’s got a goalscoring focus to his game, and he’s versatile too.

Malick Fofana vs Luis Diaz (past 365 days)

Stats (per 90)

Fofana

Diaz

Goals scored

0.47

0.48

Assists

0.21

0.15

Shots taken

1.84

2.52

Shot-creating actions

3.38

4.34

Goal-creating actions

0.60

0.53

Touches (att pen)

6.08

6.18

Pass completion

77.1%

83.5%

Progressive passes

2.44

3.95

Progressive carries

6.72

3.98

Successful take-ons

1.41

2.17

Tackles + interceptions

1.84

1.69

Data via FBref

However, with Cody Gakpo already on the left flank and with Ekitike’s high-speed running and controlled dribbling sure to be utilised on the left at times if Liverpool sign Isak, should they really be investing in such a player as Fofana when Ngumoha is pushing to make waves on the senior stage?

The English talent may only be young, but he’s got the makings of something special, so powerful and balanced on the ball, carrying the seeds of prolific potential.

Of course, neither player will provide the solution to the loss of Diaz’s experience, but might Fofana end up inhibiting Ngumoha’s development, just when he’s getting ready to take the next step?

Praised for his “electric” style by content creator Dev Bajwa, Fofana could prove a jackpot signing for the Reds, to be sure, with similarities to Diaz’s athletic approach to the game.

And, of course, there’s no reason why Ngumoha won’t have the chance to showcase his quality at some stage next season, even if Fofana were added to the fold, although such an addition would be an obvious obstacle to first-team opportunities.

And it’s clear, too, that the Belgium international has the potential to become something special in the Premier League, and it’s clear that Diaz does need replacing.

This is a nuanced issue, and one that sporting director Richard Hughes will have given a lot of heed to.

Liverpool have emerged as the leading club in England since Slot arrived at Anfield, so those of a Liverpool persuasion should have no problem entrusting their faith in the powers that be, whose judgment and shrewd planning have set the club up for another sustained period of success.

Related The new Salah: Liverpool agree personal terms to sign "world-class" star

Liverpool are preparing to sign a new forward as Luis Diaz leaves for Bayern Munich.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 30, 2025

His extended tenure is likely to be beyond the end of the current World Test Championship cycle

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Sep-2024

Sanath Jayasuriya was ready to give some throwdowns•AFP/Getty Images

Sanath Jayasuriya’s contract as men’s head coach is likely to be extended for a year, following his success with the Sri Lanka team over the past few months. The team has beaten India in an ODI series, won a Test at The Oval, and another in Galle against New Zealand since he took over as interim coach in early July.Sri Lanka Cricket had advertised the permanent head coach position following Chris Silverwood’s exit in late June. But with at least two of Sri Lanka’s three sides showing signs of improvement under Jayasuriya, SLC has initiated the process to bring Jayasuriya in on a longer term.”We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him,” board CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “Probably in the next two or three days you will get to hear more.”Related

Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's interim head coach

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Jayasuriya had originally been appointed cricket consultant for one year in December last year, a role that would have mostly had him working with the High Performance Centre. But he traveled with the team to this year’s T20 World Cup, and subsequently took the head coach role.Under him, there have also been a T20I series loss against India, plus two Test defeats in England. But the successes have outweighed these. Sri Lanka are now in the hunt for a World Test Championship final place, and Jayasuriya’s next contract will take the team past the end of the ongoing cycle.Feedback from players has also been positive, with Angelo Mathews – the most experienced player in the Test side – having described Jayasuriya taking over the team as a “turning point”.”Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as coach,” he said. “He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom. We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He’s also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best.”Jayasuriya had previously been chief selector in two different stints in the last decade, but these had largely been defined by modest performances from the men’s team. There has been more stability during his ongoing assignment, however.

ينتظر عشاق الكرة المصرية مباراة منتخب مصر القادمة أمام منافسه بوركينا فاسو، والتي تجمع بينهما ضمن لقاءات تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026.

وتقام مباراة مصر ضد بوركينا فاسو، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات المؤهلة إلى مونديال 2026، على أرضية استاد 4 أغسطس.

ويخوض منتخب مصر اللقاء تحت قيادة المدير الفني حسام حسن، الذي يأمل في قيادة الفريق للفوز ومواصلة تصدر جدول ترتيب المجموعة، وحسم بطاقة التأهل إلى كأس العالم.

طالع.. إصابة لاعب منتخب مصر وغيابه عن مواجهة بوركينا فاسو

وتضم المجموعة الأولى كلًا من مصر، بوركينا فاسو، سيراليون، جيبوتي، إثيوبيا وغينيا بيساو، ويأمل الفراعنة في تعزيز صدارتهم والتأهل رسميًا إلى نهائيات كأس العالم.

ويتصدر منتخب مصر ترتيب المجموعة الأولى برصيد 19 نقطة من 7 مباريات، متفوقًا على بوركينا فاسو صاحب المركز الثاني بـ14 نقطة.

ويدرك الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر أهمية اللقاء، حيث يتم حسم التأهل إلى كأس العالم مباشرة، حال الفوز وحصد النقاط الثلاثة. موعد مباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم 2026

وتنطلق المواجهة بين مصر وبوركينا فاسو، يوم 9 سبتمبر الجاري، في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر وبوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم 2025

ومن المقرر أن تذاع مباراة مصر وإثيوبيا عبر قناة “أون سبورت 1″، وقناة SSC 1 HD وقناة MBC MASR 2.

Arsenal are now showing interest in signing a £100m+ forward, having scouted him extensively in recent months, according to a report.

Gunners eyeing new wingers in summer transfer window

Gabriel Martinelli has received criticism in recent times, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the Brazilian was one of the reasons the Gunners were unable to compete for the Premier League title.

However, the 23-year-old put in some improved performances towards the end of the campaign, with Gary Neville lauding his second-half display against Liverpool as “excellent”, and the left-winger appears to have caught the eye of one of Europe’s top clubs.

Indeed, there are now doubts over Martinelli’s future at the Emirates Stadium, with Barcelona believed to be interested in securing his signature, should the La Liga champions be unable to wrap up a deal for Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Arsenal now keen on signing £70m PL striker who received offer from Chelsea

The Gunners could make a move for a Premier League forward, who has already been the subject of a bid from Chelsea.

ByDominic Lund Jun 2, 2025

The interest does not appear to be advanced as things stand, but should the Brazil international move on this summer, Mikel Arteta will need to bring in a replacement, and the manager could have a top-level option in mind.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Arsenal are now closely monitoring Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, having scouted him extensively in recent months.

The champions of Europe have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, which means it could be tricky to facilitate a deal, and Barcola is believed to be valued very highly, with the French club of the view he is worth around €100m -€120m (£84m – £101m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the PSG star, but the Ligue 1 club are currently trying to tie him down to a new contract, which would ward off the interest from elsewhere.

Barcola needs starting role away from PSG

PSG secured their first Champions League in remarkable fashion against Inter Milan, thrashing the Italian giants 5-0 in Munich, and the French forward was lively after coming off the bench, albeit missing two big chances.

The PSG squad is stacked with talent, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ultimately getting the nod over the 22-year-old, but scout Jacek Kulig is a big fan, describing him as “one of Ligue 1’s absolute stars and one of the most exciting talents in Europe”.

That description is justified by the France international’s performance across a number of important attacking metrics over the past year, particularly impressing with his knack for picking up assists.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.47 (89th percentile)

Assists

0.39 (92nd percentile)

Progressive carries

5.45 (91st percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

8.95 (99th percentile)

As such, Barcola could be a fantastic replacement for Martinelli, should Barcelona press ahead with a move for the Arsenal winger, but it could be very difficult to get a deal done, given PSG’s eagerness to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes.

Enzo Maresca has made it desperately obvious that he wants a new striker at Chelsea this summer, constantly targeting a new talisman after taking the reins 12 months ago.

The Italian has been working tirelessly to land a new forward, potentially having the chance to end his hunt during the upcoming transfer window – aiding their Premier League title ambitions.

Nicolas Jackson has been the Blues’ main option at the top end of the pitch in 2024/25, but has struggled with injuries as of late, massively restricting his progress in the final third.

The Senegalese international has scored 10 league goals to date, but could’ve certainly had more had he not missed six games through injury between February and April.

Despite his impressive goalscoring record, it’s evident that the boss wants another option ahead of 2025/26, leading to countless attackers being touted with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the coming months.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

Victor Osimhen was a player firmly on Chelsea’s radar last summer, but the club were unable to secure a deal to land him from Napoli – subsequently joining Galatasaray on loan for the current season.

However, with such a deal coming to an end, the Blues have once again been touted with a switch for the Nigerian, with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest also in the race for his signature.

It would be a hefty sum if they were to sign the 26-year-old, potentially leading to a move for another striker target in the form of Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha, according to TBR.

The report claims that the Dutchman, who plies his trade for the Blues’ sister club, has been on their radar and has impressed the staff behind the scenes at the Bridge.

It also goes on to state that he would provide an added body to Maresca in the final third, potentially nailing a regular role in the side given his record of 14 goals in 28 games this season.

Why Chelsea’s latest target would be better than Delap

Another player who’s been firmly on their radar to bolster the striker department is Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap, who appears to be a man in demand this summer.

The 22-year-old, who’s scored 12 goals in the Premier League this year, has a £30m relegation release clause in his contract – coming into effect after the Tractor Boys dropped back into the Championship.

The Blues aren’t the only side in the race for his signature, with Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and Liverpool also credited with an interest in recent days.

However, despite the interest in Delap ahead of the upcoming window, they may be better off pursuing a deal for Emegha, with the sister club potentially playing a key role in their pursuit.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Strasbourg star has managed to dominate the Ipswich forward in numerous key areas – showing why the Blues must prioritise a deal for his services.

Games played

26

33

Goals scored

14

12

Shot-on-target accuracy

57%

43%

Pass accuracy

81%

61%

Shots on target

1.4

1

Carries into penalty area

1.3

1

Aerials won

44%

43%

Emegha, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored more goals to date, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – handing Maresca that focal point which he’s craved since arriving at the club.

Given the fact that he currently plays for Strasbourg, a cost-effective deal could likely be agreed, offering a cheaper alternative to Delap – but one that would be a better fit for the team, as seen by the stats produced.

If the club are to keep progressing next season, a new talisman desperately needs to be their priority on any shortlist, with Emegha the man who could take responsibility and thrive at the top end of the pitch.

Imagine him & Estevao: Chelsea plot to sign £38m star in the "Palmer mould"

Chelsea are hoping to add another young star to their squad, following the capture of Estevao

ByJoe Nuttall May 1, 2025

Leeds United know that they will be playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 campaign, and they must now start to lay down plans for their squad.

The summer transfer window opens for business in June, although business can be done before that, and the Whites will know that they have work to do to build a team that can avoid relegation from the top-flight.

Daniel Farke, speaking after Leeds beat Stoke City 6-0 and sealed promotion to the Premier League, told Sky Sports reporters not to “scare” him with the prospect of next season yet.

The German head coach knows better than most how difficult the top-flight can be, having been relegated and sacked by Norwich City in his two seasons in the division so far.

Farke will know that he needs to be ruthless in the summer transfer window, with players coming in and out of Elland Road, and one player who should be brutally binned from the squad is underperforming goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

Why Leeds must cash in on Illan Meslier

The French shot-stopper should be moved on by Leeds before the start of the 2025/26 campaign because he has not performed well enough in the Championship, and was a liability the last time that the club were in the Premier League.

In the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns combined, Meslier conceded a staggering 28.6 more goals than expected based on the post-shot xG of the shots against his goal.

The left-footed dud showed that he was not up to the standard required in the Premier League, certainly as a shot-stopper, with that dreadful record between the sticks, and his performances have once again left a lot to be desired in the second tier.

Meslier was recently dropped from the team in favour of Karl Darlow, who has conceded two goals in five matches since, after making too many errors in goal.

Appearances

44

39

Save success rate

68%

71%

Goals prevented

-4.49

-2.73

Error led to shot

1

0

Error led to goal

1

3

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old flop has made three errors that directly led to goals in the current league campaign, whilst he has underperformed as a shot-stopper against his xG in the last two Championship seasons.

These statistics do not suggest that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League next season, because he has not performed well enough in the league below.

Meslier is also in a tricky position with his contract. His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2026 and this means that the club would risk losing him for nothing if they do not make a decision on his future this year.

His performances in both the Premier League and the Championship in recent years suggest that the Whites should not commit to keeping him at Elland Road in the long term, which is why they should be looking to cash in on him this summer.

Leeds could, then, use any funds from the potential sale of Meslier to bring in a new goalkeeper, with the hope that they can improve the team and perform well at Premier League level.

The French flop is far from the only member of the current squad who may not be deemed good enough to be part of a top-flight campaign, though, as central defender Max Wober is another dud who must be ruthlessly binned by Farke.

Why Leeds should sell Max Wober

Like Meslier, the Austria international has found himself playing second-fiddle to the likes of Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk in the centre-back positions.

He has been an unused substitute in 17 of his 24 inclusions in the matchday squad, making seven appearances, in the Championship this season, which does not suggest that Farke trusts him to perform week-in-week-out in the second tier.

The left-footed defender has also missed 23 matches through injury for club and country, with two separate absences with knee injuries, and that has not helped his chances of breaking into the team on a regular basis.

He has started two of his seven outings in the second tier and Leeds may want to find an upgrade on him, given that he has not been trusted in the Championship, ahead of a Premier League season.

One of his two starts in the league this season came in the 3-3 draw away at Hull City earlier this year, and his performance caused Tony Dorigo, during his coverage on BBC Radio Leeds, to heavily criticise the defender.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Dorigo said: “Wober was miles, miles off it today. You could see in his recovery, the way he was picking up people, everything was half-hearted, everything was slow. Whether he was tired, carrying an injury I don’t know.”

Wober, of course, has also already been relegated from the Premier League with Leeds at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, having joined from RB Salzburg in the January transfer window.

Appearances

16

Starts

14

Clean sheets

2

Dribbled past

8x

Duel success rate

53%

Penalties committed

1

Error led to shot

1

As you can see in the table above, the Austrian defender did not impress in his short time in the top-flight with the Whites, being dribbled past every other game on average and helping to keep just two clean sheets in 16 matches.

Therefore, his lack of minutes and form in the Championship this season does not suggest that he will fare much better this time round, which is why Farke must ruthlessly ditch him from the squad.

Wober, as per Capology, is also within the top ten earners at Elland Road on £35k-per-week, which shows that the club have not got value for money out of his contract, in terms of his contributions on the pitch.

Better signing than Piroe: Farke has hit gold with "tremendous" Leeds star

Leeds United hit the jackpot with this signing who has been even better than Joel Piroe.

ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

It is now down to Farke and the club to be ruthless in their decision-making over the summer transfer window, starting with moves away from West Yorkshire for both Meslier and Wober.

Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda chat to Gardner on fitness, body image and how Australia are looking for a World Cup edge

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Aug-20251:32

Gardner: ‘Body image is a big one around female athletes’

Australian allrounder Ash Gardner chats to Valkerie Baynes and Firdose Moonda about how The Hundred franchise tournament can offer valuable cues ahead of the 50-over World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. She also gives insights on how the Aussies are able to set fitness benchmarks, discusses body image and talks about her captaincy style.