Derby County are now keen on signing “one of the best” Championship defenders on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.
Eustace looking to put own stamp on his Derby squad
It was a huge risk for John Eustace to leave Blackburn Rovers mid-way through the 2024-25 campaign, but the manager accomplished his initial goal of keeping Derby in the Championship, and he is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad.
Having only narrowly avoided relegation to League One, it could be a case of needing to strengthen in multiple areas if the Rams are to stand any chance of competing in the upper echelons of the table next season, and several targets have already been picked out.
Bid made: Derby County make offer for 23 y/o Eustace loves and get reply
The Rams are in the market for reinforcements…
BySean Markus Clifford May 18, 2025
Lincoln City’s Ethan Erhahon is of interest in central midfield, while Thierry Small has emerged as a target at a left-back, although the defender could be tempted to remain at Chartlon Athletic if his side are victorious in the League One play-off final on Sunday.
According to a report from Football League World, Eustace may also be looking to raid his former club this summer, with two Blackburn Rovers players now entering the frame as potential targets, namely Danny Batth and Andi Weimann.
Batth’s current deal is set to expire this summer, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, but Blackburn still retain some hope of keeping hold of the centre-back, having offered him a one-year contract extension.
Eustace is said to be determined to bring some fresh faces to Pride Park this summer, and he will have more money to play with than Paul Warne in the transfer market, which suggests the Rams could kick on next season.
Derby County manager JohnEustace
"Colossal" Batth "one of the best" in the Championship
The defender may be in the latter stages of his career, considering he is now 34-years-old, but he is showing no signs of slowing down, making 41 appearances for Blackburn in all competitions last season.
The Englishman is a real stalwart of the Championship, making a total of 353 appearances in the second tier, and his experience could be of great value to a Derby side looking to kick on next season.
Once lauded as “colossal” by journalist Josh Bunting, the former Sunderland man was also described as being among the Championship’s top defenders last season, courtesy of an impressive performance against promotion-winning Burnley.
As such, Batth could be a shrewd signing on a free transfer, and the Rams will be hoping the experienced defender is keen on a reunion with his former manager.
Liverpool are expected to act fast to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer and could now be closing in on a long-term successor, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool preparing for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold
Losing one of your best players is a difficult endeavour for any manager. Still, Arne Slot will retain optimism that Liverpool can cope without Trent Alexander-Arnold after his departure was announced after his 20 years at Anfield.
Conor Bradley will start against Arsenal and has been endorsed by the Dutchman as a long-term option at right-back, even if he stopped short of citing the Northern Ireland international as a like-for-like replacement.
He stated: “To become a very good player, you have to be available every week, and that is the first step he has to take next season. But we have confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool.”
Undoubtedly, Liverpool will need to supplement Alexander-Arnold’s presence by finding a reliable alternative in the market, and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is near the top of their list following his shining displays at St James’ Park.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another target for Slot, though he would occupy a central-defensive berth should a move materialise amid his £50 million release clause.
Fabrizio Romano reveals what he's heard about Liverpool signing De Bruyne
Could a shock move to Anfield materialise this summer?
ByHenry Jackson May 9, 2025
First and foremost, celebrating a title victory that has been long-awaited on the red half of Merseyside will be the immediate priority.
However, time is of the essence, and Liverpool will need to replace Alexander-Arnold sooner rather than later, given that any new arrival in his position would need a bedding-in period to acclimatise to Slot’s high-octane style of play.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has delivered a significant update regarding who his successor could be.
Romano: Jeremie Frimpong open to Liverpool move
Taking to social media platform X, Romano confirmed that Liverpool are aware of the finer details regarding Jeremie Frimpong’s release clause at Bayer Leverkusen, and he also signified the Netherlands international is open to moving to Anfield.
The stipulation is deemed to be worth between £29.5 million and £33.8 million, and the former Celtic man remains one of the Reds’ priority targets this summer.
Labelled “magnificent” by Neil Lennon, Frimpong has registered four goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Famed for his pace from deep, the 24-year-old has created 28 chances and completed 21 successful crosses on league duty, which may go some way to replacing Alexander-Arnold’s output.
Of course, the Liverpool academy graduate is a unique case, and it may take several players to mimic his impact, but Frimpong would be a good place to start if the Reds can push a deal over the line.
While they look set to finish second in the Premier League for the third season on the bounce, Arsenal can at least take solace in the fact that they’ve got one of the very best wingers in the competition in Bukayo Saka.
Despite missing almost four months of football following his hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in December, the Hale End superstar has still racked up a sensational tally of six goals and 11 assists in 21 league games this term and a total of 25 goal involvements in 31 games across all competitions.
It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to describe the Englishman as the club’s best player, and when it comes to the league overall, some might place just Mohamed Salah ahead of him when it comes to wingers, as, after all, the Egyptian King has amassed a haul of 56 goal involvements in 48 games this year.
Appearances
31
48
Minutes
2162′
4141′
Goals
11
33
Assists
14
23
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
1.16
Minutes per Goal Involvement
86.48′
73.94′
So, fans should be incredibly excited about recent reports that have linked the club with an international star who’s won comparisons to both Saka and Salah this season.
Arsenal's plan to sign a new winger
With Arsenal scoring 17 goals fewer than Liverpool so far in the league this year, it’s no secret that the area of the team most in need of improving is the attack, so links to players such as Nico Williams have hardly been surprising.
The Spanish international has a release clause worth around £50m in his current contract with Athletic Bilbao, and considering he’s still just 22 years old and has already racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in just 43 appearances this year, that could prove to be good value.
A more experienced and potentially even more exciting attacker the Gunners are reportedly keen to sign this summer is Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish international could join the North Londoners for around £69m, which may well be a bargain price, as in just 48 appearances this term, he has scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists.
However, given his playstyle and position, he’s understandably not won comparisons to Saka or Salah, unlike Ademola Lookman.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides incredibly keen on the Nigerian superstar.
In fact, alongside the Gunners, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United plan to talk with the player’s representatives, while Barcelona and Juventus have already made contact.
Unfortunately, the incredible level of competition is not the only potential barrier Arsenal will have to contend with, as Atalanta reportedly value their star at up to €65m, which is about £55m.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Lookman has had a “monster year” in the words of broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos and was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, it’s one that would be worth fighting for.
How Lookman compares to Saka & Salah
Before we look at some of the other reasons Arsenal may want to sign Lookman, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Saka and Salah and where they come from.
In this case, both comparisons stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, before creating a list of the ten most comparable players.
By doing this, it has been concluded that the Englishman is the second most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Nigerian, and the Egyptian comes in as the sixth most similar.
Shots
3.27
3.34
3.32
Shots on Target
1.33
1.18
1.40
Goals per Shot on Target
0.40
0.26
0.40
Non-Penalty xG per Shot
0.12
0.09
0.15
Passing Accuracy
72.8%
75.1%
71.3%
Live Passes
33.6
34.0
33.1
Carries
33.7
33
31.2
The best way to see how this is worked out is by taking a look at the underlying metrics in which the trio rank, including but not limited to shots and shots on target, goals per shot on target, carries, passing accuracy, live passes and more, all per 90.
However, it’s not just his statistical similarities to the two Premier League stars that make the former Everton ace such an appealing target, as on top of his positional versatility, he’s an output machine.
For example, in just 37 appearances this season, totalling 2658 minutes, the “super” attacker, as dubbed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists.
That means he is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.48 games or every 106.32 minutes, which is the sort of output that could help the North Londoners close the gap on Liverpool next year.
Atalanta's AdemolaLookmanin action
Ultimately, while it could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Lookman, as he could be a real difference-maker at the Emirates.
A better signing than Gyokeres: Arsenal keen on landing the "new Haaland"
Arsenal are on the hunt to bolster their forward line this summer.
Celtic were crowned champions of Scotland for the fourth time in as many seasons when they beat Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice Park at the end of last month.
The Hoops ran out 5-0 winners against the Tangerines away from Parkhead to clinch the title, thanks to two goals apiece from Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn after an own goal from Ryan Strain.
Brendan Rodgers has now won the league title in both of his seasons since returning to Glasgow in the summer of 2023 to replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at Celtic Park.
The Northern Irish head coach will be aiming to make it a hat-trick next season, but he will have to do it without one of his star players for a significant portion of that campaign.
Jota hobbled off in the win over Dundee United, and it has since been confirmed that he suffered cruciate ligament damage, which is set to keep him out of action for between six and nine months.
This means that the Portuguese dynamo, who joined from Rennes in January on a permanent deal, could miss a significant chunk of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Why losing Jota to injury is a big blow for Celtic
Losing Jota to a long-term knee injury is a big blow for Celtic because he is a top-quality forward who has proven, across two spells, that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.
The Hoops reportedly splashed £8m to sign the winger from Rennes in January, 18 months on from his £25m move to Al Ittihad from Parkhead, to bring him back for a second stint in Glasgow.
As you can see in the graphic above, Jota provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants in his first two seasons at the club under Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns before his big-money exit.
The 26-year-old talent scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and registered two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership this season, prior to his injury.
Goals
0.63
Top 3.8%
Expected Goals
0.48
Top 5.8%
xG on target
0.67
Top 3.8%
Shots on target
1.42
Top 3.8%
Assists
0.32
Top 19.2%
Expected Assists
0.37
Top 7.7%
Chances created
1.89
Top 25%
As you can see in the table above, Jota ranks highly among his positional peers in the division as both a goalscorer and as a creative threat from the left wing, which illustrates just how impressive he has been since returning to Celtic.
These statistics, along with his form from his first two seasons at the club, speak to how much of a blow it is to lose him for up to nine months, because Rodgers has lost a fantastic talent who can score and create goals consistently.
Celtic, however, could land a perfect replacement for Jota in the upcoming summer transfer window by swooping for one of their reported targets.
Celtic's interest in £7m forward
The Daily Record recently reported that the Hoops had an interest in Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, and that they tried to sign him at the start of the year to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
It was also claimed that the Norwegian outfit value the winger at around £7m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Bhoys are willing to splash that kind of cash on him this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Back in the January transfer window, 67HailHail reported that the Scottish giants made an offer of £4.4m to sign the impressive youngster, only for the bid to be turned down by Sarpsborg, who value him at £7m as aforementioned.
Celtic must react to the news of Jota’s long-term injury blow by reigniting their interest in Orjasaeter to bring him to Parkhead as a perfect replacement for the Portuguese winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Why Sondre Orjasaeter would be the perfect Jota replacement
Positionally, the 21-year-old talent could be an ideal signing to come in for Celtic because he is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, like Jota.
Similarly to the Hoops number seven, Orjasaeter is also a slim winger who uses his pace, agility, and technical ability to drive his team up the pitch by taking on opposition defenders.
Jota
The Sarpsborg star has averaged 2.3 completed dribbles per game in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, and averaged 2.4 completed dribbles per match in the 2024 season.
No Celtic player, meanwhile, has completed more than 1.9 dribbles per match. This suggests that Orjasaeter could come in as the dribble king for Rodgers on the flanks, consistently taking on full-backs to create dangerous moments in the final third.
The £7m-rated Celtic target’s form in the Eliteserien – Norway’s top-flight – since the start of last year also suggests that he has the quality to make a big impact when he gets into those dangerous positions.
Appearances
28
4
Goals
5
0
Big chances missed
5
1
Big chances created
12
4
Key passes per game
1.9
1.8
Assists
5
1
Dribbles completed per game
2.4
2.3
As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has created 16 ‘big chances’ in his last 32 appearances in the league for his club, an average of one every other game.
Meanwhile, with 35 league games on the board for Celtic this season, Alistair Johnston (15) is the only player with more than 11 ‘big chances’ created for the Hoops this term.
This suggests that the Sarpsborg magician has the potential to be Celtic’s main man for creativity if he can carry that form over to Scottish football for Rodgers next season and beyond.
Therefore, Orjasaeter could be the perfect replacement for Jota for many reasons, including his position, his style of play, his dribbling skills, and his creativity, which is why the club must press ahead with a swoop for him in the summer transfer window.
Worth more than Maeda: Celtic have struck gold on "immense" star
Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Daizen Maeda.
Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a surprise move for an “incredible” Premier League forward, who could be brought in instead of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, according to a report.
Cunha race heating up
As we approach the summer transfer window, it is becoming clear that Cunha will be one of the most sought-after strikers, with a number of Premier League clubs vying to sign the Wolves forward, who has scored 16 goals this season.
Arsenal have recently held exploratory talks over a move for the Brazilian, while there is also interest from Newcastle United and Forest, having been in talks over a potential £62.5m deal for quite some time.
However, it appears as though Manchester United could end up winning the race for the 25-year-old, with a report revealing Ruben Amorim’s side are now on the verge of getting a deal done, having recently held positive talks.
Nottingham Forest could now hijack Dortmund move to sign new £7m "machine"
The Tricky Trees are interested in signing a left-back, but they will have to move quickly to secure his services.
ByDominic Lund Apr 23, 2025
As such, the Tricky Trees may be forced to move on to alternative targets, of which there is no shortage, with the likes of Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin being shortlisted.
However, a new target has now entered the picture, with a report from GiveMeSport revealing Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a surprise move for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, given that Cunha would rather move to Old Trafford.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
Forest will find it difficult to win the race for the Brazil international, which means Mbeumo could be brought in instead, and there is a feeling the Cameroonian could be perfect for Nuno’s counter-attacking style of play.
A move would not be cheap, with the Bees set to hold out for £50m for their talisman, but Nuno’s side are confident the forward could be tempted by a move to the City Ground, given that European football is expected to be on offer next season.
"Incredible" Mbeumo outscoring Cunha
Not only is the Cameroon international likely to be cheaper than Cunha, but he has also been outscoring the Wolves star in the Premier League this season, netting 18 goals, the fifth-highest number in the division.
Reporter Dom Smith lauded the Brentford star as “incredible” earlier this season, while he was also described as “unplayable” by manager Thomas Frank after playing a key role in his side’s 4-2 victory over Newcastle United in December.
With Nuno implementing a counter-attacking style this season, it is crucial the manager brings in players who fit his system this summer, and former Manchester United man Danny Higginbotham thinks the France-born forward fits the bill.
Mbeumo could be a fantastic signing for Forest this summer, so it is exciting news that he has now been identified as a target.
Manchester United fell heavily by the wayside under Erik ten Hag, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him; Jose Mourinho, previously, left hot under the collar after his progress unravelled like a spool of string in the wind.
Ruben Amorim has suffered a turbulent time at Old Trafford since replacing his hard-pressed predecessor, but he’s starting to turn a corner. His tactics are sinking in.
Just imagine how high the Portuguese tactician could reach should INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe equip him with a perfect spread of new signings this summer.
However, United have their financial difficulties and will need to sell in order to buy. Signing a striker is among the priorities for the Red Devils, but luckily, neither of Amorim’s recognised centre-forwards have proved they deserve a star role in the years to come at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United's striking woes
United claimed a point in Sunday’s Manchester derby, which was very much emblematic of the issues presented to both neighbours right now.
Chiefly, the stalemate highlighted glaring deficiencies in attack, especially for the hosts’ part. Rasmus Hojlund toiled once again, replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the second half. The Dutchman, who was signed from Bologna last summer for £36.5m, “offers a lot more” than his teammate, according to The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.
Even so, he’s not the long-term solution as the star focal frontman.
Minutes played
71′
19′
Goals
0
0
Assists
0
0
Touches
15
11
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
2 (1)
Accurate passes
7/9 (78%)
4/6 (67%)
Key passes
0
0
Dribbles
0/0
0/0
Duels won
1/4
1/2
Hojlund, Man United’s £72m number nine, was a non-entity once again. At least Zirkzee, replacing him with just under 20 minutes left to play, sought to make things happen, sought to take some initiative.
With just three goals from 26 Premier League appearances this season, Hojlund, who is 22, is apt for sale this summer, especially when considering that he’s averaging 0.8 shots per game.
How much Man United could recoup for a player like Hojlund, who is clearly talented but has endured a torrid time of it this year, remains to be seen.
However, the Dane will need to part with his red shirt if things are going to improve. United, for that matter, have identified the perfect replacement for Hojlund, and only by selling him will they be able to pounce.
INEOS make bid for new striker
As per Spanish sources, Man United are very much in the running for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past couple of years.
The Athletic confirmed last week that Arsenal have bumped him up to the top of their wish-list given Newcastle United are staying firm on their £150m valuation of Alexander Isak, but INEOS will hope that Amorim’s connection with the Portugal champions could see a bid from United hold sway.
Gyokeres, 25, is the gold standard, and the Red Devils know it. In fact, the report suggests that they have already offered a €75m (£64m) figure to take him off Sporting’s hands and reunite him with his former gaffer, albeit with Chelsea in the same boat.
Why Man United should sign Viktor Gyokeres
For what it’s worth, former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart remarked that Gyokeres is “a better version of Haaland,” owing to his more complete and dynamic skill set.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandcelebrates scoring their first goal
The data, in fairness, takes a step toward backing such an audacious claim up. As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe over the past year for goals scored, the top 5% for pass completion and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.
So then, you see why he’s such a covetous man right now. Given that he fronted Amorim’s system at Sporting, posted 66 goals and 23 assists across just 68 matches for the young manager, you begin to see why INEOS are so desperate to bring him over to Manchester this year.
Such a powerful, precise and imposing number nine must leave Bruno Fernandes giddy at the thought of playing with him. Man United’s skipper, the all-inspiring talisman and all-embracing leader, has been the brightest light to emerge from a dreary campaign, popping up with big moments and providing creative support and defensive relief in nearly every fixture he competes in.
The 30-year-old is so many things for his team, but his chance creation is quite literally second to none, surely something that may tempt Gyokeres to move to Old Trafford and lead the line for Amorim’s side, charged as he would be by Fernandes’ consistent playmaking.
1.
Bruno Fernandes
30
74
2.
Cole Palmer
30
71
3.
Mohamed Salah
31
70
4.
Dejan Kulusevski
27
62
5.
Enzo Fernandez
29
60
While he wouldn’t come cheap, Gyokeres is the perfect profile for United and if signing a striker is neglected this summer, it’s hard to see how Amorim is going to close the huge gap between his team and their rivals.
There’s all the Sweden international’s clinical nature to consider. Sofascore record that he has missed 22 big chances across Liga Portugal and Champions League campaigns this season, scoring 36 goals across the two competitions.
That’s an insane level of composure and success in the ball-striking department. Truly, if such prowess can be translated to the Premier League, United could return to the forefront of the division, especially with Fernandes pulling the strings from behind.
Make no mistake, this is a player of greatness, a player who, in different circumstances, would be heralded with more effusive praises. Instead, he has remained committed to the United cause.
Fernandes has tasted a few pieces of silverware since walking through the gates, but if partnered with Gyokeres in a purring Amorim system, there’s no telling how high this club might reach.
Not just Bruno: Amorim's "key" Man Utd star just showed he’s undroppable
The international break has finally come to an end, and Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this evening.
Unfortunately, given how poorly Ange Postecoglou’s side have fared in the Premier League this season, that might not be such a good thing for the fans.
However, with some time away, there is every chance the North Londoners could get back on track away to fierce rivals Chelsea, although the manager should drop Yves Bissouma from the starting lineup.
Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumaarrives before the match
Against Fulham, the Mali international received a paltry 3/10 match rating from Alasdair Gold, who criticised him for his ‘dreadful’ use of the ball and ‘panicked’ passes, enough for him to be hooked at half-time.
Fortunately, the perfect player to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace was just declared fit to play by Postecoglou in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Spurs team news
Postecoglou sat down and spoke to the media yesterday and revealed the state of the squad heading into today’s game.
Starting with the bad news, it should come as no surprise that Radu Dragusin is still ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery, although Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso have also been confirmed to be out of contention.
According to the Australian, the pair are “working hard” and “progressing well” but remain “a couple of weeks away” from being in contention again.
Moving from those who are 100% ruled out to those who are very unlikely to feature, and there is just one player in this category: Richarlison.
The Brazilian forward came off in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield in February and hasn’t featured since, but according to the boss, “he’s training with the main training group,” and while it’s very unlikely he features tonight, he could be involved on the weekend.
Finally, the only player confirmed to be back in contention is Lucas Bergvall. He returned from international duty early with an illness, and he should replace Bissouma in the middle of the park tonight.
Why Bergvall should start
So, based on his diabolical performance last time out, it’s not particularly hard to argue for Bissouma to be dropped, but why should Bergvall be the one to come in for him?
Well, despite still being just 19 years old, he has proven time and time again this season that he is more than capable of starting top-flight games for Spurs, and not just that, but thriving in them.
Total Carrying Distance
273.66
Top 3%
Switches
0.77
Top 4%
GCA (Shot)
0.10
Top 5%
Successful Take-Ons
1.83
Top 5%
Shots Blocked
0.67
Top 7%
Interceptions
1.64
Top 9%
Passes Completed
52.52
Top 10%
For example, FBref places the young Swede in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League for total carrying distance, the top 4% for switches, the top 5% for goal-creating actions from shots and successful take-ons, the top 7% for shots blocked, the top 9% for interceptions and more, all per 90.
These statistics show that the “generational” talent, as journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him, could be the complete midfielder one day. Not only is he contributing in the attacking phase, but he’s also more than helping out with the defensive side of the game, which will be important at Stamford Bridge.
Moreover, he’s also contributed five goal involvements across all competitions, which, again, is seriously impressive for a teenager in his first season with a ‘big six’ side.
Finally, starting him over the Bissouma just makes sense from a future planning perspective. If reports suggesting the latter will be moved on in the summer are true, what is the point in playing him over a youngster who could be the future of the team’s midfield?
Ultimately, Bergvall may still be young and relatively inexperienced, but he’s already proven himself to be immensely talented this season and, therefore, has to start tonight.
Their own Yamal: Spurs begin work to sign a "future Ballon d'Or winner"
The exciting talent could be a game-changer for Spurs.
First, there was one blot on Arne Slot’s second-season copybook. Then two, then three, then four. Now, Liverpool are in a crisis, having lost five of their past six matches in the Premier League.
There is nothing damning about losing to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, but as the Sky Sports pundits rightly pointed out after the Reds’ 3-0 defeat, they lacked even the basic bones of an expected performance, and to say they toiled would be far too suggestive of any kind of work-rate.
This title defence is quickly becoming a muddy footslog for Slot’s side, who trail and have only the vestiges of last season’s fluency and coherence across the park.
To think of Slot’s side as title challengers at this moment of time would be deceitful. Not only are Liverpool eight points adrift of Arsenal at the summit, but they are so far away tactically that it’s simply unfathomable to imagine a string of the incredible form we have been witness to over the past decade.
It’s difficult to single out a single defining negativity at Liverpool, but Florian Wirtz has been the loudest talking point after his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in June.
Why Florian Wirtz is struggling at Liverpool
There are arguably been an uptick in Wirtz’s performances over the past several weeks. Certainly, the German international excelled during the win over Real Madrid after racking up two assists against Eintracht Frankfurt during the previous Champions League matchweek.
But, as with the rest of Slot’s Redmen, that good work has been undone by a wretched display at Man City, with the visitors totally outplayed by their rivals.
Wirtz wasn’t the worst player on the pitch, and in the first half, especially, he was bright, drawing fouls and catching the eye with fleet-footed bursts.
But it wasn’t enough, and the 22-year-old was swallowed up along with the rest of his side, failing to create a chance until he was hooked for Federico Chiesa late on, having faded after the interval.
This is hardly an Anfield side whose stability – or lack thereof – would allow a young playmaker to dovetail right in, but Wirtz has still got to account for his struggles, having now gone 11 matches in the Premier League without a single goal involvement.
And yet, he was regarded as “a truly generational talent” for his efforts in his homeland, as was said by sports media professional Cristian Nyari after Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen stormed their way to an invincible Bundesliga title, Wirtz crowned the division’s Player of the Year.
Hope and expectation remain that he will come good. However, long-term hope is fading regarding a more established part of the Liverpool squad. For this player, there is a growing sense that it might be better to part ways with him in 2026.
Liverpool's "serious, serious problem"
Slot has more than a few problems to wrestle with across the third international break of the season, and at the top of his pile of worries has got to be the form of Ibrahima Konate in defence.
Konate, 26, has been among the most concerning starters in Liverpool’s line-up this season, maybe even the worst of a bad bunch.
Konate’s time on Merseyside has been defined by ups and downs. He has struggled with injuries at different points since signing for the club in 2021, leaving RB Leipzig after his £36m release clause was activated.
There’s no question that he is a top-class defender, so strong and powerful and convincing as Van Dijk’s partner. Most of the time, that is. Not now.
Konate, a Premier League title winner, is becoming a significant worry. Liverpool do not have the depth in central defence to drop him, and yet, on current form, he surely cannot be allowed to play, as he is a threat to Liverpool’s own performance. Pep knew this on Sunday and targeted him, evidenced by Konate’s 88 touches compared to only 58 from the skipper.
And though he was largely imperious last season, the Frenchman has plummeted since the summer, and he might have hit the nadir against Man City.
After the game, Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley took to social media to label Konate “a serious, serious problem” for the struggling Premier League champions, with his mistakes and unconvincing displays now frequent symptoms of Liverpool’s wider decline.
With Virgil van Dijk now 34 years old, there is a real conundrum for sporting director Richard Hughes to chew on going forward, especially as Joe Gomez is clearly untrusted as a centre-half by Slot and summer recruit Giovanni Leoni is out for the campaign with an ACL injury.
Konate, after all, is out of a deal next summer, with Real Madrid at the top of his list of suitors. Given the star’s form this season, though, it wouldn’t be surprising if FSG felt they should part ways with the defender.
Minutes played
90′
Goals conceded
3
Touches
88
Accurate passes
70/75 (93%)
Possession lost
6x
Dribbles
0/1
Recoveries
3
Tackles won
0/0
Interceptions
0
Clearances
5
Duels won
3/8
Given the amount of pressure pushed against the France international, it’s curious that he failed to make an interception or even attempt a tackle against City’s rampant forwards.
The Liverpool Echo were unimpressed, handing Konate a match-low 4/10 score and commenting on his faults for the penalty, saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Erling Haaland’s opening goal.
What do to about this quandary is up to Hughes and Slot and FSG, but the fans are getting fed up, and Konate may well be playing himself into a hole.
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Thomas Frank has changed the dynamics at Tottenham Hotspur, and though it’s been a tough start to the campaign for the Londoners, we are perhaps seeing shoots of success.
Spurs had only won once across eight matches before Frank challenged his former club, Brentford, and came away with the spoils, thus reviving a fight for European contention. There is much ground still to cover this season, but defeat on home turf against the Bees would have made things tricky indeed.
There was something to be observed about Tottenham’s attacking play, with their xG total against Brentford coming in at 2.18, their highest in the Premier League since the season opener against Burnley in a 3-0 win.
But what about the defending? Tottenham have not been as compact and well-drilled at the rearguard this season as may have been anticipated when Frank was appointed. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, elite centre-backs both, have more to give.
Spurs' defensive record under Thomas Frank
Before keeping his protege, Keith Andrews, out, Frank watched on as Tottenham conceded 15 goals across five Premier League matches, failing to win any of those games.
At times, Spurs have been something of a shambles at the back. Some of the defending against Fulham just over a week ago would be a case in point.
What is the source of this struggle? Structural problems? A taint lingering from the erratic Ange Postecoglou era?
The main thing is that many of the goals Tottenham have shipped this term have been avoidable – though, aren’t they all?
Tottenham put in an improved defensive display, but Romero and Van de Ven and the rest need to work harder still if they are to rival some of the sternest Spurs defences in modern times. Think Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Think Ledley King.
For now, Frank must make do with what he has got, but come next season, he may find he has the north London club’s next version of King ascending to first-team action.
Spurs' new version of Ledley King
King was quite the defender. Rivalling Harry Kane for the crown of Tottenham’s finest academy graduate of the past three decades, he broke into the first team in 1999, playing the sum of his career at White Hart Lane.
Harry Redknapp once hailed King as “an absolute freak”, so powerful and tenacious in the defensive third.
The former England international was sharp-witted and boasted that rare ability to time things to perfection, his defensive skillset operating on some unerring internal stopwatch.
To have a new prospect emerge and emulate the club icon would be a difficult thing indeed, but in Luka Vuskoic, ENIC Group might just have their man.
Tottenham signed Vuskovic in 2023 and have handed him to Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga on a one-year loan deal. The 18-year-old is thriving in Germany, showing he has the talent to rival someone like King down the line, perhaps even with a more robust and promising skillset than someone like Van de Ven.
Van de Ven can score goals, alright, but so can Vuskovic, the teenage talent showing in Germany this year that he has something of a penchant for the spectacular.
A rare profile, Vuskovic ranks among the top 3% of central defenders in the Bundesliga this season for goals scored, the top 9% for chances created and the top 1% for aerial duel success rate per 90, as per FBref. He has what it takes to be a superstar.
The Premier League is regarded by many to be the toughest league in the world, but it’s interesting to note that Vuskovic is perhaps playing slicker stuff than Spurs’ athletic centre-back, and that bodes well for his future in London.
Matches (starts)
14 (14)
11 (11)
Goals
3
2
Assists
0
0
Clean sheets
4
2
Touches*
68.1
79.2
Accurate passes*
52.1 (91%)
51.0 (86%)
Chances created*
0.1
0.6
Dribbles*
0.3
0.3
Recoveries*
3.7
4.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.2
1.5
Clearances*
3.3
8.8
Duels (won)*
3.1 (48%)
7.5 (67%)
Errors
2
1
The fact that Van de Ven has won less than half of his duels in the Premier League this season is an indicator that he needs to do more to stop the rot that has spread.
But such rot is in its early stages, and can be dealt with. Frank has options for the rest of the term, but adding Vuskovic to the mix could inject that King-like presence to help take the project to the next level.
Anylst Ben Mattinson described him as a “freak athlete” and a “freak talent” with a “scary ceiling,” so the echoes between him and King are underscored there.
Whether the Croatian talent adapts to life in the Premier League remains to be seen, but the signs are promising. He could be a centre-half who ends up overtaking two top stars in Van de Ven and Romero, scratching a similar ballpark to someone like King.
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West Ham United’s unbeaten run was brought to a halt by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Now, the good news is that the Premier League champions were miles better than the Hammers, but the bad news is that they are still level on points with 18th-placed Leeds United.
Worse than that, though, at least in the immediate, is the fact that Nuno Espírito Santo is now going to be without Lucas Paqueta for the Hammers’ trip to Manchester United on Thursday night following his sending-off for dissent.
The Brazilian’s absence is undeniably a big problem, but Nuno might have a surprise solution in the shape of a particularly exciting prospect.
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With every game now becoming increasingly crucial for West Ham and Nuno this season, it’s equally important that players are available.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Fortunately, there are only two first-team players out injured at the moment who will miss Thursday’s game, alongside Paqueta.
Unfortunately, while nobody was expecting Ollie Scarles to be declared fit given his surgery, there was hope, at least among the fanbase, that Crysencio Summerville would be fit enough to play.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Nuno revealed that “there are still some issues” with the knock that the Dutchman picked up in the game against Bournemouth.
He then added that, while the club “are still assessing” the issue, they believe “Thursday is probably going to be too soon.”
It’s a real blow for the East Londoners, as while the former Leeds United star hasn’t quite delivered in terms of output, he is still one of their most dangerous and electric attackers.
Moreover, with him out and Paqueta out, that left-hand side looks a lot weaker, that is, unless Nuno makes a bold decision and unleashes one of the academy’s most exciting products there.
The academy star who could replace Paqueta
West Ham have a proud history of developing and promoting their best academy gems, and the latest youngster who could join the likes of Declan Rice and Freddie Potts, while also stepping in for Paqueta, is George Earthy.
The 21-year-old first joined the club at the under-6 level and has since worked his way up through the age groups, impressing the right people at every step.
For example, in 60 appearances for the u18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.
Appearances
60
55
Minutes
4804′
3703′
Goals
25
19
Assists
18
15
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
0.61
Minutes per Goal Involvement
111.72′
108.91′
And if that’s still not enough, he has scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3703 minutes, for the U21S, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.61 games, or every 108.91 minutes.
Last but certainly not least, the “priceless” youngster, as dubbed by coach Steve Potts, also has four first-team appearances under his belt, in which he’s scored one goal.
In other words, the boyhood Hammer is a huge attacking threat, whether scoring goals or assisting.
Now, some might argue that he lacks enough senior experience to be thrown in the deep end by Nuno on Thursday, but they would be mistaken.
Last season saw the Havering-born gem go on loan to Championship side Bristol City, where he not only made 40 appearances but was named the club’s young player of the year.
Finally, while it is undoubtedly true that the youngster is primarily an attacking midfielder, he has spent time out wide, and it’s not uncommon for managers to stick academy products where they are needed in the team.
Moreover, Paqueta is banned for just one game, and Earthy has more than enough talent and mental fortitude to do a job in a newish position for such a brief spell.
Ultimately, losing the Brazilian for Thursday’s game is far from ideal, but if Nuno is bold enough to start him there, Earthy might just be the solution he needs.
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