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Richard Hughes was rightly lauded after overseeing a staggering summer transfer window for Premier League champions Liverpool, but any positivity has been scourged away by the dreadful form that has fractured Arne Slot’s reign.

Nine losses across 12 fixtures is bad enough, but the limp and toothless manner of many of the defeats – especially recent losses at Anfield against Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League – underscores the severity of the crisis Slot is dealing with.

He needs to find answers, or else FSG will be forced into making a rare managerial dismissal. It’s inevitable that discussion is increasing about the security of Slot’s position.

That would be an outcome few of a Red persuasion would want, not least because of a shortage of options.

Jurgen Klopp’s name has been bandied about, but this is not realistic.

Who Liverpool could replace Slot with

Klopp draped the curtain on his Liverpool dynasty at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. He was tired. It had been a tough, gruelling, heavy metal career on Merseyside, where he had devoted nine years to restoring Anfield as a global superpower.

Premier League

1x

19/20

Champions League

1x

18/19

FA Cup

1x

21/22

Carabao Cup

2x

21/22, 23/24

Club World Cup

1x

19/20

UEFA Super Cup

1x

19/20

Community Shield

1x

22/23

There has been some discussion online as to whether FSG should push for a comeback, but this romanticised notion would fall flat.

Klopp is not the answer. His quasi-retirement has seen him assume the post of Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull GmbH, and it’s important to remember that the German tactician’s tactical shrewdness waned toward the end of his tenure. He was tired, after all.

But, if Slot is fired, Liverpool would need to find a replacement, and Spanish sources suggest Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is on the shortlist.

Iraola, 43, is one of the most exciting young managers in Europe, having shaped the Cherries into a front-footed and sharp attacking outfit.

Compensation pay would be required to pull him away from the Vitality Stadium, but given Iraola’s vision aligns with the club’s long-term project, he might be the one to go for.

Why Iraola could be perfect for Liverpool

It was a bold move for Bournemouth to ditch Gary O’Neil after the pragmatic manager steered the club to safety after promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23. A bold move, but one carried out with diligence, for Iraola was earmarked as a progressive option.

And Bill Foley must be delighted. In 2023/24, Bournemouth recorded a record points total (56) in the Premier League, leading​ journalist James Horncastle to hail him as “the best coach in the Premier League” for his sharp-witted and positive approach.

Iraola likes aggressive and high-octane football. He is not as turbo-charged in his approach as Klopp, but the Spaniard would infuse Liverpool with more risk-taking and directness than Slot prefers, albeit still maintaining an emphasis on retaining possession.

This could play to the strengths of Florian Wirtz, who has had a tough time since joining Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m in the summer.

A silky and inventive attacking midfielder, the German has yet to register a goal involvement in the Premier League and has lacked the clarity and poise that was expected after the thrill of his official announcement.

There remains a world-class talent in there, and Wirtz’s woes come with the caveat that he has entered a dysfunctional tactical system.

Iraola’s focus on a 4-2-3-1 formation suggests that the 22-year-old could find a natural place at number ten. As per FBref, he does rank among the top 11% of positional peers in the English top flight this term for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.

This suggests that Wirtz has the potential to be a superstar in England, and Iraola can provide the stability and fluency of tactics to help realise that.

He might not be Klopp, but Iraola has labelled his tactics as being akin to “rock and roll”. Klopp’s famous branding of his vision as being ‘heavy metal football’ suggests that Liverpool might hit the jackpot by making this switch.

No one wants to see Slot be sacked, but this pitiful form and level of performance cannot be allowed to continue, and Iraola has the acumen to revive Wirtz and bring the champions back into the ascendancy.

Better than Isak: Liverpool join race for "one of the best RWs in the world"

Arne Slot’s Liverpool tenure is crumbling before him, and FSG are considering changes.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 28, 2025

Chelsea are now believed to be very keen on signing a player who Man City boss Pep Guardiola seriously rates behind-the-scenes, with a new report suggesting they’re pressing for a deal.

Chelsea prepare for Premier League return against Nottingham Forest

On the field, Enzo Maresca is gearing up for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest — a match which serves a few intriguing narratives.

As Chelsea prepare to take on Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, the Blues are sweating over the fitness of a few stars.

Injuries continue to plague Chelsea, with several key players already unavailable for selection. Dario Essugo remains sidelined with a long-term injury and won’t return until early next year, while Cole Palmer, who is Maresca’s star man, remains out with a niggling groin problem.

Adding to Chelsea’s woes upfront, number nine Liam Delap continues to nurse his hamstring, with reports suggesting the summer signing won’t be back until around November/December time.

Delap’s physical presence and goal-scoring instinct have been missed, and his absence limits Maresca’s striker depth at a time when goals are desperately needed.

Defensively, Levi Colwill, won’t be back until next year after he suffered an ACL tear in pre-season, leaving Maresca with Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong, Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo as his only centre-back options right now.

To make matters more complicated, Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s influential attacking midfielder, could be a doubt to play Forest after withdrawing from international duty. Fernandez pulled out of Argentina’s squad citing knee inflammation, raising some concerns about his fitness ahead of the trip up north.

Reece James, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro didn’t travel to represent their countries due to knocks, and while all three could return to face Forest, alongside Andrey Santos and Tosin, the latter pair haven’t been spotted in Cobham training this week.

Enzo Fernández

Knee

Unknown

Cole Palmer

Groin

November

Andrey Santos

Knock

Nottingham Forest

Tosin Adarabioyo

Calf

Nottingham Forest

Dario Essugo

Thigh

Early 2026

Liam Delap

Hamstring

November/December

Levi Colwill

ACL

Spring 2026

via Standard Sport

Postecoglou, meanwhile, will be looking to exploit Chelsea’s injury woes and secure vital points, with the Australian’s job reportedly on the line after a torrid start to life at the City Ground.

Chelsea’s lack of depth in certain areas has been exposed due to injury, and particularly their lack of experience.

Maresca fielded the youngest ever Premier League side on average last season (24 years, 36 days), and their starting eleven to play Benfica was Chelsea’s most youthful team in Champions League history.

Chelsea arguably need more experience in their side if they’re to become Premier League title challengers, so it makes sense that BlueCo hold an interest in the likes of AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan to solve that problem.

Now, according to reports from Italy, Chelsea could turn to another quality veteran in ex-Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Chelsea "pushing" to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on free transfer

As per Corriere dello Sport, the Al-Hilal midfielder, who earns a whopping £418,000-per-week in the Gulf, could return to Europe next year once his contract expires, even if the Saudi Pro League side want to extend it.

Milinkovic-Savic is attracting serious interest from England, Turkey, La Liga and Serie A, with “half of Europe” considering the 30-year-old on a free transfer.

Maresca’s side are among the pack, and it is believed that Chelsea are pushing to sign Milinkovic-Savic as the West Londoners “like him a lot”.

Interestingly, Guardiola is said to hold the Serbia international — who racked up over 340 appearances for Lazio as a general of their midfield — in “high regard”.

Milinkovic-Savic chipped in with 69 goals and 58 assists during his time in Rome, and hasn’t wavered in the Middle East with 30 goals and 26 assists under his belt for Al-Hilal.

The Serb’s proven creativity and ingenuity in the engine room could be attractive for Chelsea, and he could provide serious competition for Fernandez, who plays a very similar role.

On a free transfer, the appeal is obvious, but Milinkovic-Savic would almost certainly have to take a pay cut given Chelsea’s wage structure.

Everton left it late but secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon thanks to Jack Grealish’s stoppage-time strike.

The win ended Palace’s remarkable 19-match unbeaten run, dating back to April, and kept momentum building under David Moyes.

However, while the result lifted the Toffees into eighth place on 11 points, the performance was far from convincing, with two summer signings failing to impose themselves on the game.

For long stretches, Everton were second best, trailing at the break after Daniel Muñoz’s first-half finish.

David Moyes’ side lacked tempo and fluency in possession, forcing the manager into half-time changes.

The introduction of Carlos Alcaraz and Beto injected fresh energy, but it was Grealish who ultimately delivered the decisive blow, scoring in the 93rd minute to cap off a memorable turnaround.

Everton can take confidence from their resilience, but questions remain over two new faces who were hauled off at the interval.

Barry’s subdued performance against Palace

Much was expected of Thierno Barry following his £27.6m summer move from Villarreal.

The France U21 international had impressed in Spain, scoring 11 goals and supplying four assists last season.

At 6 foot 5, his aerial dominance stood out. Barry’s physical profile drew comparisons to Dušan Vlahović and Ollie Watkins, offering Everton a forward capable of stretching defences and leading the line.

But against Palace, those strengths were nowhere to be seen.

Barry touched the ball just 19 times, completed only four of his eight passes, and failed to register a shot.

His attempts to dribble past opponents – two in total – both ended unsuccessfully, while he surrendered possession ten times.

Minutes

45

Shots

0

Passing Accuracy

50%

Ground Duels Lost

4

Possession Lost

10

Substituted at half-time for Beto, it was a sobering reminder that he will need time to adapt to the physicality and tempo of the Premier League.

Moyes himself has acknowledged Barry will require a bedding-in period, but with expectations high and Everton looking to sustain their push for Europe, patience may wear thin if his output doesn’t improve soon.

Everton star was as bad as Barry

While Barry’s struggles were evident, he was not the only Everton player to falter.

Tyler Dibling, the club’s marquee £42m summer signing from Southampton, also endured a frustrating evening.

Chalkboard

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

Much was expected of the 19-year-old England U21 international, who arrived after interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Bayern Munich.

Everton had pursued him for months, and his signing was viewed as a statement of intent.

Dibling’s pedigree is clear. Last season, he made 33 Premier League appearances for Southampton, scoring twice and assisting once across 1,874 minutes.

His statistical profile stood out – ranking in the 92nd percentile for fouls drawn (2.49 per 90), 98th percentile for penalty kicks won (0.10 per 90), and 81st percentile for successful take-ons (2.16 per 90).

He also impressed defensively, sitting in the 88th percentile for tackles in the middle third (0.86 per 90) and 98th percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled (61.5%).

In short, he is a winger capable of carrying the ball and working hard out of possession.

But his Palace display told a different story. Dibling managed only 19 touches and completed six of his seven passes. He attempted three dribbles without success, lost possession eight times, won 30% of his duels and failed to register a single shot.

Withdrawn for Alcaraz at the break, it was a day to forget for a teenager still adjusting to his new surroundings.

Everton’s investment in Dibling reflected a determination to strengthen the right-hand side following the departures of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrøm.

Moyes wants a winger who can combine industry with end product, and Dibling has the tools to be that player.

But against Palace, he struggled to impact the game in either half of the pitch.

With matches against Manchester City and a packed festive schedule looming, Everton will need more from their high-profile recruit or he can expect to find himself dropped to the bench again.

The raw talent is undeniable, but his first few weeks in blue have shown that even the most promising prospects can take time to settle.

Elsewhere, Palace may point to fatigue following their midweek Europa League trip to Dynamo Kyiv, but Everton will be encouraged by their fighting spirit.

Grealish’s winner showed the difference a match-winner can make – a lesson both Barry and Dibling will be eager to learn as they adapt to life under Moyes.

Fewer touches than Pickford: 4/10 Everton dud was saved by Grealish & Ndiaye

Everton ended Crystal Palace’s 19-game unbeaten run with a 2-1 win.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 5, 2025

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been carrying a niggling groin injury for some time, but a new problem means the Englishman is now facing some time out.

Cole Palmer forced off in 2-1 Chelsea defeat to Man United

Enzo Maresca’s frustration was evident during an afternoon to forget at Old Trafford last Saturday, with their 2-1 loss away to Man United made worse only by Palmer’s haunting groin issue.

It is a problem that has plagued the Blues’ superstar player for some time.

Palmer has been carrying it since the start of 2025/2026, forcing him to miss their wins over West Ham and Fulham, with the ex-Man City sensation only getting around half an hour of match action in their 2-2 draw at Brentford.

The 23-year-old got on the scoresheet against Keith Andrews’ side, and scored a stunning goal on the counter-attack in Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League – all whilst playing with a groin injury.

Speaking in his latest pre-match press conference before Chelsea take on Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, Maresca said it is a problem being monitored day by day, but was quick to quash fears that Palmer might need surgery.

Now, as per journalist Simon Phillips, there has been a new update on Palmer’s condition, and it doesn’t make for pretty reading.

Cole Palmer suffers "new" injury to groin as Chelsea dealt blow

Writing via his Substack, the reporter claims that Palmer has suffered a “new” injury to the same groin that has been plaguing him non-stop this season, and he now faces several weeks on the sidelines.

The prospect of surgery also isn’t completely ruled out.

Phillips also stated that Chelsea have been managing his groin with painkiller injections before each game, and the forward started having further problems in that area late on in the Bayern game.

Despite this, Maresca started Palmer last Saturday, and it is a decision which the Blues will be ruing.

Sources have apparently made clear that he shouldn’t have participated in Manchester, and at the worst, Palmer could miss some crucial clashes.

Lincoln City (A) – EFL Cup

Brighton (H) – Premier League

Benfica (H) – Champions League

Liverpool (H) – Premier League

Nottingham Forest (A) – Premier League

Ajax (H) – Champions League

Sunderland (H) – Premier League

Tottenham (A) – Premier League

Chelsea will also regret not signing Xavi Simons in the summer window after being hijacked by Tottenham, with Maresca arguably in need of a quality playmaker alternative amid Palmer’s reoccurring struggles.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca boasts an array of star senior players in his large squad, but certain Cobham academy gems are still seriously impressing him.

In the last week, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen has made all the headlines as Chelsea’s next potential rising star after seriously impressing for England’s Under-17s.

The Young Lions starred in a 12-goal thriller, beating Germany 7-5, with Kavuma-McQueen scoring five and setting up another — making plenty of headlines in the process.

While a lot of noise surrounds 15-year-old Arsenal sensation Max Dowman right now – who recently become the second-youngest Premier League debutant in history behind teammate Ethan Nwaneri – there is reason to believe that Kavuma-McQueen could be the next star of England’s conveyor belt of budding starlets.

The 16-year-old is yet to be given a chance in the senior team by Maresca, but if he keeps up this imperious form at junior level, it may just be a matter of time.

Ian Hamilton

16 years, 138 days

1967 vs Tottenham

Kingsley Whiffen

16 years, 157 days

1967 vs Leicester City

Reggie Walsh

16 years, 193 days

2025 vs Djurgarden

Tommy Langley

16 years, 274 days

1974 vs Leicester City

Michael Woods

16 years, 275 days

2007 vs Macclesfield

Tyrique George is perhaps Chelsea’s biggest talent to watch out for right now, and the 19-year-old was on the verge of joining west London rivals Fulham before the £22 million move ultimately collapsed on summer deadline day.

However, Kavuma-McQueen is emerging as yet another gem produced by Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy set up.

That being said, the left-winger isn’t Chelsea’s only young prodigy who’s turning Maresca’s head right now.

Enzo Maresca watching Reggie Walsh at Chelsea

According to The Mail and journalist Kieran Gill, Kavuma-McQueen is one of three youngsters being closely monitored by Maresca, and of them is 16-year-old midfielder Reggie Walsh.

The Englishman became one of Chelsea’s youngest ever players to make their senior debut back in May, coming off the bench late on during their 4-1 win away to Djurgarden in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final.

Walsh is apparently on Maresca’s Chelsea radar for this season, as per Gill, and he could yet be given a path to more senior football with summer signing Dario Essugo now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after thigh surgery.

The Blues have suddenly found themselves one man lighter in the engine room, with the prospect of more injuries there as Chelsea attempt to navigate the start of this season after a summer tournament and many games in 2024/2025.

Walsh should be given a chance to shine, as his “top quality” has even been noticed by senior stars like Nicolas Jackson.

Maresca also publicly praised the wonderkid, calling him a perfect player for Chelsea’s system.

Liverpool have announced the signing of Florian Wirtz, issuing an emphatic statement to the Premier League and Europe that Arne Slot’s side are at the top and they are there to stay.

The German international was one of the most sought-after players in the world, with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all keen, but he chose Merseyside as his destination, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes wrapping up the £116m deal this weekend.

The playmaker, who scored during an unforgettable career opening with Bayer Leverkusen, is aiming to win the full gamut of major honours at Anfield, and he certainly has the capacity to do so.

However, all this fanfare around Wirtz has somewhat drowned out the exciting deal for Milos Kerkez, who is all but confirmed as a new member of Slot’s squad.

Why Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez

Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the vice-captain running down his contract to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

And now the Reds could be set to lose their other long-serving full-back in Andy Robertson, who, aged 31, has been on the decline and is entering the final year of his contract. La Liga’s Atletico Madrid are currently hoping to bring him over to Spain.

Luckily, Liverpool have already acted to bring in Kerkez, who hasn’t officially signed but is on the verge of leaving Bournemouth for Anfield, with a £40m fee agreed.

Hailed as “an elite player” who notably thrived when pitted against the likes of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka last season, Kerkez is the perfect profile for the role of a modern full-back, balanced, steely in defence and a tireless runner.

He will provide Slot’s high-flying system with a new dimension down the left channel, potentially even proving the perfect partner for another Premier League star on FSG’s radar.

Liverpool line up new winger

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still keen on signing Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, despite bagging Wirtz already this month.

Valued at £75m, the 24-year-old winger was of a vested interest to the Anfield side last summer, but Newcastle found a different way to navigate around their PSR problems.

However, Liverpool are back in contention now and sporting director Richard Hughes is keeping a close eye on developments, joined by Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. That said, Bailey is convinced that the England international favours a move to Liverpool over the Londoners, as it is his dream destination.

Bringing Gordon back over to Merseyside would likely be dependent on the future of Luis Diaz, who has been linked with Barcelona and suitors over in the Saudi Pro League.

What Anthony Gordon would bring to Liverpool

Gordon left his home city to sign for Newcastle in a £45m deal back in January 2023, ending his career beginnings with Everton.

Signing a former Toffee would always come laced with a certain contentiousness, but Gordon is actually of a Liverpool persuasion, released from the club’s academy when he was 11 years old.

Athletically dynamic and versatile, Gordon’s best years lie ahead of him, and he would prove the perfect Diaz replacement if the Colombian is indeed sold this summer, having shown his potential across the 2023/24 season when notching 28 goal involvements across all competitions and winning United’s Player of the Year award.

Last season, the return hasn’t been quite so rich, Gordon posting six goals and five assists in the league, but his trademark energy and enthusiasm were very much on show throughout.

Though the Three Lions man didn’t quite reach the same heights last term, he still gave a good account of himself for a Magpies side who qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

34 (28)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.7 (0.6)

Pass completion

82%

81%

Key passes*

1.6

1.5

Big chances created

16

6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.1

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

Duels (won)*

5.3 (49%)

4.4 (52%)

His eye-catching defensive contribution and determination in the duel highlight just how Gordon could not only benefit from Kerkez’s attacking qualities but also aid the Hungarian from a defensive perspective.

Of course, Gordon is hardly a blunt-edged attacking instrument himself, explaining himself to be a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, owing to his electric pace and a directness that Liverpool have seen plenty of before through Diaz’s showings.

The wide forward’s ability to stretch lines is truly something to behold. Moreover, Gordon’s running would help create creative space for Kerkez, who finished the 2024/25 league campaign ranked among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League for progressive carries and the top 20% for crosses made per 90, as per FBref.

We must, at this point, trust FSG’s judgment. Diaz is clearly one of the best wingers in the world but in Gordon, the perfect heir could be found. Were an ageing Robertson the one partnering him on the flank, fluency might not be in full swing, but given that Liverpool have all but wrapped up a deal for Kerkez, there’s plenty of reason to be excited.

The fact that Gordon wants to join the club only adds substance to the argument to bring him over. Currently off on holiday with Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, you wonder if the subject has been discussed.

As rumours of a move for Alexander Isak linger in the air too, might Slot have a vision of these two forwards combining under the Anfield lights for many years to come?

In any case, Gordon would be a brilliant long-term investment for Liverpool, especially as he will find a fearsome partner in Kerkez supplying him from behind.

Better finisher than Isak: Liverpool in the race to sign £60m "powerhouse"

Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 21, 2025

Newcastle United are in the hunt for a striker this summer and Eddie Howe may be growing in confidence that he can land a proven Premier League marksman, according to a report.

Newcastle United's search for reinforcements

Eddie Howe has become something of a recruitment specialist at St James’ Park, producing an excellent track record that means more additions become hits than not when convinced to move to Tyneside.

Hoping to continue that feat, Keith Wyness reckons Newcastle may sacrifice some stars to expand their potential to spend even with the threat of PSR being a live consideration to ponder.

He stated: “It used to be that when you sold a big player, you had loads of money to spend. Newcastle are going to have to work hard in this window.

“I think there will be some disposals. Sean Longstaff may have to move on, and there will be others going too. Anything that will allow Newcastle to spend as big as they can, they will do.”

That much may be true, but where do Newcastle plan to strengthen their arsenal? According to reports, Manchester City star Jack Grealish could move to Tyneside, potentially adding a sprinkle of European pedigree as the Geordies prepare for a return to the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest now want to sign £8.5m Spaniard if Elanga joins Newcastle

Nottingham Forest have now identified a player who could be seen as a replacement for Anthony Elanga.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 13, 2025

Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard is also wanted by Newcastle, demonstrating that they mean business in a summer that could produce a fair amount of incomings and exits in the North East.

Evaluating their forward line, the Geordies now have one of the Premier League’s hottest properties on their radar and confidence is growing over their chances of landing his services.

Newcastle United accelerate move for Joao Pedro

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are confident they can strike a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro as his future on the South Coast becomes increasingly uncertain.

The Brazilian forward is open to a move to the North East and is admired by Howe and his coaching staff due to a degree of versatility than can see him feature through the middle or on either flank.

Joao Pedro’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Shots

47

Shots on target

20

Chances created

30

Completed dribbles

29

Aerial duels won

42

Labelled “amazing” by Billy Gilmour, Pedro registered ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this term as the Seagulls narrowly missed out on a place in Europe.

Internally, there is now a feeling that Newcastle can complete a deal to sign the former Watford striker, though there is still plenty of work to be done before that dream can become a reality.

Alexander Isak is the main man in attack for the Geordies. Nevertheless, Pedro is a force to be reckoned with at full flight and could be another dangerous asset against opposition domestically and on the continent.

Regis Le Bris enjoyed what can only be described as a dream debut season as Sunderland manager.

Many Black Cats bosses have come and gone in quick succession in recent years as promotion to the Premier League has evaded them.

But, in the Frenchman’s case, it was a first-attempt job, with the ex-Lorient head coach now eager to prove himself in England’s elite league after an up-and-down stint in Ligue 1.

He will know that a stern defence will be key if Sunderland stand any chance of beating the punishing drop, with a new defensive brute reportedly now on his shopping list to toughen up the Wearside underdogs.

Sunderland considering move for 6-foot-3 colossus

The Championship playoffs did showcase Sunderland’s excellence in the centre-back department with Daniel Ballard taking his team to Wembley with a last-gasp header versus Coventry City, whilst loan ace Chris Mepham would complete a whopping 12 clearances against Sheffield United in total to shut out the annoyed Blades.

But another centre-back could soon join the building in the form of ex-West Bromwich Albion brute Cedric Kipre. Football outlet Africa Foot states that Le Bris and Co view the Ivorian as a serious option after promotion.

Whilst the 6-foot-3 colossus is well known to EFL fans for his imperious displays with the Baggies, he is just fresh off a season in the French top-flight with Stade De Reims. This venture might well have ended in relegation, but it bodes well for Kipre not finding the Premier League daunting.

How Kipre can be Ballard 2.0 for Sunderland

Regardless of his time out in Ligue 1, his standout showings in the Championship earn enough merit on their own, with his authoritative approach out from the back – matched by his ability to pop up with a crucial header – meaning he could become Ballard 2.0 for Le Bris.

He also shone in spurts for Reims despite relegation, with the headed effort above unfortunately just not enough to keep Samba Diawara’s men afloat.

Away from this unfortunate relegation on his CV, though, Kipre has proven himself in the past as a brave battler in the challenging second tier of English football, with the Baggies left gutted by the 28-year-old’s decision to depart the Hawthorns last summer.

Games played

44

20

Goals scored

2

2

Assists

1

1

Touches*

67.1

47

Accurate passes*

48.9 (87%)

33.2 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

4.3

2.3

Clearances*

3.7

4.0

Total duels won*

4.2

4.6

Clean sheets

14

2

Looking at the table above, Kipre was a rock-solid option for the Carlos Corberan-led Baggies, with a mightily impressive 14 clean sheets notched up from 44 clashes.

Further, the table shows off the similarities between the defensive duo, with both Ballard and Kipre chipping in with three goal contributions each, away from also being able to valiantly battle away with duels, winning a similar number.

Much like Ballard, too, the current Reims number 21 has had to bounce back from plenty of Premier League rejection, with his early career seeing him be let go of by Leicester City.

The Sunderland titan also had to wave goodbye to Arsenal to join the Stadium of Light, but he will now have a shot at top-flight redemption on Wearside next season.

Kipre will also fancy his chances at being a formidable presence for Le Bris’ outsiders, having once been labelled as “one of the best defenders in the division” by the Second Tier podcast when plying his trade in the EFL’s top league.

Now, it’s up to the “fantastic” defender – as he’s also been labelled by football journalist Josh Bunting – to earn his stripes up a league, with Kipre having the potential to be as loved as Ballard if his brick-wall presence allows safety to be secured.

Sunderland can land bigger coup than Henderson by re-signing £40m "wizard"

Sunderland supporters would love if this statement deal were to go through.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 1, 2025

Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that Everton are interested in sealing a stunning move for a “special” attacking player this summer.

Moyes eyeing big future at Everton

After some grim seasons of late, which have included several relegation battles in the Premier League, there is a feeling of positivity with the Toffees, not least because David Moyes has returned as manager, easily steering them to safety ahead of the move to their new stadium.

The Scot has been forceful about how he is expecting a better future at Everton with him in charge, with the hope being that funds will be made available for important transfer business.

“I think more the feeling [is] that there might be a club which is ­coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the ­players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”

New signings are needed in various areas of the pitch for Everton, not least in attack, with goals coming at a premium at times this season, with 41 goals scored in 37 games. Now, a shock rumour has emerged regarding a potential attacking signing for the Merseysiders.

Everton keen on "special" Liverpool player

According to the reliable Joyce of The Times, Everton “hold an interest” in Liverpool winger Ben Doak, seeing him as an option to bring in this summer.

The 19-year-old has spent this season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, with the Reds unable to give him regular playing time, and a permanent move away from Anfield could now be on the cards.

The idea of Everton signing Doak is a mouthwatering prospect, not only because of the stunning nature of taking him from rivals Liverpool, but also due to his long-term potential.

The teenage winger is already a six-cap Scotland international, and he was enjoying a fruitful time loan at Middlesbrough before injury struck in January, bagging 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship.

Doak also caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp during their time together at Liverpool, with the German clearly a big admirer of the Scot, saying: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really; this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”

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Forgetting the Liverpool connection, Doak is a hugely exciting footballer who could reach great heights with his pace and unpredictability in the coming years, and while the Reds may be hesitant to sell to their rivals, Everton should look to strike a deal.

Brighton & Hove Albion are now eyeing a move for a “world-class” goalkeeper to replace Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to a report.

Verbruggen attracting interest after impressive performances

Brighton have enjoyed another solid campaign in the Premier League, with a top-half finish looking increasingly likely, and their goalkeeper has caught the eye with some impressive performances.

Most recently, Verbruggen kept a clean sheet in the Seagulls’ 2-0 triumph at Wolverhampton Wanderers, making two saves from inside the box to keep the Old Gold at bay, which earned him a 7.7 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest of any player.

The Netherlands international has also put in some top displays for his national side, making some impressive saves in his side’s UEFA Nations League clash against Spain back in March.

As such, it is little wonder the Dutchman is now starting to attract attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, with a report from The Sun revealing that Real Madrid are now eyeing a shock deal for the shot-stopper this summer.

In the same report, it is detailed that Brighton are now running the rule over top-class replacements for the 22-year-old, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher one of the goalkeepers under consideration, having tracked the Irishman for quite some time.

Reports from elsewhere have revealed the Reds have set an asking price of £40m for Kelleher, so the Seagulls will need to be willing to spend big, should they decide to pursue a move for the goalkeeper.

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Of course, Fabian Hurzeler will be hoping to keep hold of Verbruggen beyond the end of the campaign, but it could be difficult to retain the goalkeeper’s services if Real Madrid come calling, and there are signs the Liverpool shot-stopper could be an ideal replacement.

While Alisson has remained Arne Slot’s first-choice option between the sticks, the Irishman has certainly played a role in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph, making 10 appearances while the Brazilian was sidelined due to injury.

During that time, the 26-year-old received very high praise from Andy Robertson, who described his teammate as “world-class”.

Not only that, but the Ireland international ranks highly across some key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Clean sheet %

50% (99th percentile)

Goals against

1.07 (81st percentile)

Save % (penalty kicks)

100% (98th percentile)

Having proven himself in the Premier League with the champions, Kelleher could be a fantastic replacement for Verbruggen this summer, but Hurzeler will be hoping Madrid cool their interest in his goalkeeper.