All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is hoping to continue his trend of never going more than two seasons without earning a promotion from the Championship.

In three seasons in the second tier with Norwich City earlier in his career, the German boss won two league titles to secure multiple promotions up to the Premier League.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach boss failed to achieve his goal in his first year at Elland Road, losing to Southampton in the play-off final, but can keep up his 50% rate by getting the team up this time.

Leeds are currently third in the Championship table and a win against Swansea on Saturday could send them to first place if results go their way, as they are only two points behind Sunderland and Sheffield United in the automatic promotion spots.

Farke still has his team competing at the top end of the table despite losing several of his key players in the summer transfer window earlier this year.

Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, Glen Kamara, and Archie Gray all moved on permanently, joining West Ham, Brighton, Rennes, and Tottenham respectively.

Crysencio Summerville's Championship form for Leeds

The Leeds winger was the best player in the Championship during the 2023/24 campaign and played a huge role in the team’s run to the play-off final.

He won the Championship Player of the Season and the PFA Championship Player of the Year awards for his efforts last term, which shows that pundits and players alike deemed him to be the best of the best.

Summerville earned those awards after a phenomenal return of 19 goals and nine assists in 43 appearances in the regular season in the second tier, which shows that he made a big impact as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the West Yorkshire outfit.

The 23-year-old star created 17 ‘big chances’ for his teammates and finished the regular season with an xA tally of 12.53. This suggests that his teammates let him down with their wasteful finishing in front of goal, as he was only rewarded with nine assists for his terrific creativity.

Goals

19

1st

Big chances created

17

2nd

Assists

9

2nd

Key passes per game

2.6

1st

Dribbles completed

101

2nd

As you can see in the table above, he was incredibly important to Farke’s attack with his contributions as a dribbler, a scorer, and a creator from a left wing position.

After Leeds failed to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, West Ham United swooped in to sign Summerville from the Whites for a reported fee of £25m plus add-ons.

Summerville was far from the first electric left winger the club has had on their books, though, as former starlet Jack Clarke could have been their original version of the Dutch sensation, had he stayed at Elland Road.

How much Leeds sold Jack Clarke for

The English forward came up through the ranks at Thorp Arch and scored two goals in 22 Championship matches for Marcelo Bielsa in his breakthrough year at senior level in the 2018/19 campaign.

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur then snapped him up for a reported fee of £10m in the summer of 2019 before sending him back to Leeds on loan, which ended after one Championship appearance in the first half of the season.

After spells on loan with QPR, Stoke, and Sunderland, Clarke eventually signed for the Black Cats on a permanent deal in the summer of 2022 and thrived on Wearside.

In his two full seasons in the Championship with Sunderland, in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, the English wizard showcased his ability to make things happen on a regular basis at the top end of the pitch.

Appearances

45

40

Goals

9

15

Assists

11

4

Big chances created

7

12

Dribbles completed per game

2.0

3.7

As you can see in the table above, Clarke, who was hailed as “unplayable” by pundit Adrian Clarke, produced goals and assists at an impressive rate.

These statistics show that the winger went on to become an electric right-footed left winger at Championship level, cutting in on from the left with devastating effect for Sunderland, just as Summerville did at Elland Road.

Therefore, Clarke – if Victor Orta had not cashed in on him in the summer of 2019 – could have developed into the club’s original Summerville, before they had even signed the young whiz from Feyenoord.

How much Jack Clarke is worth now

His form for Sunderland in the second tier attracted interest from top-flight clubs and Ipswich Town swooped in to secure a £20m deal for the speedster earlier this year.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

This means that his value doubled from the time Leeds decided to cash in on him to the recent summer transfer window, which suggests that the Whites had a howler by moving him on when they did.

Clarke and Summerville have now both moved on from Championship football and have both found life slightly difficult since making the jump up to the Premier League, with Ipswich and West Ham respectively.

Appearances

9

10

Starts

3

3

Goals

0

1

Assists

1

0

Big chances created

1

1

As you can see in the table above, the pair have combined for two direct goal contributions in 19 appearances and six starts in the top-flight for their respective clubs.

They have not been able to translate their stunning form from the Championship over to the Premier League as of yet, but they are both 23 and still have plenty of time left to develop and improve to prove themselves at that level.

Meanwhile, Leeds will be hoping that Largie Ramazani, who has scored three goals in six league starts this season, can emerge as the club’s next electric forward after his move from Almeria in the summer.

Including Bamford: The three Leeds players Farke must cash in on in January

The Leeds United head coach must consider cashing in all three of these players.

ByDan Emery Nov 16, 2024

Ipswich Town and Kieran McKenna are looking to sign a versatile 6ft 6 midfielder who could replace loanee Kalvin Phillips.

Ipswich Town in Premier League relegation zone as Phillips update emerges

The Tractor Boys are in real danger of immediate relegation from the Premier League back to the Championship, with Kieran McKenna’s side now 10 games without a top-flight victory.

A 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest at Portman Road last time out was made worse by Wolves’ win at Southampton, which resulted in a nine-point gap opening up at the bottom.

Ipswich Town want to sign 213-goal striker for free to replace Liam Delap

Delap is valued at £60m.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 14, 2025

Talking after the loss to Forest, McKenna said: “There is a pretty big gap there and we can only focus on ourselves. We have two big games after the international break and we need to be ready for those and ready to compete.

“It is possible. With six points to play for when we come back from the international break. We are running out of games. We need to take points soon, we know that but we are certainly not going to give up hope or stop fighting until the last game is done.”

Bournemouth vs Ipswich

April 2

Ipswich vs Wolves

April 5

Chelsea vs Ipswich

April 13

Ipswich vs Arsenal

April 20

Newcastle vs Ipswich

April 26

Should Ipswich go down, a number of players could be on the move this summer, including Man City loanee Phillips. There have been reports that Ipswich are unlikely to make the defensive midfielder’s move permanent, with Phillips reaching a verbal agreement to join Leeds United, if they win promotion.

Those at the Etihad could accept an offer in the region of £20m for Phillips, who has made 20 appearances on loan in East Anglia. As a result, Ipswich could be on the search for another holding midfielder, and they have seemingly identified one target in that position.

Ipswich Town interested in signing new 6ft 6 midfielder

According to Africa Foot, Ipswich Town are one of the clubs keen on signing Kalidou Sidibe from French side En Avant Guingamp.

Scottish giants Celtic have already made a £1.6m bid to sign the 26-year-old, however, Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Grasshopper Zurich and former side Toulouse are also interested.

Sidibe, who can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or centre-back, stands at 6ft 6 and is the tallest player in French Ligue 2, as per Africa Foot. Beginning at Paris FC and Toulouse, Sidibe signed permanently for Guingamp in 2023 and has been a regular this season, making more than 30 appearances in all competitions.

He’s scored two goals and provided five assists in 2024/25 playing as a deep-lying midfielder, and if Ipswich are relegated to the second tier, Sidibe’s height could come in handy in what is a physical league. It looks like a move to keep an eye on, however, Ipswich may need to act fast with Celtic already making their move.

Looking to bridge the gap between themselves and the Premier League’s top four, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted a second offer worth over £15m to sign a Champions League talent this month.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans enjoyed quite the summer transfer window, welcoming names such as Amadou Onana ahead of a number of sides, but that has not seen them repeat last season’s achievements as of yet. Sat ninth in the Premier League and struggling to juggle both European and domestic football for the first time, Unai Emery’s side could still do with some fresh faces this month, as their 2-2 draw against Brighton highlighted last time out.

With that said, names such as Yasin Ozcan have already been mentioned as the January transfer window rolls on. Recent reports even went as far to suggest that those in the Midlands have already agreed a deal to sign the young central defender from Super Lig side Kasimpasa. Whether that deal goes over the line remains to be seen, however.

Duran replacement: Aston Villa chasing exciting Donyell Malan alternative

Villa are targeting a new attacker to add more goals

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 3, 2025

He’s seemingly not the only target either. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Aston Villa have submitted a second bid worth €18m (£14.9m) + add-ons to sign Donyell Malen after their initial bid was turned down by Borussia Dortmund who want more than €20m (£17m) guaranteed.

The German club are ready to sell their winger, as relayed by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, but are seemingly in no mood to accept a cut-price. With negotiations ongoing, however, it’s clear that Aston Villa are not giving up in pursuit of securing Malen’s signature.

A player who can play on the right-hand side and lead the line, Malen’s arrival could create instant concern for Leon Bailey, who has struggled to replicate last season’s impressive form.

"Incredible" Malen could complete Aston Villa attack

Bailey’s form should worry those at Villa Park, who will be desperate to see their goals shared around rather than solely rely on Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran – often from the bench – provide the golden touch. Without a goal all season and with just three assists to his name in 22 appearances in all competitions, the winger is quickly becoming a point of weakness that Malen could arrive to solve instantly.

Starts

6

11

Goals

3

0

Assists

0

2

Expected Goals

2.8

1

The stats suggest that, whilst Malen desperately needs a move away from Dortmund this month, he has remained clinical in front of goal – scoring three goals in just six starts. Bailey, meanwhile, has struggled to carve opportunities and struggled to become the attacking spark that Villa benefitted from throughout the last campaign.

Despite where he finds himself at the German club, Malen was at the centre of Sebastian Kehl’s praise in 2023. The sporting director told WAZ as relayed by BVB Buzz: “We’ve known for months that he has incredible potential, and we knew that last year as well.

“He is an incredibly enriching element for this team, that was the idea behind his signing and I’m glad he’s showing that much more often now. The last step was still missing for him and he has taken it now. Donny has gained incredible self-confidence.”

Tottenham Hotspur also held talks over signing a “powerful” forward for manager Ange Postecoglou, before the Lilywhites’ successful attempts to get a deal for Mathys Tel over the line, in what is a seismic deadline day twist.

Tottenham close in on Mathys Til deal after transfer twist

While Spurs are believed to be in the market for another centre-back after Danso – who arrived on loan with the obligation to buy around £21 million from Ligue 1 side RC Lens, Postecoglou has been personally keen on acquiring another forward for his injury-ridden squad.

Fabrizio Romano – Tottenham make late approach for £120k-per-week attacker

Ange Postecoglou wants a new forward.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Feb 3, 2025

Tottenham phoned Aston Villa to ask about Leon Bailey and the Jamaica international’s availability in the build up to deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano, and a new attacker remained among Postecoglou’s main priorities.

It is never an uneventful day for Spurs, with news now emerging that Tel has pulled a major U-turn on a transfer to north London.

The Bundesliga sensation publicly rejected Tottenham’s advances last week, snubbing chairman Daniel Levy in the process, who flew to Munich for talks and came home empty-handed (Florian Plettenberg).

In a sensational turn of events, Tel has now changed his mind and decided to sign for Spurs after all, and the 19-year-old will join on a straight season-long loan.

With a deal for Tel now in place, Postecoglou will be over the moon, especially after a few unsuccessful approaches for other forwards this month.

Tottenham held Tyler Dibling transfer talks before Mathys Tel deal

According to reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick of Standard Sport, Tottenham also held talks over signing Tyler Dibling before they eventually pulled off a move for Tel.

Man United (home)

February 16th

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

However, they decided to cool their interest after Southampton demanded a fee well in excess of the Englishman’s rumoured £55 million asking price to shake hands on a deal this month.

After Tel returns to Munich from his loan, perhaps it could be one to revisit in the summer, as it is clear the teenager is set for a very bright future.

The 18-year-old has seriously stood out for Ivan Juric’s side as one to watch for the future, racking up four goals and two assists in all competitions, and Dibling arguably suits Tottenham down to the ground in terms of being homegrown with plenty of resale value.

“He is a beautiful footballer, a really outstanding talent. He’s powerful. He possesses stuff that not every player possesses,” said former Southampton manager Russell Martin before the club’s 5-3 Carabao Cup win over Cardiff, where Dibling notched two assists.

“I love working with him. I love watching him play. I’d pay a lot of money to watch him play football.”

Sheffield Wednesday will be willing to let an attacking “game-changer” leave this summer, according to an update from former Owls midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Sheffield Wednesday struggling for playoff finish

Danny Rohl’s side have endured a difficult period in their season, having looked like challenging for a place in the Championship playoffs a few weeks ago.

Instead, Wednesday have lost their last three matches in the league, not to mention four of their last five, dropping down to 13th place in the table in the process.

Last Friday’s 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland was another damaging defeat, and it means that the Owls are now seven points adrift of sixth-place West Brom, highlighting how much work needs to be done in the remaining 11 matches.

Regardless of where Rohl’s men finish once the season is done and dusted, fresh faces need to arrive in the summer transfer window, while others will be moved on to pastures new.

Sheffield Wednesday "game-changer" backed to leave

Speaking to Football League World, ex-England international Palmer backed Michael Smith to leave Sheffield Wednesday at the end of this season:

“Now the question is about the likes of Josh Windass, who will be out of contract in the summer (although there is a one-year option in his deal) and Michael Smith. I think he’ll be disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to go to Wrexham and I understand why Danny Rohl wouldn’t have wanted him to go, but he had a chance to go to Wrexham on what would’ve been a two or three-year contract. It’ll be interesting to see.

“I’d be very surprised to see Smith at the football club next season. Given his age and everything else, I think Danny will be looking to bring in a younger player, somebody who can score consistently at Championship level, although Smith has had an impact when he has played or come off the bench this season. Still though, I’d be very surprised to see Michael Smith signing a new contract at Sheffield Wednesday.”

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wednesday and Smith to part ways, even though Darren Moore hailed him during their time working together at Hillsborough, saying:

“Michael Smith is a game-changer today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do.”

Now 33 years of age, Smith is out of contract with the Owls at the end of the current campaign, and given his age, it makes little sense in him being handed an extension, considering his best days are arguably behind him.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Wednesday simply have to focus on attacking reinforcements in the summer window, with Josh Windass the only player to reach double figures for goals in the Championship this season – he is also now 31, so isn’t the long-term solution – highlighting the importance of new additions in the attacking third.

Liverpool had a surprisingly quiet summer transfer window in 2024. In Arne Slot’s first window since taking charge of the Merseysiders, the consensus seemed to be that he might well look to add new players to a squad built under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Reds made just two signings. One of those players will not join the club until next season. New goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili returned on loan to Valencia, the club who Liverpool paid £29m including add-ons to sign the Georgian from.

Federico Chiesa was the other signing made. The Italian reportedly cost just £12.5m from Juventus, but has only played three times due to injury.

Despite a quiet summer, Liverpool already seem to be planning for future windows and have recently been linked with someone who could add quality and depth in attacking areas.

Liverpool target Bundesliga attacker

The player in question here is Eintracht Frankfurt and Egypt attacker Omar Marmoush. According to a report from German outlet Bild, the Reds have ‘officially expressed their interest’ in the 25-year-old as they look to the future once Mohamed Salah leaves.

However, they could have to go up against Manchester United to sign the winger. Bild reports the winger is valued at just £33m at this stage and does not have a release clause in his contract, which expires in 2027.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that the Reds have made their interest known to the Bundesliga side and it now remains to be seen whether or not they are prepared to meet their valuation.

Why Marmoush would be a good signing for Liverpool

Few players have been in better form across Europe this season than Frankfurt’s number seven. He has scored 11 goals and has provided seven assists in just 13 games in all competitions. That includes an eye-catching 13 goal involvements in eight Bundesliga games.

Impressively, the 25-year-old is one of just ten players across Europe’s big five leagues who has 10 or more goal involvements in their domestic league so far this term, as per FBref. In fact, there are only two players who have more than him; Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, who have 16 and 14 goals and assists respectively.

Player

Club

Goals

Assists

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

14

2

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

9

5

Omar Marmoush

Eintracht Frankfurt

9

4

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

10

3

Cole Palmer

Chelsea

7

5

Raphinha

Barcelona

6

6

Erling Haaland

Man City

11

0

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

6

5

Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

5

6

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal

3

7

Should the Reds get this deal done, it could be a repeat of when they signed Roberto Firmino. Liverpool’s former number nine signed from the Bundesliga, costing £29m from Hoffenheim. That, in itself, is similar to Marmoush, who would also make the move to Merseyside from the German top flight.

Firmino is a modern-day legend at Anfield, forming a deadly partnership with Salah and Sadio Mane. He scored 111 goals and grabbed 75 assists in 362 games for the club, helping to win a Premier League and Champions League title during his time at the club.

The similarities between the Frankfurt forward and the former Brazilian international extend further than the fact they have both spent time playing in Germany. The pair are versatile, and whilst they both excel at centre-forward, can play just off the striker or even out wide.

Marmoush, an “electric” player, as football presenter Dougie Critchley described him, has showcased his versatility this season. He has started the majority of games leading the line, just as Firmino did at Liverpool. However, he has also played on the left wing and even as a number 10, a position in which the Brazilian ace excelled when called upon.

There are certainly several comparisons to be made between Liverpool’s legendary centre-forward and their reported transfer target Marmoush, even down to the fact both are right-footed attackers. He is a player that Klopp never really managed to replace, but it could well be Slot who finds the perfect player to do so.

Given the fact the Egyptian forward would move from the Bundesliga and the versatility he possesses, there are clear similarities between Firmino and the Frankfurt number seven. It is a signing that would surely excite the Anfield faithful and someone who could potentially replicate the success of the legendary Brazilian in that famous Red shirt, given his incredible form so far this season.

Sky Sports: Liverpool keen to sign Viktor Gyokeres in cut-price £50m deal

He’s one of the most in-form strikers in Europe…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 30, 2024

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United haven’t been afraid to splash the cash as they aim to return to the summit of the Premier League after over a decade without the title.

The hierarchy massively backed former boss Erik ten Hag during his tenure at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman spending around £600m to allow him to be competitive in what is one of the most demanding jobs in world football.

However, it’s safe to say that some of his additions have been a complete disaster, looking nowhere near value for money – bleeding the club dry of millions in transfer fees and wages.

His first season at the helm saw him drop a fortune on Real Madrid star Casemiro, trying to inject that needed quality and winning mentality to the side to aid their ambitions.

He’s since made 100 appearances for the Red Devils following his £70m transfer, but the 32-year-old has demonstrated signs of decline in his performance levels as he edges towards the end of his professional career.

The Brazilian is just one of many big-money additions made by the club over the years, with many, like Casemiro, unfortunately not worth the massive fees spent on their services.

Manchester United’s five most expensive signings

Paul Pogba remains United’s club-record signing after joining the Red Devils for £89m – a then world-record fee – from Italian side Juventus just a handful of years after departing the English outfit.

The Frenchman arrived for his second spell with high expectations, understandable given the nature of the price tag, but ultimately, he was unable to provide value for money.

He would provide flashes of his quality during his 226 appearances, but was unable to demonstrate his talent on a regular basis, leading to yet another move away from Old Trafford – rejoining Juve for free in the summer of 2022.

Current first-team member Antony is the club’s second most expensive signing, joining for £86m two years ago, linking up Ten Hag in Manchester after their time together at Ajax.

However, despite scoring on his debut against Arsenal, it quickly became apparent that the hierarchy had massively overpaid for the 24-year-old, with his skill set simply not at the level required for England’s top flight.

He was known for his showboating during his stint in the Netherlands, often catching the eye with his infamous spin, which has often seen him ridiculed given his lack of tangible impact.

The Brazilian has only managed a total of 12 goals in 87 appearances, falling down the pecking order last season after his lack of form, with it remaining to be seen if he will have any part to play under new boss Ruben Amorim.

Jadon Sancho was another exciting attacking addition who arrived in the North West with high hopes of transforming the club’s forward line, after costing a mammoth £73m from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021.

1) Paul Pogba

2016/17

£89m

2) Antony

2022/23

£86m

3) Harry Maguire

2019/20

£80m

4) Romelu Lukaku

2017/18

£75m

5) Jadon Sancho

2021/22

£73m

Like the aforementioned duo, the talent simply was unable to produce his best performances during his time with the club, even enduring a huge fallout with Ten Hag which resulted in his omission from the first team picture.

He would be sent back to his former side for 2023/24, before returning ahead of the current campaign – but the damage was already done in his relationship with the former boss, leaving on loan once again.

However, his temporary stint to join Premier League rivals Chelsea includes a mandatory option to buy for just £20m, with United once again losing a fortune on one of their big-money signings.

They aren’t the only players who have failed to deliver in Manchester, with one other huge signing making more of an impact, but still not living up to the sizeable sum forked out for his signature.

The player who Amorim has to offload at United

Amorim has been known to utilise a back-three system, as seen during his first game in charge against Ipswich Town last weekend, hoping to have a similar success in charge of United as he did at Sporting CP, where he claimed two league titles.

Despite his tactics offering more chances for the defensive unit, centre-back Harry Maguire could find himself plying his trade away from Old Trafford in the coming months, as the club look to cut their losses on the 31-year-old.

The England international cost £80m back in 2019, surpassing the fee paid by rivals Liverpool for Virgil van Dijk as the most expensive defender in football history.

Whilst in the opening months of his United career he provided some short-term improvement at the back, he’s since failed to kick on, coming under fire for his performances whilst also struggling with various injuries.

Maguire, who was previously dubbed as “one of the best centre-backs in the game” by Ole Gunnar Solskjær upon his arrival, has failed to make over 30 league appearances in any of the last two campaigns, falling down the pecking order in recent times.

He’s already suffered two separate fitness setbacks in the opening stages of 2024/25, restricting him to eight matches – accumulating a total of just 433 minutes of first-team action.

Amorim’s arrival could see the 39-year-old deploy the likes of Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt as the main options, making minutes even harder to come by for the former Leicester ace, who earns a reported £190k-per-week at United.

United’s new-look hierarchy has also implemented a cost-cutting approach which has seen the likes of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson be taken off the payroll, but they could also save themselves millions by offloading some of the deadwood currently in Amorim’s squad.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, January could be the last opportunity for the club to recoup as much of the £80m transfer fee as possible, preventing them from having another Pogba situation.

He hasn’t had the impact many would’ve anticipated given his monstrous fee, with a fresh start needed for both parties after the appointment of Amorim if the Red Devils are to take the step to the next level.

Man Utd star who Solskjaer sold for just £1.2m is now on par with Fernandes

The former Manchester United talent has still demonstrated his talents away from Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2024

Liverpool welcome lowly Southampton to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

While the Reds will still be giddy from their incredible Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening, Arne Slot will no doubt have forced full attention back on the Premier League – there’s a 13-point title lead to defend, after all.

Saints, marooned at the bottom of the division, were thrashed 4-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out and are all but condemned to an instantaneous return to the second tier.

Slot will expect a comprehensive victory and professional performance, but with a slender 1-0 advantage over PSG, who ran roughshod over Liverpool’s seasonal reputation at the Parc des Princes (albeit with nothing to show for it), rotation is surely a given.

Liverpool were made to work against Luis Enrique’s side, under the cosh for the vast majority, so expect alterations.

Liverpool team news

Cody Gakpo was a late exclusion on the continent, having only just returned from an ankle issue, and while there’s hope he’ll feature next week against PSG, it’s unlikely Slot – who serves the second and final match of his touchline ban – will field him from the outset this weekend.

Diogo Jota fronted Liverpool’s attack in France, flanked by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, but all three flattered to deceive and Slot may turn to off-the-bench hero Darwin Nunez, with goalscorer Harvey Elliott also waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start of the campaign.

Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton all remain sidelined.

While Liverpool’s gaffer has been reluctant to field wholesale changes this season, this might be an opportunity to do just that. For example, Ryan Gravenberch looked leggy and disjointed in midweek, and should be benched for the first time in the English top flight this season.

Why Slot should drop Ryan Gravenberch

When Liverpool failed in their bid for Martin Zubimendi in August, supporters felt more than a bit of anxiety after sources revealed Liverpool would not be jumping the gun and moving for an alternative.

To be fair, the alarm was just: Jurgen Klopp had gone, and with him the most illustrious of eras for the Anfield side. But Gravenberch stepped up, with one analyst describing him as “absolutely world-class” in Slot’s new Liverpool system.

However, the 22-year-old’s newfound powers have come alongside newfound responsibilities. The Netherlands international has started every single one of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this year, only missing the defeat against PSV in the Champions League too.

1)

Virgil van Dijk

38

3,417′

2)

Mohamed Salah

40

3,396′

3)

Ryan Gravenberch

38

3,241′

4)

Alexis Mac Allister

39

2,879′

5)

Trent Alexander-Arnold

37

2,707′

Is it any wonder he’s beginning to look sapped of his early-season vigour? At PSG, Gravenberch was culpable for a dismal performance, battling hard against the host tidal waves but distinctly lacking any control and fluidity with his passing.

He will, however, be required from the outset in next week’s corresponding fixture, and with that in mind, Slot might want to bite the bullet and take this essential cog out of his machine against Southampton.

No disrespect to the South Coast side, but a rotated Liverpool should have enough in the tank to beat off Ivan Juric’s men on Merseyside, and while Elliott may be eyeing a start in place of Liverpool’s quasi-ten Dominik Szoboszlai, there’s another midfielder who could take Gravenberch’s role in the deeper fathoms of the engine room.

The perfect Gravenberch replacement

Alexis Mac Allister has played a lot of football this season (see table above) but is one of the most industrious and stable players in Liverpool’s first team. He should start to provide a semblance of control in this likely-changed line-up.

Though he can operate as a six, Mac Allister would be better kept in his preferred box-to-box role, with another man stepping in to take Gravenberch’s place.

Curtis Jones has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s first team since emerging from the academy in 2019. He was one of the first to support Slot after the coach arrived in the summer, saying: ‘It’s probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of style of play.’

Slot’s genius can be found in the tactical nuances. Liverpool aren’t wholly different from the thrash-metal side of Klopp, but they are more composed, calmer and softer in phases, though devastating and electric when they do ramp up the gas.

Jones’ shift perfectly illustrates that, for such a technical midfielder, it is even crisper in possession and less energetic and erratic off the ball. His efforts this term have also yielded far more fruitful results in front of goal.

Goals

0.08

0.24

Assists

0.08

0.24

Touches

70.57

61.36

Pass completion

91.1%

93.4%

Passes attempted

59.85

51.18

Progressive passes

5.71

5.05

Shot-creating actions

2.78

2.33

Progressive carries

2.39

1.04

Successful take-ons

1.16

0.72

Ball recoveries

5.55

4.41

Tackles

2.08

2.09

Such first-class composure and accuracy on the ball bespeaks Jones’ value to this Liverpool team, and though he’s been fielded in advanced midfield areas this term, the vast majority of his career appearances have come from the very centre of midfield (146).

The 24-year-old’s movement and intelligence are facets often overlooked when assessing his worth on the European scale. Jones has also won 55% of his duels in the Premier League this term while completing a whopping 69% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Gravenberch is keen on foraying forward himself, so silky on the ball, so there’s another element to Jones’ game that may prove translatable when stepping into his Dutch teammate’s boots. Jones has even been hailed for his “perfect” distribution by Liverpool content creator Matt Addison.

Should Elliott also find himself on the starting teamsheet, he could do with a robust and dynamic anchoring point behind him to promote his playmaking prowess. Gravenberch is that player, but he’s tired, and needs recharging. The Carabao Cup final, let’s not forget, is also just one week away.

Chalkboard

This security on the ball could be exactly what Liverpool need to defeat Southampton comprehensively and allow for the rotation Slot needs to enforce ahead of such a pivotal match on Tuesday evening against PSG.

Liverpool now open talks over move to sign £66m "monster" Nunez replacement

The Reds have made the first move to sign a striker ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 6, 2025

Liverpool have been riding the crest of a wave this season but supporters fear that it will all come crashing down at some point.

While, in football, it’s important not to look too far into the future, the Anfield supporters are aware that Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah could sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from overseas at any given moment.

While FSG remain sanguine in the face of a staggering quandary, losing any of these players would be a detrimental blow.

Salah, for example, is one of the greatest forwards that Merseyside has ever seen, posting 22 goals and 17 assists so far this season. Saudi suitors are growing in confidence, and Liverpool are beginning to look at a success plan.

Liverpool looking at Salah replacement in Spain

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool are growing increasingly confident of signing Takefusa Kubo at the end of the season as Slot begins to prepare for a potential future without Salah at the club.

Kubo has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract but according to the report, Liverpool are prepared to offer €50m (£42m) plus Federico Chiesa – a bid they believe will be accepted.

While sporting director Richard Hughes will still be pushing to tie the Egyptian king down to a bumper new deal at Liverpool, it feels like time is running out for a harmonic conclusion, and Kubo could be the answer to the problem.

Why Takefusa Kubo could replace Mo Salah

Kubo is only 23 but he’s emerged as a major player on the Spanish scene over the past few years, notching 38 goal contributions across 112 appearances for Real Sociedad.

As per FBref, the fleet-footed winger ranks among the top 2% of positional peers in La Liga this season for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90.

The Japan international would bring far fleeter athleticism to Slot’s team than the 32-year-old Salah, who is one of the most potent attacking forces in world football but less mobile than he once was.

Matches (starts)

20 (14)

21 (21)

Goals

4

18

Assists

0

13

Shots taken*

1.4 (.)

4.0 (2.0)

Big chances missed

0

14

Pass completion

77%

73%

Big chances created

3

17

Key passes*

1.2

2.3

Ball recoveries*

3.2

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

0.7

Dribbles*

1.9

1.6

Total duels (won)*

4.8 (49%)

3.4 (43%)

No winger in Europe (barring maybe Barcelona’s Raphinha) can hold a candle to Salah this season, and there’s no doubt that Kubo has much to work on before he is performing at a satisfactory level for a team like Liverpool, but the ingredients for success are there.

He’s combative and creative, sure, but perhaps most curiously, Kubo hasn’t missed a single big chance in La Liga this season, suggesting that his ball-striking ability is good, but he just isn’t getting into enough goalscoring positions.

Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani has echoed this argument, saying last year: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”

In Liverpool’s system, this can be improved, especially when taught to apply some of Salah’s tricks to his craft, which Liverpool coaches will no doubt be able to implement into his game.

The left-footer does need to hone his sharpness in front of goal but there’s no doubting the quality. With a complete skillset and a ferocious energy about him, Kubo could be the perfect Salah heir.

Look, Liverpool would be foolish to try and replace Salah with a winger of striking likeness – they just wouldn’t live up to the plate. Instead, Kubo can add his own flair to the role, and make it his own.

Their next Xabi Alonso: Liverpool fighting to sign "world-class" midfielder

Liverpool are gearing up to raid a CL giant for one of their best players this year.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 23, 2025

Liverpool, nine points clear of Manchester City with a game in hand at the top of the Premier League, could now get one over on the champions in the transfer market, having reportedly set their sights on a La Liga gem.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have been almost perfect so far this season. Even after recent draws against Fulham and Newcastle United in the Premier League, they remain in the driving seat in the Premier League title race and a step closer to their first trophy under Arne Slot after defeating Southampton. Advancing into the final four of the Carabao Cup with victory over the Saints, the Reds flexed the full strength of their squad.

Now, with the January transfer window approaching, Anfield chiefs could decide to add to that squad. Just under two weeks away from the winter window, names such as Jeremie Frimpong have been mentioned in a deal that would likely take place in the summer and see the Bayer Leverkusen star replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if he allows his contract to expire.

Regarding January, however, the Premier League leaders have seemingly turned their attention towards La Liga. According to Sport in Spain, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Raul Moro ahead of Manchester City in a deal worth just €10m (£8m) in 2025.

As well as Nunez: Liverpool ace who won 100% ground duels must not be sold

Liverpool beat Southampton to advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 19, 2024

The left-winger has impressed for Real Valladolid since arriving in the summer and could be set to earn a big move just half a season later in what would mark sensational progress for the 22-year-old. Given Liverpool’s left-wing options, however, it remains to be seen whether they’d make such a move this winter.

"Great" Moro could struggle for game time at Liverpool

With Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo already competing for that left-wing spot in the current Liverpool side, adding one more option on that side would hand Slot a needless headache. At 22 years old too, Moro needs game time more than ever, making a move to Anfield one that he’d arguably be best to avoid for the time being. Of course, resisting Anfield is easier said than done, however.

The young winger has earned plenty of praise throughout his rise into a La Liga gem, including from Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, who described one of his first seasons as “great” during his Lazio Primavera days in 2020.

Kulig was right to highlight Moro’s talent, that’s for sure. Four years later, he is a young player on the rise in La Liga, with three goals and one assist potentially just the beginning of his impact for Real Valladolid. One to keep an eye on, Liverpool or others in the Premier League could yet decide to push on and secure Moro’s signature in 2025.