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The Bangladesh legspinner has taken nine wickets in five matches so far this season

Mohammad Isam22-May-2025

Rishad Hossain will resume his season at the PSL•AFP/Getty Images

Bangladesh legspinner Rishad Hossain has returned to Lahore Qalandars ahead of their eliminator match in the PSL on Thursday. Qalandars take on Karachi Kings from 8:00pm local time in Lahore.Rishad was in Sharjah on Wednesday, playing in the third T20I between Bangladesh and UAE. He featured in two of the three matches in the series that UAE won 2-1.Related

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Rishad was one of several overseas cricketers who were transported out of Pakistan when the tournament was suspended amid the border tensions earlier in the month.Qalandars now have a three-man Bangladeshi spin attack. Alongside Rishad they have Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz joining the side. Shakib has played one game, while Mehidy joined a couple of days ago.Rishad has already played five games for Qalandars, taking nine wickets at 16.44 average. However, he didn’t have a good time against UAE in the two matches, taking three expensive wickets.Qalandars face some interesting selection decisions around their bowling line-up as they have covered most of the variations. They have fast bowlers in Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, but who they choose among the three spinners will be worth looking at.Rishad will remain available for the rest of Qalandars’ PSL campaign. The BCB has extended his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from May 22 to 25. Bangladesh’s first T20I against Pakistan is on May 28 in Lahore, while the PSL final is on May 25.

Mumbai Indians (MI) got on the IPL 2025 board in IPL 2025 with an eight-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which took their record against those opponents at Wankhede Stadium to 10-2. The win was set up by the most unlikely source: a fast bowler named Ashwani Kumar picked up the best figures by an Indian on IPL debut – 4 for 24 – to knock KKR over for 116.

Debutant Ashwani’s dream day

Ashwani is 23 years old. He had played only four T20s before this. Naturally, he was nervous when he was told he would be playing this game. He didn’t eat lunch. It’s possible he may never do so on any match day given how well this one went and how superstitious cricketers can be. Ashwani picked up a wicket with his first ball, and it was the opposition captain Ajinkya Rahane. Over the course of a dream day, he took down Rinku Singh and Andre Russell as well. This league does not present any higher quality of wickets.The most impressive thing about Ashwani was how hard he was to line up. He has an orthodox bowling action. His speeds were largely in the early to mid 130kph. Those are the kind of bowlers that get smashed around in the IPL. But try as they might, KKR were not able to do it.Ashwani came to prominence because of his performances in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 trophy last year, when he displayed an affinity for the death overs. Ashwani didn’t really bowl in that phase of the innings against KKR, but did show why he could find success in high-pressure situations. It was his control of length.Trent Boult struck in the first over for the 30th time in the IPL•Associated Press

Rinku tried to take him down, but one ball after using his feet and hitting him for four, he was caught on the deep-point boundary. Ashwani pulled his length back to surprise the batter. Russell tried to take him down, but one ball after clearing his front leg and smacking him through the line, he was beaten by a bouncer and then bowled by a 140kph pitched-up delivery that surprised the batter, again. Ashwani was innately aware of when to vary his lengths and was able to do so even when high-quality batters were attacking him and putting him under pressure.

Boult continues romance with the first over

Ashwani tripling his career tally of T20 wickets – from two to six – over the course of one evening relegated everything else to the side. But he was merely exploiting a lovely platform set by two high-quality new-ball bowlers.Trent Boult once again showed off the freakish ability he has to take wickets in the first over. For the 30th time in the IPL, he provided his team with a perfect start, rearranging Sunil Narine’s stumps. From the other end, Deepak Chahar took away Quinton de Kock’s strengths – hitting balls at the stumps over square leg – by keeping his lines wide and having him caught at mid-off.KKR continued to attack, conscious that the Wankhede Stadium is a chase-friendly venue. Despite those early wickets, they indulged in eight aggressive responses in the first four overs. Some worked. Some didn’t. This is T20 cricket in the modern age. There is very little holding back. Rinku could have. He fell playing a big shot right after finding the boundary, even though KKR only had Russell and Ramandeep Singh as recognised batters with nearly half the innings left to play.3:07

Does Rohit have a technique issue?

Rickelton comes good

Ryan Rickelton was beaten by each of the first four balls he faced. His first four came off an inside edge, first six off a top edge, and all of a sudden, it really did look like T20 cricket was flipping hard. A pitch that was supposed to be a belter – because of the pace and bounce on offer – was being harnessed by the fast bowlers on both sides to telling effect.But with only 117 to chase, Rickelton could bide his time, and when his opportunity came – Harshit Rana trying too hard to pick up wickets and giving away a slower-ball on the half-volley – he nailed a straight drive and never looked back. Rickelton brought up fifty with a six off Narine, and was at the other end when Suryakumar Yadav brought up victory with a six. Rohit Sharma, though, had another failure, falling for 13. The worries around his batting form continue.

If you are planning to visit Gillette Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, with 48 teams set to battle it out for the ultimate prize. The tournament will take place across June and July in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with some of the most iconic stadiums in North America set to host matches, including the home of the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium.

Located in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Gillette Stadium will host a total of seven matches during the tournament, covering both group stage and knockout rounds.

Over its 23-year history, Gillette Stadium has welcomed a range of major events, including NFL and MLS games, international soccer matches, college football events, and concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest artists.

For sponsorship reasons, the venue will be referred to as “Boston Stadium” during the World Cup. Whether you're planning to attend a match or simply want to explore the venue while in town, GOAL has everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable experience.

Getty Images SportGillette Stadium overviewCapacity65,878Year opened2002Tenant(s)New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS)Address1 Patriot Pl, Foxborough, MA 02035, USAAdvertisementGetty Images SportHistory of Gillette Stadium

Built in 2002 to replace the old Foxborough Stadium, Gillette Stadium became the new home of the New England Patriots and later also for MLS side New England Revolution. Originally named CMGI Field, the stadium was later renamed after Gillette acquired the naming rights.

Since its opening, Gillette Stadium has hosted countless matches, unforgettable moments, legendary athletes, and world-renowned artists. In 2023, it underwent a $250 million renovation, transforming it into a modern, state-of-the-art facility. A key highlight of the upgrade is the addition of a 22-story tower known as "The Lighthouse," offering visiting fans 360-degree views of the stadium as well as the city of Boston. 

In 2024, Lionel Messi played at the venue with Inter Miami, facing off against the home team. More recently, a statue honoring Patriots legend Tom Brady was unveiled outside the stadium.

Now, a new chapter awaits, as Gillette Stadium is set to host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Who knows what kind of spectacle it will deliver this time?

Getty Images SportWhich teams play at Gillette Stadium

Gillette Stadium is currently home to the New England Patriots of the NFL and features a striking statue of Tom Brady just outside the venue, honoring the legendary quarterback. It also serves as the home ground for MLS side New England Revolution.

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How to get to Gillette Stadium by public transport 

The best and most efficient way to reach Gillette Stadium via public transport is to take the MBTA Rail Commuter service that runs from South Boston station to Foxboro station which is adjacent to the stadium. The round-trip usually costs around $20 and travelling fans can book their ticket from the MBTA's mTicket app. 

How to get to Gillette Stadium by car 

For those travelling by car, the stadium is easily accessible via the I-95 and I-495. There is ample parking near the stadium, however, it is recommmended to purchase parking tickets and reserve your spot advance to avoid any hassle, especially on event days. 

AC Milan secured their second win of the Serie A season after a narrow 1-0 victory over Bologna. Mexican striker Santiago Giménez has yet to find the net for the Rossoneri, but head coach Massimiliano Allegri highlighted the forward’s contribution beyond goals. Milan now sit fifth on the Serie A table with six points.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Still goalless, but contributing in other ways

  Mexico international Santiago Giménez remains without a goal in the 2025-26 Serie A season, extending his drought to five matches after hitting the post on a one-on-one chance against Bologna.

  Despite the dry spell, Massimiliano Allegri highlighted the 23-year-old’s overall impact, calling it his strongest outing since joining Milan.

  “Santiago ran tirelessly, pressed high, and worked very hard. He missed two good chances, but he reached them because of his effort. I’m very pleased – it was his best game since I’ve been in charge,” Allegri told DAZN.

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  Allegri shows faith in Santi

  Cameras caught the coach embracing Giménez after substituting him. Since Allegri's arrival, the striker has started all three games for the Rossoneri.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Chasing European qualification

  The victory keeps Milan in the race for qualifying for European competition next season. Allegri admitted the objective remains a return to the Champions League, though he urged caution.

  “Our goal is to get back into the Champions League. It’s not easy, and we can’t get carried away, but I think we’re doing very well. Winning while keeping a clean sheet for the second match in a row was important. The team stayed compact in difficult moments, and that’s when we cannot fall apart,” Allegri said. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

  AC Milan will visit Udinese next Saturday in Serie A action.

Sporting CP’s record signing Luis Suarez says he is living "a dream" after he scored four goals for Colombia against Venezuela.

Sporting broke record with €22.5m signing of SuarezArrived as Gyokeres’ replacementScored four goals vs Venezuela in World Cup qualifierFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Suarez delivered one of the most memorable international performances of recent years, scoring four goals in just 25 minutes during Colombia’s 6-3 World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela. It was his first ever start for the Cafeteros, and he made it unforgettable, becoming only the fifth player in South American qualifying history to achieve such a feat. Suarez, who joined Sporting this summer as Viktor Gyokeres’ replacement, is quickly proving why the club broke their transfer record to secure his signature.

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The Lions' gamble on Suarez is already paying off. After selling Gyokeres to Arsenal for over €70 million (£59m/$76m), the Portuguese giants reinvested €22.5m (£19m/$25m) to bring the Colombian in from Almeria, where he rediscovered his form following a disappointing stint at Marseille. His international heroics add to a strong start in Lisbon with two goals and two assists in his first five matches suggesting Sporting may have unearthed another attacking star who could dominate both domestically and in Europe.

WHAT LUIS SUAREZ SAID

Speaking after his four-goal haul, the Colombian striker said: "I'm very happy to have had this opportunity, for our team's victory and very happy individually. It's a dream, I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. It presented itself and I knew how to seize it. It's a great pride to make history with four goals, but that takes second place, because we have to contribute our part."

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Suarez will return to Portugal riding a wave of confidence as Sporting prepare to kick off their Champions League campaign next week. The Colombian forward will be tasked with leading the line in both European and domestic competition. If he maintains this blistering form, he could quickly follow in Gyokeres’ footsteps as Sporting’s next superstar forward.

Crystal Palace are stepping up their level of intent in the summer transfer window and could now be set to enter the box seat to sign a talented Champions League finalist, according to reports.

Oliver Glasner sends honest Crystal Palace transfer message

The Eagles have endured a slow start to the transfer window, which has seen only Borna Sosa and Walter Benitez arrive in South London, prompting Oliver Glasner to share his frustration over club dealings that have left the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss with a slim squad to work with.

He stated: “Even though all the players are still here, we haven’t made the most of the transfer window so far. I was promised that we would be more active and bring in the new players earlier this year.

“As of now, I have 17 outfield players! I hope we don’t lose any more. If that happens and we get four new ones on deadline day like last year, another false start is possible.”

Inevitable speculation over Crystal Palace hero Eberechi Eze’s future hasn’t helped matters, with Arsenal showing strong interest in bringing the England international to North London.

In terms of incoming, the Eagles are fighting to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea. However, they will need to bat aside AC Milan, Newcastle United and Napoli to secure his signature.

Girona star Viktor Tsygankov is also on the radar of Crystal Palace, potentially offering an alternative creative outlet for Glasner to utilise if Eze moves on following a stellar few years at Selhurst Park.

Either way, movement needs to occur sooner rather than later, and supporters could be in for a treat if recent developments are to accelerate. Crystal Palace preparing offer for Inter Milan's Yann Bisseck

According to Gazetta dello Sport, Crystal Palace are preparing a €32m (£27.5m) bid to sign Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck, which will be the highest that any club has offered to sign the Germany international.

Playing a part in the Nerazzurri’s run to the Champions League final last term, the Eagles are now said to be in the ‘front row’ to tempt him away from San Siro amid his current employers’ openness to selling him if a suitable offer comes along.

Yann Bisseck’s key Serie A statistics in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Tackles won

70.6%

Recoveries

66

Pass accuracy

92.4%

Aerial duels won

48

Duels won

76

Labelled “consistent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Bisseck made 46 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, registering three goals and three assists in total. West Ham United have also previously shown interest in the 24-year-old. However, Crystal Palace now look to be ahead on that front amid uncertainty over Marc Guehi’s future.

With the England man holding off on signing a new contract amid interest from Liverpool, Bisseck could emerge as a natural replacement should movement start to take place on the former’s situation in the coming weeks.

Reinforcements are necessary as Crystal Palace tread the line between being caught short heading into the new season, and a statement addition would undoubtedly lift the mood after a summer that hasn’t gone to plan so far.

Everton were slipping down a slope last season, headed for trouble with Sean Dyche in the dugout and Farhad Moshiri watching from above.

But David Moyes replaced Dyche, lifted the Toffees up, up, up. The relegation candidates finished 13th in the Premier League, comfortably away from the drop zone. Now, as they leave Goodison Park and step into a new home at the Hill Dickinson, with plenty to look forward to.

Thierno Barry has joined for £27m, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the striker went by the wayside at the end of his contract. Mark Travers has signed to provide competition for Jordan Pickford; Charly Alcaraz’s buy option has been triggered after his promising loan stint.

However, there’s been something of an exodus on the blue half of Merseyside. Departed players need to be replaced, with the midfield still a priority for Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear.

Everton searching for midfielders

With Abdoulaye Doucoure having left at the end of his deal, Everton need new midfielders. The latest name to crop up belongs to Douglas Luiz, who, one year after leaving Aston Villa for Juventus in a £42m deal, is being touted for a return to the Premier League.

Reports from Italy claim Everton have actually tabled their opening offer for the Brazilian ace. However, their £26m bid falls below Juventus’ £35m valuation.

However, according to Football Insider, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher is also of interest to the Merseyside outfit, though he’s worth a pretty penny at £50m and is also attracting intrigue from Newcastle United.

However, given his homegrown status and style of play, which would see him dovetail right into Moyes’ system, this could be a statement signing and a half.

Why Everton want Conor Gallagher

Gallagher left Chelsea for Atletico Madrid in a deal worth £33m last summer, with Enzo Maresca having informed the versatile midfielder he would be consigned to a bit-part role if he remained at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca’s flowing ball-playing style of football precluded Gallagher’s involvement in a prominent role, but Everton don’t need to worry about that: Moyes is rooted in his tactical principles, limited in possession but industrious and organised and direct.

An intense pressing force, Gallagher would slot right in, maybe even more complete than Luiz, the other top midfield target. Hailed as a “machine” by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo, who also noted the 25-year-old “helps me a lot when we need to recover the ball”, it would be money well spent.

Luiz has struggled to adapt in Italy, only starting three Serie A games last season – albeit, this was marred by injury problems. Gallagher, meanwhile, hasn’t been a week-in, week-out starter for Diego Simeone’s Atletico, but he’s proved his worth, ranked among the top 10% of La Liga midfielders last year for ball recoveries and the top 11% for tackles won per 90, as per FBref.

And when looking at his last Premier League campaign, ranked against Luiz’s with Aston Villa, you begin to see that Everton might strike gold by signing the former Blue.

Matches (starts)

37 (37)

35 (35)

Goals

5

9

Assists

7

5

Touches*

70.4

70.1

Pass completion

92%

89%

Big chances created

11

10

Key passes*

1.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.0

0.7

Ball recoveries*

6.0

5.3

Tackles + interceptions*

3.5

2.4

Duels (won)*

5.7 (50%)

4.2 (51%)

Gallagher is crisper in possession, with more ground-covering energy and defensive sharpness too. Luiz might have outscored him in 2023/24, but he took penalties, with four of his nine strikes above coming from the spot. All seven of Gallagher’s were from open play.

There is little question that either player would have a positive impact on Moyes’ project. Both have shared qualities that align with Moyes’ vision, with the way the Scotsman wants to play.

But Gallagher might be that little bit better, and he would pack a punch that might even steer the Toffees back into the top end of the Premier League table.

He’s Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make contact to sign £22.5m "sensational prospect"

Everton will be hoping they can add to their attacking output this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 18, 2025

Arsenal are making serious moves behind-the-scenes as new sporting director Andrea Berta looks to make a real impression on English shores, with the 53-year-old thought to be closing in on another target.

Arsenal in advanced talks for player with 5-year deal "already agreed"

The north Londoners have made a significant transfer stride.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

The Gunners confirmed Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival in N5 earlier this week.

The now-ex-Chelsea goalkeeper comes in as Berta’s first official signing since he replaced Edu in late March, but Kepa is widely expected to be followed by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who could even be announced as a new Arsenal player on Thursday (Team News and Ticks).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£5m

After agreeing a deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard recently, which could reach up to £15 million, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano now says that all the necessary paperwork has been exchanged for his transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta and co will ideally welcome the signing of Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as well, as talks remain ongoing with the La Liga side in an attempt to strike their fourth deal of the window. Valencia did attempt to offer the 21-year-old a new contract to ward Arsenal off, but he’s apparently determined to join Arteta’s side.

“Cristhian Mosquera’s plan remains clear: he wants to join Arsenal project despite new contract proposal from Valencia,” said Romano on X.

“Full focus on negotiations with #AFC as personal terms are agreed, and new bid will be needed after opening one for €14m, rejected.”

Berta has many plates spinning right now, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also firmly on their radar.

Arsenal talks with Eberechi Eze "well advanced"

Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal held “positive” talks with Eze’s representatives last weekend, and like Mosquera, he’s pretty keen on the idea of joining.

Now, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, Arsenal’s negotiations with Eze are “well advanced”, and all that is really left to do is trigger the England international’s release clause to strike a full agreement.

This comes after “further moves” in “recent hours”, as the outlet reported on Wednesday afternoon, so it appears Berta and co have upped the ante in their pursuit since their weekend discussions.

It is worth noting that Palace have no intention of accepting an offer lower than Eze’s £68m clause, with Arsenal told the exact price needed to make the 27-year-old their next major signing.

It is currently unclear what the ex-QPR star is demanding in terms of salary, with Eze on a reported £100,000-per-week in south London right now, but it could end up being quite a costly operation overall.

However, after his best-ever season at Palace with 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, there is little denying he’d seriously upgrade Arteta’s squad.

“His journey has been unique,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports.

“He’s had disappointments in his academy life, released from clubs, found a new journey and a different pathway for himself. He’s got to this level and now he’s an England international.

“This kid, no disrespect to Palace, could go on and play for one of the top teams. He’s got that individual brilliance; he’s got the awareness when he’s dribbling to keep his head up and bring others into play. I speak to other players that play against him, and they say he’s such an elusive player, unpredictable in the way that he carries the ball, but also [his strength].”

The Premier League is widely regarded as the most physical, intense and demanding league across the continent, so it’s always very impressive to see players performing well into their 30s.

Here, we’ve taken a look at the 10 oldest players in the Premier League, with their age taken from their last appearance. Without further ado, here is the list…

Rank

Player

Club

Age

Lukasz Fabianski

West Ham

Ashley Young

Everton

James Milner

Brighton

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

Jonny Evans

Man Utd

Adam Lallana

Southampton

Fraser Forster

Tottenham

Willian

Fulham

Seamus Coleman

Everton

Martin Dubravka

Newcastle

10 Martin Dubravka (Newcastle) 36 years, 1 month

Martin Dubravka has been in and out of Newcastle United team of late, primarily standing in for Nick Pope whenever the Toon No 1 is out injured.

Indeed, he was called upon over the Christmas period with Pope unavailable, with Newcastle securing a sixth consecutive win with the Slovakian between the sticks on his 36th birthday.

Dubravka’s last appearance came against Man City in February 2025.

9 Seamus Coleman (Everton) 36 years, 7 months

Seamus Coleman has been at Everton for 16 years now, though his season was derailed by injuries throughout.

It meant the Irishman only turned out five times for the Toffees in the 2024/25 Premier League, coming on most recently in the final game at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18th May.

8 Willian (Fulham) 36 years, 9 months, 1 day

Willian made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in October 2013 and has remained in the division ever since, aside from brief stints out at Corinthians and Olympiacos. The tricky winger returned to Fulham in January 2025.

His longevity is admirable, having made 327 appearances in England’s top flight with three different clubs as of the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

#

Player

Goals

1

Roberto Firmino

82

2

Gabriel Jesus

76

3

Richarlison

64

=4

Philippe Coutinho

47

=4

Willian

47

6

Gabriel Martinelli

40

=7

Matheus Cunha

29

=7

Juninho

29

=9

Joao Pedro

22

=9

Joelinton

22

7 Fraser Forster (Tottenham) 36 years, 9 months, 12 days

Fraser Forster was summoned to the Tottenham Hotspur first team when Guglielmo Vicario was struck by injury.

It handed the former Southampton and Celtic shot-stopper a brief run of games in December, though Spurs were only successful on one occasion – on a return to St Mary’s.

Now 37, it remains to be seen whether he will appear for Spurs in the new season, having lost his place in the matchday squad towards the end of the campaign.

6 Adam Lallana (Southampton) 36 years, 9 months, 26 days

Adam Lallana’s Premier League career may well be over following Southampton’s relegation in 2025, which isn’t a huge surprise given he may not be granted another move up the pyramid at 37 years of age.

Looking further ahead, Lallana joined up with the England Under-21s in September 2023 as a coach – perhaps indicating his future plans on the touchline.

Trophy

Year

FIFA Club World Cup

2020

Premier League

2020

UEFA Super Cup

2019

Champions League

2019

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

2010

5 Jonny Evans (Man Utd) 37 years, 4 months

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United re-signed free agent Jonny Evans in the summer of 2023, but the veteran certainly proved a few naysayers wrong.

The Northern Irishman called time on his second spell in 2025, ending the campaign as the fifth-oldest player in the league.

He would have to turn out for another top-flight club to climb the rankings, perhaps for a promoted club looking for an experienced head.

Trophy

Year

Community Shield

2009, 2011, 2012, 2021

FA Cup

2021, 2024

Premier League

2009, 2011, 2013

FIFA Club World Cup

2009

League Cup

2009, 2010

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy

2010

Champions League

2008

Championship

2007

4 Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 37 years, 4 months

Jamie Vardy bid a fond farewell to Leicester City this season, but despite the Foxes’ relegation, the 37-year-old backed himself to still do a job in the Premier League.

At the conclusion of the season, it was not clear where the striker was headed, but he certainly flew the flag for the veterans of the division, with only three older players appearing.

3 James Milner (Brighton) 39 years, 4 months

James Milner has amassed a remarkable 638 Premier League appearances – only Gareth Barry (653) has collected more.

The former England international has adapted his game to continue operating at the highest level, particularly at Liverpool, where he became an established left-back.

Now at Brighton, Milner has played at left-back, right-back and central midfield for the Seagulls.

He won Liverpool’s gruelling lactate test every pre-season he was at the club, evincing his astounding fitness levels, which no doubt have played a huge role in his longevity.

#

Player

Goals

1

Gareth Barry

653

2

James Milner

638

3

Ryan Giggs

632

4

Frank Lampard

609

5

David James

572

6

Gary Speed

535

7

Emile Heskey

516

8

Mark Schwarzer

514

9

Jamie Carragher

508

10

Phil Neville

505

2 Ashley Young (Everton) 39 years, 10 months

Ashley Young turns 40 in summer 2025, and has been a superb servant to Everton since his switch in 2023.

The former Manchester United winger has experienced a similar career development to Milner in the sense that he converted to full-back in order to continue playing at the highest level.

Young has continued to rack up appearances despite his advancing age, playing primarily at right-back.

Team

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Manchester United

261

19

33

Aston Villa

247

38

53

Watford

110

22

9

Everton

70

2

4

Inter

59

5

9

1 Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham) 40 years, 1 month

It seems crazy to think that Lukasz Fabianski is now in his 40s, having joined English football as a youngster with Arsenal in 2007.

He will be leaving West Ham United after seven years of service in east London, but not before topping the Premier League charts as the competition’s oldest player in 2024/25.

It’s hardly a badge of honour, but it speaks to the Pole’s enduring qualities that he could still hack it at the top level.

Liverpool opted against significant first-team investment after Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and put an end to his Anfield dynasty last summer.

One of the esteemed coach’s final acts, in typically larger-than-life fashion, was to bellow his successor’s name into a mic, Liverpool having finished the 2023/24 Premier League season in third place, and as Carabao Cup champions.

“Arne Slot,” the manager roared, and Liverpool’s fans echoed his rallying cry. It was the end of an era, an illustrious period of sustained success that saw the Reds win the whole gamut after several interminable seasons of disappointment, languishing below their rightful place among the big boys.

Klopp’s decision has been vindicated. Slot has won the Premier League in his first term at the helm, so dominant, taking the team left to him and shaping it into something greater.

Now, though, it is time for first-team investment. The pieces are being moved well ahead of the summer transfer window, and though fans anticipate a raft of exciting arrivals, some departures are needed too.

Darwin Nunez chief among them.

Why Liverpool must sell Darwin Nunez

While the thought of Florian Wirtz driving a Nunez resurgence is tantalising, it’s probably not going to happen.

The Uruguay international, 25, has just completed his third campaign in a Liverpool shirt, and it was probably his least productive yet.

When Nunez arrived in July 2022 for a fee rising to a club-record £85m, he arrived to much fanfare. Here was a robust, athletic and deadly forward who scored 34 goals from 41 matches in his final season for the Portuguese giants.

But he’s failed to make it work in the Premier League. Here’s a statistic: Nunez has only scored 25 goals in the English top flight, featuring 95 times and avoiding any serious stretch in the infirmary.

24/25

47

7

7

23/24

54

18

15

22/23

42

15

4

Klopp’s tactics are perhaps characterised by their chaos. Nunez, then, embodies some of the German’s core principles, but Slot’s businesslike approach has led to a regression, with the boss even stating in February that he “can’t accept” Nunez’s work-rate.

While the £140k-per-week talent’s time on Merseyside has been defined by wastefulness, this hasn’t really been the case this term. Instead, he’s been reduced to a small part in the grand play, scoring only seven goals across all competitions and starting but once in the Premier League since Boxing Day.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool’s plan is to part ways with the record man, and all parties welcome the prospect. With Saudi suitors interested, Liverpool might just find they can sign a suitable replacement to add to the exciting rebuild Richard Hughes is currently fronting.

Liverpool want to sign a new striker

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool are ready to challenge Newcastle United for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, who is ready to leave the south coast club this summer.

The clubs in question are ready to meet Brighton’s €70m (£58m) demands, both eager to take the lead in the race.

Despite earlier reports to the contrary, transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims Chelsea are not actively pursuing a move, only enhancing Liverpool’s chances of getting a deal done.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Liverpool

Newcastle’s success in qualifying for the Champions League after Aston Villa were controversially beaten at Old Trafford surely ends Anfield’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak this summer, with PIF set to demand north of £150m for his sale.

Joao Pedro, conversely, is expected to leave the AMEX, and for a far smaller figure at that. The Brazil forward has been a success since joining Brighton from Championship side Watford in 2023, a deal that narrowly missed the £30m mark.

Across 70 appearances for the Seagulls, the 23-year-old has scored 30 goals and supplied ten assists. However, he’s not defined by his goal metrics, promising though they may be, with Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard hailing his “really magical” quality on the ball.

Beaten by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch to the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, he’s got the physicality and technical ability to become a star under Slot’s wing, smoothly replacing Nunez at number nine.

As per Sofascore, Joao Pedro has only missed 16 big chances across his two top-flight campaigns at Brighton, scoring 19 goals and supplying nine assists. He’s only started 42 matches during this period.

The foundations have been laid, and now Slot can welcome this rising star into his brood and take him to the next level, providing the title winners with a new focal frontman who can provide a richer goal threat while maintaining a dynamic, multi-faceted approach to benefit the likes of Wirtz and Mohamed Salah, among others.

Nunez’s day is done, but in his place, Liverpool can sign a striker capable of proving an upgrade while echoing some of the South American’s finer qualities.

But there’s no denying that Joao Pedro is a sharper and more complete version, as the table below highlights.

Goals

0.40

0.46

Assists

0.16

0.28

Shots taken

2.70

1.94

Shot-creating actions

2.46

3.33

Touches

29.07

43.43

Touches (att pen)

5.88

5.64

Progressive passes

2.14

3.60

Progressive carries

1.83

3.05

Successful take-ons

0.64

1.34

Tkl + Int

1.99

1.16

As you can see, Nunez pales in comparison to the Brighton man, who has yet to reach his potential and already has showcased high-level qualities in the Premier League.

It’s time for change. Nunez will leave Liverpool with the goodwill of the fanbase, but he must indeed depart – especially if a deal for a player like Joao Pedro is in the pipeline.

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