Muyeye’s fifty closes the contest out to keep quarter-final hopes alive
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Fred Klaassen made inroads with the new ball•ECB via Getty Images
The Kent Spitfires are still in with a shout a Vitality Blast quarter-final place, after they coasted to a seven-wicket win over Middlesex at Canterbury, with 11 balls to spare.Fred Klaassen took 3 for 39 as the visitors were limited to 160 for five from their 20 overs and they needed 68 from Leus Du Plooy to give them something to defend.A blistering opening partnership of 66 between Tawanda Muyeye, who top-scored with 59 and Harry Finch meant Kent always looked favourites and when Finch went for 36, Joe Denly took the Spitfires to the brink with 46, before Sam Billings sealed the win with a six.Middlesex chose to bat first but lost Stevie Eskinazi in the second over when he was bowled off stump by Klaassen.In his next over Klaassen got Ben Geddes for 22, after he slapped him straight to Finch at point, leaving the visitors on 40 for two after the powerplay.Kane Williamson was caught and bowled by Jack Leaning for just six but Leaning’s 10th over went for 14, and allowing Middlesex to reach 68 for three at halfway and Matt Parkinson’s 11th went for 16.There was a lengthy delay while du Plooy was treated for a hand injury, after which Grant Stewart bowled Ryan Higgins middle stump for 19, breaking a partnership worth 68.Klaassen claimed the key wicket of du Plooy when he was caught by Finch near the rope but some late hitting by Joe Cracknell, who finished on 24 not out, and Luke Hollman, who was unbeaten on 14, steered Middlesex to a defensible total.It looked less defensible when openers Finch and Muyeye flayed 59 from the powerplay,Although Zafar Gohar made a breakthrough when he caught and bowled the former for 36, it didn’t affect the scoring rate.A single from Josh Little gave Muyeye his 50 and although Higgins had him caught by du Plooy in the 16th, Billings came in and blasted 20 from seven.Denly was denied the satisfaction of hitting the winning runs when he was bowled by Tom Helm, leaving Billings to complete the job with a six off Higgins that flew over square leg.
Manchester United are struggling for momentum under Ruben Amorim and could look to replace their current boss if results don’t improve at Old Trafford.
Man Utd fail to impress in Brentford defeat
Once again, the Red Devils failed to build from a position of strength following their victory over Chelsea last weekend, falling to a defeat at Brentford that will be remembered due to a sliding doors moment.
After Benjamin Sesko halved the hosts’ lead, Bruno Fernandes spurned the chance to level the scoring from the penalty spot before Mathias Jensen ended Manchester United’s hopes of salvaging a result in the capital.
Amorim is a man under pressure at Old Trafford, and Ashley Williams has made it clear he can’t see improvement at the Premier League giants unless the Portuguese boss is relieved of his duties.
He stated on Final Score: “I don’t want to say they change manager, but how long can this continue? It seems to be every week that we’re talking about it. I’m a fan of managers who have a style and stick to it. That isn’t working. You have to adapt. I don’t see where Manchester united go with this unless they change manager.”
Slipping back into the bottom half won’t do Amorim any favours, and his side will now prepare to take on Sunderland at Old Trafford next weekend – a fixture that has now entered must-win territory.
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1
By
Joe Nuttall
Sep 28, 2025
Change is needed fast to avoid a seemingly inevitable parting of the ways, which many would attribute to the Red Devils’ refusal to alter their complex 3-4-3 formation.
Potential successors are already being floated, and a surprise name has emerged as a candidate to take over at Old Trafford should Amorim leave the club.
Man Utd could replace Ruben Amorim with Graham Potter
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United could take the surprise step of replacing Amorim with Graham Potter despite the Englishman being sacked by West Ham United earlier in the week. The report claims that the ex-Irons manager is a leading contender to come in at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old has won 191 times during his managerial career, albeit his spell at the London Stadium was unsuccessful to say the least. Brighton & Hove Albion supporters will attest to his excellent work on the South Coast, though he also endured frustration while in charge at Chelsea.
Graham Potter’s managerial record at West Ham
Matches in charge across all competitions – 25
Wins
6
Draws
5
Losses
14
Intriguingly, the outlet claim results over Amorim’s next few matches will determine his fate. Potter, who shares the same Wasserman agency as Mikel Arteta and Steven Gerrard, would offer something different with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, but moving to appoint someone with a recent record similar to Amorim isn’t something that would appease supporters.
Nevertheless, he would have the luxury of working with offensive talent such as Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, three players who are yet to gel under the current management team.
كشف محمد الشاذلي المتحدث الرسمي لـ وزارة الشباب والرياضة، عن اتخاذ الوزارة قرارًا جديدًا بشأن استعدادات منتخب مصر الثاني المشارك في بطولة كأس العرب بقيادة الكابتن حلمي طولان.
ويشارك منتخب مصر، في بطولة كأس العرب خلال الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل بقطر، ويتواجد في المجموعة الثالثة، بجانب الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).
وكان حلمي طولان، قد خرج في تصريحات مساء الإثنين، اشتكى فيها من عدم الاهتمام باستعدادات المنتخب لبطولة كأس العرب، قائلًا :”منتخب مصر يواجه أزمة كبيرة في ملاعب التدريب، فالملاعب الفرعية في استاد القاهرة مؤجرة لرجال أعمال يملكون أندية في الدوري، وعندما أذهب للتدريب يُطلب مني دفع مقابل مالي، رغم أننا نمثل مصر في البطولة”.
طالع | حلمي طولان يهاجم رابطة الأندية: لن أقبل الإهانة.. ومنتخب مصر يُعامل بدون احترام
ونقل إبراهيم فايق تصريحات خاصة لمتحدث وزارة الشباب والرياضية لبرنامج “الكورة مع فايق” على قناة “إم بي سي مصر 2″، قال فيها: “وزير الشباب والرياضة أشرف صبحي أعطى توجيها للإدارة التنفيذية باستاد القاهرة بتوفير ملعب للمنتخب مصر بقيادة حلمي طولان”.
وأضاف: “ووجه وزير الشباب والرياضة أيضًا بتوفير كل الإمكانيات اللازمة لدعم منتخب مصر لخوض منافسات كأس العرب”.
يذكر، أن منتخب مصر الثاني، سيلعب مباراتين وديتين في معسكر شهر نوفمبر المقبل، ضد منتخب الجزائر استعدادًا لخوض منافسات كأس العرب بقطر.
AC Milan legend Massimo Ambrosini has praised Christian Pulisic and Santiago Giménez, crediting the Mexico forward for positively impacting the USMNT star's form. Ambrosini, who won multiple titles with Milan from 1995 to 2013, said both have impressed since joining the club. Pulisic has scored 38 goals in 108 appearances, while Giménez has netted seven in 27.
Getty Images Sport'One of his best performances so far'
Ambrosini, who made nearly 500 appearances for the Rossoneri and lifted multiple trophies with the club, emphasized that Giménez’s value can’t be judged solely by his goal tally. In his view, the 23-year-old’s tactical awareness and relentless pressing have been key in helping teammates like Christian Pulisic shine this season.
“True, he hasn’t been scoring much,” Ambrosini told , “but against Juventus in Turin, he delivered one of his best performances so far – he controlled the game’s rhythm, worked tirelessly, came close with a header and a long-range shot, and even won a penalty.”
Ambrosini noted how Giménez’s movement and physical presence constantly unsettled the Juventus defense, opening up lanes for others to exploit – particularly for Pulisic, who has been one of Milan’s most productive attackers.
“Pulisic covers the entire attacking line, but he benefits from having a player like Giménez who keeps defenders occupied,” Ambrosini said. “If Christian has been performing at such a high level, some of the credit has to go to Santi.”
Gimenez's work ethic and overall impact on the pitch haven’t gone unnoticed – especially by Ambrosini and manager Max Allegri.
“Santiago is a fundamental piece of this team,” Allegri said after the Juventus match. “He gives us structure – the way he connects play, holds up the ball, and presses from the front is vital. The goals will come, but what he brings goes well beyond statistics.”
While parts of the Italian media have criticized Giménez for his lack of goals, respected voices like Ambrosini’s continue to underline his importance to Milan’s structure and chemistry. For many observers, the Mexican forward has become a quiet but essential presence in Allegri's squad.
The advanced stats
Gimenez currently has an xG of 2.48, and is currently shooting 38 percent on target in Serie A. He is 14th among strikers in the league in shots on target per 90 minutes at 1.2 per match.
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AFPBack against Fiorentina
Giménez has scored just once this season – in the Coppa Italia – across eight appearances, and will be eager to find the net in Serie A once league play resumes after the October international break. Milan host Fiorentina on October 19, giving the Mexican a new chance to end his scoring drought and reinforce his growing reputation among fans and pundits alike.
OSão Paulofoiderrotado por 1 a 0 para o Cruzeirona noite do último sábado (24), com gol contra anotado pelo lateral Rafinha logo aos 3 minutos do primeiro tempo. Apesar da derrota, a atuação do Tricolor não foi ruim, tirando os dez minutos iniciais da partida, período, inclusive, que saiu o gol da Raposa em Belo Horizonte. Dorival júnior promoveu algumas mudanças em relação ao time titular que venceu o Athletico na última rodada.
Sem Gabriel Neves, suspenso, Méndez ganhou a vaga de titular inédita até aqui com o treinador. Além disso, Luciano foi sacado para a entrada de Alisson, fazendo a função de armador atrás do centroavante Calleri. O esquema 4-2-3-1 foi mantido, com Méndez fazendo uma dupla de volantes com Pablo Maia, um trio formado por Wellington Rato na direita, Nestor na esquerda e Alisson no centro, tentando municiar Calleri, centroavante fixo como pivô.
ATUAÇÕES: Ataque perde chances, e Rafinha marca contra em derrota do São Paulo pelo Brasileirão
O sistema ofensivo do Tricolor até foi bem, parando muitas vezes no goleiro Rafael Cabral, que fez grande partida. Porém, o que se viu foi um São Paulo sem muita criatividade, abusando dos cruzamentos na área. Foram 22 bolas alçadas na área, buscando desvio de Calleri ou algum atacante. No entanto, somente sete delas (32%), foram certas, segundo dados do ‘Sofascore’. Isso dificultou muito a criação, já que as triangulações eram facilmente bloqueadas pela defesa cruzeirense. Quando tinha a chance dde finalizar, o São Paulo nâo concluía bem. Foram 14, com oito na diração do gol.
Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!
Apesar da derrota, pode-se dizer que o sistema defensivo funcionou, tendo somente o ‘apagão’ que resultou no gol de Rafinha, contra, em mais um tento sofrido em bola aérea. No lance, a falta de comunicação entre os defensores e a falha de posicionamento foram vitais. Arboleda e Beraldo ficaram muito juntos, marcando praticamente o mesmo jogador: Gilberto. Com isso, Rafinha ficou na marcação de Filipe Machado, no meio da área, colocando a bola para dentro do gol.
No mais, o Cruzeiro não conseguiu finalizar na meta de Rafael. Tanto que o São Paulo terminou o jogo sem sofrer um chute ao gol. Isso não acontecia desde a Ponte Preta em outubro de 2015 contra o Joinville. Abusando do chuveirinho, o São Paulo até pressionou, mas não conseguiu furar o bloqueio cruzeirense, saindo de Belo Horizonte com a derrota.
Newcastle United’s transfer strategy this summer has been one of urgency and precision.
After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season and securing a place in this year’s Champions League, the Magpies have been determined to strengthen in all departments.
The recruitment drive has already seen significant arrivals. Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have all arrived to add competition.
The club’s ambitions to compete both domestically and in Europe are plain to see, but the 3-2 thriller defeat against Liverpool at St James’ Park served as a stark reminder of how quickly plans can be disrupted.
Midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both picked up injuries, leaving fans and management concerned about the stability of the engine room.
With Champions League fixtures looming, Newcastle suddenly face the prospect of heading into winter without two of their most trusted midfielders.
Newcastle make move for new midfielder
While speculation over Alexander Isak’s future continues to simmer in the background, the pressing priority is now midfield.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
Newcastle know they cannot risk being short in the one area of the pitch that dictates both defensive resilience and attacking creativity.
The search for a solution has therefore intensified in recent weeks, and the club has now turned its attention to one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to reporter Jason Soutar, Newcastle United have opened talks with Manchester United over a deal for Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects.
The club have enquired about the conditions of a transfer, with the player thought to be open to a move away from Old Trafford.
Mainoo does not fall into the category of wantaway players currently unsettled at United – a group that includes Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia – but his long-term future under Rúben Amorim remains uncertain.
The Portuguese manager has so far preferred to use captain Bruno Fernandes in the central role, often alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, leaving Mainoo on the bench for two consecutive matches.
Reports have also linked Bayern Munich and former United boss Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen with interest, though neither club has formalised a move.
Mainoo himself is said to favour a switch abroad, but Newcastle’s offer of regular first-team football at a Champions League club may be difficult to ignore.
How Mainoo and Bruno Guimarães could transform Newcastle
The growing recognition of Mainoo’s talent only adds to the intrigue.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has compared him to “a mix of Xavi and Busquets”, while United writer Alex Turk describes him as a future “£100m-plus footballer”.
Thus, for Newcastle, this is a chance to recruit not just a stop-gap solution, but a midfielder capable of becoming a cornerstone of their project for years to come.
The most compelling aspect of Newcastle’s pursuit is the potential partnership between Mainoo and club captain Bruno Guimarães.
Since arriving at St James’ Park, Guimarães has been the heartbeat of the team, combining defensive resilience with incisive creativity.
His influence is borne out in the numbers.
Matches Played
38
Minutes Played
3,271
Goals
5
Assists
6
Progressive Carries
64
Progressive Passes
271
According to FBref, last season he ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive passes per 90 (7.29), 78th percentile for progressive carries (1.73), and 89th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.69).
Simply put, he is among the most effective deep-lying playmakers in Europe.
The difficulty for Howe has been ensuring Guimarães is not shackled by too much defensive responsibility. Injuries to key personnel have forced him to sit deeper in the past, reducing his attacking output.
This is where Mainoo’s arrival could be transformative. Despite his age, the Manchester United outcast has already shown an impressive balance between defensive steel and technical quality.
Via FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile compared to positionally similar players in Europe for tackles per 90 (2.44) and the 78th percentile for dribblers tackled per 90 (1.25), demonstrating his ability to break up play and protect the back line.
At the same time, his composure on the ball and eye for a forward pass give him the qualities needed to recycle possession and progress play under pressure.
A partnership with Guimarães would allow the Brazilian to push higher up the pitch, dictating attacks and creating chances, while Mainoo shields the defence and links transitions.
It is a blend that mirrors some of Europe’s most successful midfield pairings – the balance of control and creativity that every top team requires.
For Newcastle, such a signing would not only fill the immediate gap left by injuries but also send a message about their long-term ambitions.
Bringing in a player who has already started for England in a European Championship final and scored in an FA Cup victory over Manchester City demonstrates both vision and intent.
At just 20 years old, Mainoo is a talent who could grow with the club as they continue to build towards competing consistently at the highest level.
Manchester United, of course, will be wary of letting such a player leave. He is a Carrington graduate, a fan favourite, and one of the few academy products to establish himself in recent seasons.
But with Fernandes an immovable figure in Amorim’s system and Baleba on the horizon, United may face a difficult decision.
For Newcastle, timing is everything, and their pursuit of Mainoo could prove one of the defining moves of the summer window.
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Australia’s batters were at home on Sri Lanka tracks in ways Sri Lanka’s batters weren’t. This was one of the take-aways from a Test that Australia dominated, according to head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.Sri Lanka’s batters also largely fell playing attacking strokes.”There was a serious problem with shot selections, as well as with handling situations,” Jayasuriya said. “I don’t think certain players have handled situations well. They’re experienced players, and they have to be more mature.Related
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“These players have played a lot of cricket and should know how to play. I’ve talked to them about this. But we’ve got to talk to them in detail about this now. Also, we cannot blame the wicket. Because we saw how the wicket behaved. This was a very good wicket. For a long time, we haven’t seen such a good wicket in Galle, on the third and fourth days.”The problem, Jayasuriya said, is batters not converting their starts into big scores. In Australia’s first innings of the first Test in Galle, six batters faced 50 balls or more. In Sri Lanka’s first innings, only Dinesh Chandimal faced more than 50 balls.”The biggest problem is the batters who are taking a start but are not going to play a long innings,” Jayasuriya said. “This is something I always mutter. We saw [Usman] Khawaja, [Steven] Smith and [Josh] Inglis, all three of them took a good start and they converted them to big hundreds. This conversion must be there. We’re not consistent in that. Our players should know that these are our conditions and we must make use of these conditions. There were lots of opportunities but we didn’t make use of them.”Australia’s spinners did tend to bowl faster than Sri Lanka’s, but at the time, Sri Lanka’s spinners had felt their slower pace was better suited to this surface.”They were bowling a little faster than us, but we were thinking that our pace was the best. That’s what we’ve been doing. The wicket was on the slower side and we were trying to bowl a little faster, but we ended up bowling as we usually do here.”After the third or fourth day, we saw the normal Galle wicket. What the Australia spinners did was bowl a little faster than us. That’s normally what they’re doing.”We’re used to bowling at a slower pace, but it didn’t work in this match. We need to discuss all that also.”
أكد بيب جوارديولا، مدرب مانشستر سيتي، أنه يريد أن يستمر في تقديم كرة القدم التي يحبها، وذلك حتى نهاية مسيرته الكروية واعتزال التدريب.
وتلقى جوارديولا انتقادات كبيرة، بعد الدفاع بشكل مبالغ فيه أمام آرسنال يوم الأحد الماضي، ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.
مانشستر سيتي فشل في تحقيق الفوز على آرسنال وتعادل معه بهدف لكل فريق على ملعب الإمارات، حيث سجل جابرييل مارتينيلي هدفًا متأخرًا حرم السيتيزن من خلاله من تحقيق الانتصار.
ويستعد مانشستر سيتي لمواجهة مرتقبة مساء اليوم الأربعاء مع نظيره هدرسفيلد تاون، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الرابطة الإنجليزية.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي المتوقع أمام هدرسفيلد اليوم في كأس كاراباو
وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “مترو”: ”حتى اعتزالي في هذا النادي أو حتى تاريخ اعتزالي بشكل عام أتمنى أن ألعب بالطريقة التي أريدها، أحيانًا لا نكون قادرين على اللعب بشكل جيد والخصم أفضل، عندما ندافع بعمق يكون بسبب أمور عديدة”.
وأضاف: ”لكن من حيث المبدأ أفضل استعادة الكرة إلى الأمام والاستحواذ على الكرة كثيرًا لتفكيك دفاع الخصوم ومحاولة معاقبتهم، لطالما كنت هكذا وسأظل كذلك، إذا لم يحدث ذلك أقول لكم لأننا كنا سيئين، لم نكن جيدين وليس لأننا نريد ذلك”.
وأوضح: “دائمًا عندما فاز مانشستر سيتي بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز كنا فريقًا مملًا، أليس كذلك؟ لهذا السبب قلت حسنًا، سأعتمد على الهجمات المرتدة أكثر هذا الموسم”.
وأردف: “دائمًا ما يكون فريقنا مميزًا للغاية عندما نضغط بقوة، فشكلنا وطريقة لعبنا تجعلنا نستعيد الكرة بشكل أسرع، هذا ما ميز فريقنا خلال العقد الماضي، وعندما لا نملك ذلك وهذا ما حدث ضد أرسنال لأننا لم ندفع بالكثير من اللاعبين في الهجوم، فسوف نعاني ونلجأ إلى الدفاع بشكل أعمق”.
وتابع: “أنا متأكد من أننا سنتحسن تدريجيًا، ففي المباراتين ضد مانشستر يونايتد ونابولي رأينا أشياءًا تعجبني كثيرًا في جوانب عديدة، صحيح أننا ارتكبنا أخطاءًا لكن هذا ليس السؤال”.
واختتم: “ضد آرسنال، لأنهم فريق جيد دافعنا، وهذا لم يحدث من قبل في مسيرتي لفترة طويلة جدًا، معًا متماسكين في الوسط والعمق، لم نكن قادرين على فعل ذلك أبدًا ونجحنا في الدفاع، أعتبر هذا أمرًا إيجابيًا للغاية لمستقبلنا”.
Manchester United have now opened talks to sign a £52m midfielder who’s “out of this world”, with Ruben Amorim identifying him as one of his top targets, according to a report.
Neville urges Man Utd to sign new midfielder
The rebuild is well underway at Man United, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first major signing of the summer, while they remain in the running for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but Gary Neville believes several other signings will be necessary.
The United legend said: “It needs a big overhaul in the summer. Five or six players minimum to be able to change the direction of how he wants to play. There’s at least two forwards, a central midfield player, definitely two wing backs and another centre-back. They need six players minimum.”
The Red Devils are now closing in on a new central midfielder, with a deal for Valencia’s Javi Guerra thought to be edging closer to completion, while they have also stepped up their pursuit of a Serie A star.
Man Utd now set to accelerate talks to sign "fantastic" £35m forward
The Red Devils’ pursuit of a centre-forward is expected to move quickly.
1
By
Dominic Lund
Jul 8, 2025
That is according to a report from GOAL (via Football Transfers), which states that Man United have now opened talks over a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, having been identified as one of Amorim’s top targets.
The central midfielder is highly sought-after, with AC Milan and Juventus submitting enquiries of their own, while he also has plenty of admirers from within the Premier League, including Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea.
None of the aforementioned English clubs are expected to make moves, however, potentially opening the door for a move to Old Trafford, but a deal is unlikely to be cheap, with the Italian club setting an asking price of €60m (£52m).
Ederson could take Man Utd's midfield to next level
Former England boss Fabio Capello was left extremely impressed by the Brazilian’s performances last season, saying: “He is out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique and intelligence”.
Atalanta's Ederson in action
Central midfield has been a real problem position for the Red Devils in recent times, with Manuel Ugarte’s struggles since arriving at Old Trafford well-documented, while Jamie Carragher infamously suggested Casemiro is finished at the top level.
With the former Real Madrid man now 33-years-old, it is clear that Amorim needs to bring in a long-term replacement, and the Atalanta star could be a solid option, having been dubbed a “machine” in midfield by journalist Carlo Garganese.
Ederson could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, and it is a boost that Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea aren’t expected to make approaches, given that the propsect of playing in the Champions League could appeal to the Brazil international.
Liverpool could only wonder what it would be like to sit back at the top before Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers way back when.
But the strong desire for greater success has since been realised, in full colour, over a sustained period of success that has returned every shape of silverware to Anfield’s trophy cabinet.
And when Arne Slot replaced the German last summer after he had ‘run out of energy’, in his own words, many thought that was it, that was the end of an illustrious period that would be remembered for years and years.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
That hasn’t proved the case. Most rivals expected the Reds to fall by the wayside, or at least stumble, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, but Liverpool are Premier League champions, deserving winners, dominant winners.
Multiple threads connect the two eras, but that all-important piece of twine, central to everything good on the red half of Merseyside across recent years, is Mohamed Salah.
And he’s set to continue his iconic journey.
Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future
Liverpool ended months of anxious speculation in April, extending Salah’s contract at Liverpool for an additional two years. His £350k-per-week deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He’s no longer a spring chicken, but Salah is very much still reflecting his greatness on the field. Last term, he spearheaded Slot’s Premier League title charge, notching 47 goal contributions across the league campaign (an all-time record for a 38-game season).
His vicious blend of deadly shooting and intelligent playmaking have established him as one of the finest forwards of his generation, indeed hailed by Liverpool podcaster Lewis Aspinall as “the best right winger in Premier League history”.
Salah is now 33 years old, but he has all the tools to forge another successful season for himself and his team. With someone like Florian Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, supplying him, is there really any doubt?
Moreover, Liverpool are hoping to sign a centre-forward to replace Darwin Nunez, and he could be perfect for the Egyptian King.
Liverpool hold talks for new striker
As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain interested in signing Hugo Ekitike this summer and have been in contact regarding the player, though they face stiff competition from Newcastle United.
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Chelsea have also shown interest this summer, but their recent £60m acquisition of Joao Pedro will have tempered their desire.
The Eintracht Frankfurt striker is among the most coveted players on the market, but he’s valued at £85m, and this has dissuaded suitors from making concrete moves.
Nonetheless, if Liverpool bank sums from Nunez (with Luis Diaz attracting intrigue from Bayern Munich and Barcelona too), they will have the means and the focus to push ahead and sign a frontman who has what it takes to become a superstar.
Why Liverpool want Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was recognised as an exciting attacking talent from his days as a fledgling on the professional stage, with talent scout Jacek Kulig saying, “he could reach world-class striker levels”.
He has demonstrated as such in the Bundesliga over the past year, scoring 22 goals and supplying 12 assists across all competitions last season. He had spent a half-season on loan with Die Adler previously, warming himself up to a senior role away from the bloatedness of Paris Saint-Germain’s fringes.
And what a decision it was to forge his own path away from the French capital. The data is certainly kind to Ekitike, for he ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goal involvements, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.
That latter metric is interesting. Ekitike is a man of mobility and swiftness. He gets things done himself, scarce one to linger in wait of deliveries posted onto his doorstep.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
This is especially important for the continued success of Salah, for the Liverpool legend is indeed getting on a bit, and a robust and reliable centre-forward such as Ekitike will aid him in conserving his energy for the critical moments.
The Frenchman might not be on the same prolific level as Salah, but he’s got a similarly varied approach to his attacking play, and this could bear dividends for Liverpool’s offensive fluency next season.
It’s important to remember that Ekitike isn’t the finished product yet, but then he’s already been hailed as “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, with his progress a rising thing over the past several seasons.
He would certainly prove an upgrade on Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move to Napoli this summer.
Goals scored
0.53
0.40
Assists
0.28
0.16
Shots taken
4.00
2.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
2.46
Touches (att pen)
6.88
5.88
Progressive passes
1.86
2.14
Progressive carries
3.27
1.83
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.64
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.26
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.99
Nunez has been known for his connection with Salah, having assisted the right-winger 11 times across his Liverpool career. Can you imagine how a more refined and established forward like Ekitike would play with him, in turn providing a far superior goal threat?
Moreover, the forward is blessed with a certain instinctiveness that will allow him to latch right onto Salah’s inventive passes, his whipped crosses and deft lay-offs.
This “incredible” young prospect, as described by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, is on the fast track to the top of the game, and Liverpool must do all they can to ensure he winds up at Anfield this summer.
He might even be the perfect partner for Salah over the next couple of years, bringing an energy and dynamism to feed off the 33-year-old’s technical brilliance.
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