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Manchester City enter the 2025/26 season in transition.

After a challenging 2024/25 campaign that saw Pep Guardiola’s side finish third – 13 points behind champions Liverpool – the Etihad dressing room has experienced significant change.

Key figures including Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and İlkay Gündoğan departed, leaving gaps both on and off the pitch.

To counter this, City acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market.

James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived in goal, while reinforcements Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki all added depth outfield.

However, much of this summer’s wider transfer news has undoubtedly revolved around Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.

Now, all eyes will be on Erling Haaland to see if he can match his Scandinavian counterpart.

After the international break, City prepare to host Manchester United before a trip to Arsenal. Two matches that will test Guardiola’s revamped squad.

Comparing Isak & Haaland

Isak, now at Liverpool following his British-record £125m transfer, leaves behind a remarkable – yet somewhat controversial – Newcastle legacy.

In 86 Premier League appearances, the 25-year-old scored 54 goals and registered ten assists.

Standing 1.92m, Isak is a modern striker who blends physical presence with pace, skill, and composure.

He scores with both feet, links up effectively with teammates, and moves intelligently in the attacking third to create space for others.

His versatility allows him to operate as a lone striker, part of a two-man setup, or even on the wing, while his work rate and defensive awareness make him a complete attacking contributor.

Haaland, Manchester City’s record-breaking forward since his 2022 arrival from Dortmund, shares some of these traits.

At 25 and 1.95m, the Norwegian has scored 88 Premier League goals with 17 assists in 100 appearances.

His record includes the most goals in a Premier League season (36 in 2022/23) and 42 goals in 43 games for Norway.

Haaland is a complete centre forward, using his strength, pace, and clever movement to score with either foot or his head. While he is effective at holding up the ball, concerns remain about his technical ability to link play.

Nonetheless, both strikers deliver elite statistical output.

Matches Played

34

31

Goals

23

22

Assists

6

3

Shots

95

104

Shots on Target

41

55

In 2024/25, Isak recorded 29 goal involvements, 17.2 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 2.71 progressive carries per 90, and 2.88 progressive passes per 90.

Haaland produced 25 goal involvements, 18.8 non-penalty expected goals, 19 non-penalty goals, 0.79 progressive carries per 90, and 0.66 progressive passes per 90.

Their differences reflect style: Isak’s mobility and link-up play contrasts with Haaland’s dominant presence and finishing efficiency.

Both have been pivotal in modern Premier League systems, but the question remains whether other forwards elsewhere can offer more versatility than the pair, particularly in linking play and contributing across the front line.

How Julian Alvarez compares to Isak & Haaland

One forward who has demonstrated that versatility is just as important as raw scoring is Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine left Manchester City in search of regular first-team football, joining Atlético Madrid, and has thrived since.

Last season, he scored 29 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions, drawing praise from Argentine journalist Roy Nemer, who called him “the best forward in the world.”

Alvarez, 25, combines pace, strength, and composure, like Isak and Haaland, but offers additional dimensions. He can drop deep to link play, manoeuvre in tight spaces, and use his vision to create opportunities for teammates.

His dribbling and one-touch passing make him effective across the front line, while his tenacity off the ball enhances pressing and counter-pressing phases.

Statistically, Alvarez compares impressively with Isak and Haaland, as per FBref. Last season, he recorded 21 goal involvements, 13 non-penalty goals, 2.83 progressive carries per 90, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90.

His shot-creating actions per 90 (3.87) exceeded both Isak (3.01) and Haaland (2.34), while his progressive passing distance (95.1) highlighted his ability to link midfield and attack.

He also completed 25.7 passes per 90 at 74.2% accuracy, combining creative contribution with finishing. Unlike Isak and Haaland, Alvarez thrives in multiple attacking roles.

He can operate in a two-striker system, drop into the midfield to orchestrate play, or act as a wide forward capable of cutting inside.

This adaptability has helped him shine at Atlético Madrid and with Argentina, where he has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances.

In many ways, Alvarez illustrates the evolving profile of elite forwards: one who is not only a finisher but also a team player, capable of creating, linking, and defending.

While Isak’s and Haaland’s output in the Premier League has been exceptional, Alvarez offers a reminder that versatility and movement can sometimes be as valuable as raw goalscoring.

Isak can do the one thing for Liverpool that Haaland never did at Man City

The Swede could already hand the Reds one key advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 2, 2025

Newcastle United have made headlines in the window over the past couple of days and could be about to repeat that feat if they seal a deal to land their latest target, according to a report.

Newcastle United strike deal to sign Nick Woltemade

With speculation that Alexander Isak could be set for a move to Liverpool rife, Newcastle have sealed a deal to sign Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade as Eddie Howe adopts a proactive attitude when it comes to replacing the Sweden international.

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Despite being pressed on the matter, the former Bournemouth manager didn’t give much away regarding when Magpies fans may be able to see the towering German striker in action after he was not registered in time to play against Leeds.

Continuing their striker pursuit, Newcastle are still in the running to land Brentford star Yoane Wissa before the deadline, albeit the Bees are intent on claiming £50 million for his services.

In one of the surprising developments of the last few days, Kobbie Mainoo is being courted by the Magpies and may be set for a late move deal elsewhere after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.

Newcastle submit bid for £35m Champions League finalist after Woltemade

The PIF aren’t messing around late in the window.

1 ByHenry Jackson Aug 29, 2025

Talks are open regarding a swoop for the England international, though it remains to be seen if Howe and company will be allowed to proceed, given they are dealing with a direct Premier League rival.

Plates are spinning on Tyneside and more signings are expected to arrive before the close of play after Woltemade, and PIF could now be set to raid a global superpower for one of their most exciting stars.

Newcastle line up ambitious bid for Eduardo Camavinga

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are prepared to offer an overall package of £42.3 million to land Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga to add a layer of stardust to their engine room.

However, Xabi Alonso wouldn’t be willing to consider parting ways with the France international unless Los Blancos receive a fee exceeding £60 million, which would likely be a starting point in negotiations.

Five similar players to Eduardo Camavinga (FBRef)

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

Rodrigo Bentancur

Tottenham Hotspur

Lucien Agoume

Sevilla

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool

Soungoutou Magassa

West Ham United

Labelled “world-class” by Thom Harris, Camavinga registered two goals and two assists in 35 appearances across all competitions last term, though he has yet to feature this time around due to an injury layoff.

Despite interest from Newcastle, the Cabinda-born man is viewed as a key member of Alonso’s side and is viewed as someone who can share midfield duties with Aurelien Tchouameni, potentially harming the Magpies’ chances of landing his signature.

Nevertheless, PIF continue to show ambition in the market and supporters will be watching with eagle eyes to see if their side can force through another statement move.

There might be a lot of negative noise circling around Tyneside, but it’s important to remember that the transfer window is just over one week away from closing, and Newcastle United are quietly piecing together a squad capable of challenging at the forefront once again.

Eddie Howe will likely have cast his team’s minds back to last summer, which culminated in frustrations after bids for Premier League stars Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga proved fruitless.

Nonetheless, the Magpies flew last year, finishing fifth and thus re-entering the Champions League, also winning the Carabao Cup after beating Liverpool at Wembley.

But there’s no question that it’s been difficult, and that welcoming a few more talented players to the fold is paramount if United are to thrive this season.

Who Newcastle could still sign

The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has revealed that Newcastle have narrowed their centre-forward search down to a few select profiles, with Alexander Isak still AWOL and desperate to sign for Liverpool before the transfer deadline.

Yoane Wissa remains the primary target, but Brentford are hardly rolling over, fighting to keep their talisman on the books.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorgen Strand Larsen is on the radar, as is Atletico Madrid’s wantaway striker Alexander Sorloth.

While there is confidence that this conundrum will be wrinkled out in short time, there’s no question that it has had a potentially detrimental effect on Howe’s seasonal preparations.

And at the end of the day, it is Howe and it is the squad and it is the fanbase that has been rocked by this unsavoury saga.

Newcastle, in spite of it all, have signed well this summer, and could complete a positive window if they get a forward over the line.

However, there might be room for a defensive signing too, with sights set on a Premier League star.

Newcastle exploring move for Premier League star

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are set to sell centre-back Axel Disasi before the end of the transfer window, and a growing number of suitors – including Newcastle – are attentive.

Priced at £30m by the Blues, the France international is also on the radar of Napoli and several Ligue 1 clubs, with Wolverhampton Wanderers having held initial discussions over a possible transfer.

Though Newcastle eased their defensive worries with the signing of Malick Thiaw, there remains a desire to continue to strengthen with European football on the cards once again, and the versatile Disasi could be a shrewd addition.

Why Newcastle should sign Axel Disasi

In August 2023, the now 27-year-old Disasi joined Chelsea from AS Monaco in a £39m package, and he has since played 61 times for the Londoners, scoring five goals and winning a Conference League gold medal last season.

Naturally a central defender, Disasi was deployed as a right-back for much of last season, and his aptitude in the moonlit role showed, for he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 17% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for aerial battles won per 90 (data via FBref).

Described as a “monster” of a defender by journalist Rahman Osman, Disasi was a part of the staggering influx of signings upon Todd Boehly’s takeover of the west London club.

However he’s struggled after a promising start, and spent the latter half of last season out on loan with Aston Villa.

If Newcastle were to succeed in signing Disasi before the end of the month, they might find that such astute business marks their own version of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi being added to the ranks, with the England international one of the Toon’s top targets in recent years.

Newcastle failed with four bids for the 25-year-old last summer, the last of which totalled a whopping £65m. Now, Guehi looks like he’s headed for Liverpool, but Disasi could ease the blow somewhat, having also found himself cast out of Stamford Bridge, first on loan and then permanently.

This is what happened to Guehi, who left Chelsea in 2021 after graduating from their Cobham youth academy, signing for Crystal Palace in an £18m deal after a successful loan spell with Swansea City in the Championship.

Like Disasi, Guehi is confident on the ball and dynamic from an athletic standpoint. As you can see below, he was instrumental in the Eagles’ success last season, joining his French positional peer in winning a major trophy too.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Touches*

64.9

Pass completion

84%

Big chances

5

Key passes*

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Dribbles*

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

Clearances*

4.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

Errors made

2

Guehi is, of course, held in a higher regard, but Disasi might just need a change of scenery and a new home at St. James’ Park to rediscover the form out in his homeland that convinced Chelsea to pay the big bucks to bring him over the Channel.

Given that Jamal Lascelles missed the entirety of last season due to injury and Emil Krafth only clawed back from a lengthy stay in the infirmary in February, existing only on the fringe of Howe’s plans thereafter, it would seem that adding Disasi to the mix could help Newcastle toward their goals.

Disasi would be a welcome addition, potentially adding that extra bit of quality that Howe’s side will need if they are to make further progress after such success last year.

Higher ceiling than Wissa: Newcastle in talks to sign £80m CF this week

Newcastle United are in talks to sign a star who has an even higher ceiling than Wissa.

ByWill Miller Aug 23, 2025

South Africa will want to finish the job here, with only win one out of this and the next Test needed

Firdose Moonda28-Dec-2024A return of 6 for 52 should not be described in terms other than glowing, but even Marco Jansen will tell you that none of the four deliveries he got wickets with at SuperSport Park on day three of the first Test against Pakistan on Saturday were a true reflection of his abilities.”I’ve struggled the whole game, to be honest,” he said after the day’s play. “I feel like I’ve not been as consistent as I should be – if that makes sense – regarding line and length. Everything wasn’t clicking.”That assessment applies to parts of the bowling in all three completed innings so far. In Pakistan’s first, Kagiso Rabada was by far the most threatening of South Africa’s attack but went wicketless, while Corbin Bosch admitted some of his wickets came off balls the batters didn’t need to play at.Related

Abbas, Shahzad give Pakistan hope of defending 147

In South Africa’s first innings, Pakistan were at times listless, and offered too many boundary balls to Aiden Markram initially, and Bosch later on. Then, in Pakistan’s second innings, Rabada and Dane Paterson struggled for rhythm initially, and Bosch was off the mark before Temba Bavuma turned to Jansen to make something happen.Jansen’s fifth ball was short and wide, and Babar Azam, who had just got to his fifty, could not resist. He slashed it to deep point, where Bavuma had positioned Bosch, and Jansen received his first post-Christmas gift. Two overs later, Mohammad Rizwan got a short ball angling down leg and followed it with a half-hearted pull to be caught behind. In the over after that, Salman Agha drove leaden-footed at a full, wide ball. There are questions to be asked about all three batters’ shot selections, but South Africa always expected them to choose those kinds of strokes.”We know most of their batters like to play a positive brand of Test cricket. So we know that if we stick to our lines and lengths, they might leave one or two [balls], but their tendencies are they’ll go at one,” Jansen said. “We always knew that we’re in the game, and we always knew that something’s going to happen.”The most comical was yet to come when Saud Shakeel, on 84, was the recipient of a full toss that struck him on the pad, as he missed an attempted flick. Shakeel was hit under the knee roll, which says something about where Jansen planned for the ball to pitch before he got it a little wrong.Toni de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs were dismissed late on Day 3•AFP/Getty Images”I wanted to go for the yorker, but I probably missed it by a shin’s length,” Jansen said. “At the end of the day, people can say what they want. [But] he missed it, and it’s a wicket. So I’m happy for that.”There was laughter all around when Jansen said that, which is a reflection of how entertaining this Test has been, although the quality of cricket has sometimes been questionable. Because both sides have provided some underwhelming cricket, it created a contest, albeit perhaps not an elite one. That was saved for the last 40 minutes, when Pakistan’s seamers, while defending only 147, dished up spicy opening spells as the clouds gathered overhead to gawk on South Africa’s increasingly knotted nerves.Three of their top four were dismissed to the new ball being bowled on the right lengths, which was just short of a good length, even as the Pakistan quicks also took advantage of the extra bounce and nip on offer. Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have all had their last say on this match, and South Africa could not be too unhappy with what happened to them.”The three wickets they got were three good balls, so it’s not like we threw our wickets away,” Jansen said. “That’s not to make it seem better. But as long as they get us out with good balls, there’s only so much you can do as a batter. You can only play what you see – you can’t pre-empt or pre-meditate what you want to do – because on this pitch, you’re going to get yourself in trouble.”

“Once the ball gets older, it gets a lot easier to bat, and it’s a nice scoring ground. So with the new ball, [it is] definitely going to move sideways, and then the odd ball will shoot up and the odd ball will also keep low”Marco Jansen on the SuperSport Park pitch

If Jansen ends up batting in the chase, that might mean South Africa are in some trouble, although they bat deep and he has a plan.”My mental point of view is to be as disciplined as possible for as long as possible. We know that with the new ball, it moves quite sharply here – especially in the second innings of the game,” he said. “Once the ball gets older, it gets a lot easier to bat, and it’s a nice scoring ground. So with the new ball, [it is] definitely going to move sideways, and then the odd ball will shoot up and the odd ball will also keep low.”From my perspective, if the ball shoots up, just get your hands out of the way, and then if the ball keeps a bit low, just stay nice and tight in terms of your bat next to your pad. Those two are the difficult ones to keep out. The balls that move sideways, we’re used to that, so I think those are going to be the challenges for tomorrow.”Explained in those purely cricketing terms, it sounds as though South Africa have a good grasp of what is required of them. But there will be much more than just bat vs ball going on on Sunday. There is the expectation of securing this win to reach next year’s World Test Championship final, and the pressure of being South African in a chase. You may think there is also some cushioning because South Africa only need to win one out of this and the next Test. But putting themselves in a must-win situation at Newlands will come with its own set of mind games.South Africa will want to finish the job here, but for that, they will need the kind of steel that has not yet been on display at SuperSport Park. But with so much at stake, it may be time for something we’ve not seen so far.

Whilst reinforcements continue to arrive, Chelsea could now lose one of their most promising players amid reports that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Jorrel Hato "very excited" to be at Chelsea

The latest to arrive at Stamford Bridge is Jorrel Hato. The former Ajax defender has been on the Blues’ radar for some time and has now finally completed a move worth around £35.5m. Becoming the 49th player to arrive since Todd Boehly’s takeover of the London club, Chelsea have once again spent big this summer.

Speaking for the first time after putting pen to paper, the 19-year-old said: “I’m very excited, I’m so happy to be here. I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I’m very happy.”

He then went on to say: “I was really thinking about my future and this is what I wanted. I think I will be a good fit for the way Chelsea are playing, so I was sure about taking my step to Chelsea.

Thiago Silva repeat: Chelsea in the mix to sign a "world class" £35m star

As Chelsea continue to search for new signings, the Blues are ‘in the mix’ to sign a “world class” £34m star who would be their next Thiago Silva.

ByBen Gray Aug 4, 2025

“For sure it was a big decision. I played seven years at Ajax and for me it was home – the people, the players, the coaches, the culture. So it was not easy to leave, but my feeling was that at this moment I needed to make a step to the biggest club in the biggest competitions, and for me this was the right decision at the right time.”

As one impressive young player arrives, however, another could be set to depart. As ever, the Chelsea dressing room has become busier this summer and that has left one player questioning his immediate future.

Tyrique George "wants to leave" Chelsea

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tyrique George now “wants to leave” Chelsea amid interest from RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach, who could even land a permanent deal for his signature this summer.

George’s exit would certainly split opinion whilst Chelsea continue to sign reinforcements from elsewhere around European football. As talents continue to arrive, it’s worth pointing out that their own academy prospects could be the ones to miss out.

Enzo Maresca is also well aware of the talent that he has on his hands in George. The Chelsea boss, full of praise for the 19-year-old winger following his display against Manchester United, told reporters last season: “Very good. Very good. Brave. He was a threat in behind. Not easy for him because on the other side you have Maguire, you have Lindelof, you have Shaw.

“He was fighting against important defenders. But again, we tried to find a solution with a player from the academy. Overall I think also he had the penalty moment, so he works quite good.”

لعب نادي ليفربول اليوم السبت أمام نظيره إيفرتون، وذلك لحساب الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب آنفيلد.

واستطاع نادي ليفربول الفوز على إيفرتون بشق الأنفس بهدفين مقابل هدف واحد، حيث أحرز هدفي الريدز كلًا من ريان جرافنبيرخ وكذلك هوجو إيكيتيكي.

وتم الكشف عن جائزة أفضل لاعب في لقاء ليفربول وإيفرتون، والتي تمنحها رابطة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز للاعبين.

أقرأ أيضًا .. تقييم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وإيفرتون بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

وتوج محمد صلاح، نجم نادي ليفربول، بجائزة رجل المباراة في لقاء اليوم، بعد مستواه المميز أمام إيفرتون وصناعته للهدف الأول بواسطة جرافنبيرخ، حسبما جاء عبر موقع الدوري الإنجليزي.

وحاذ محمد صلاح على أعلى نسبة من الأصوات في لقاء اليوم ليتوج بجائزة رجل المباراة بنسبة 35%، متفوقًا على جرافنبيرخ الذي جاء في المركز الثاني بنسبة 33%.

واحتل هوجو إيكيتيكي المركز الثالث بنسبة 20%، في حين جاء جاك جريليش رابعًا بنسبة 5% ، بينما احتل فيرجيل فان دايك المركز الخامس بنسبة 3%.

وتواجد ندياي، جناح إيفرتون في المركز السابع بنسبة 2%، في حين تقاسم جيمس تاركوفسكي وإدريسا جاي المركز الثامن بنسبة 1%.

Liverpool are gearing up for the imminent exit of Jarell Quansah, who will sign for Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m after returning from the U21 European Championship with England, triumphant.

Nothing’s set in stone, but the anticipation is that Harvey Elliott will follow suit, coveted by a host of outfits both at home and abroad after his peripheral season under Arne Slot’s wing. The 22-year-old led the Young Lions’ charge and will fetch a pretty penny.

If and when both players part ways with the Anfield side, FSG will have banked just shy of £100m from player sales, offsetting somewhat the vast expenditure that has already been overseen this summer, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz the staple signings of a summer still in the making.

Darwin Nunez is still to be sold, the Uruguayan striker the heart of negotiations between Liverpool and Napoli. The two outfits want to get the deal done but reportedly sit far apart on agreeing on a price.

A slew of potential replacements have been bandied about, but there’s little question that Liverpool want Alexander Isak above all others.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

Mohamed Salah was the only man to outscore Isak in the Premier League last season, and if that doesn’t underscore Liverpool’s interest, what will?

The problem is that Newcastle United know they have one of the world’s best strikers in their mix and have allegedly priced him at £200m.

The latest on Liverpool’s end is that a July bid should not be discounted, but it’s going to be a very tricky one to complete.

Indeed, signing him would drive Liverpool above the £400m mark, which is quite a startling thing to think about. As such, it’s no surprise that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been tasked with capturing an alternative, one who would allow for the centre-back signing Liverpool still desire, Marc Guehi at the top of the list.

Isak is a “world-class” player, as said by pundit Alan Shearer, but he’s not the only talented number nine on the block.

Liverpool make Isak alternative a priority

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have shortlisted Hugo Ekitike alongside Isak, with the Eintracht Frankfurt’s star singled out as being “very high on the list” of targets at Anfield.

The French forward, 23, has risen to prominence over the past year and has attracted the attention of every Tom, Dick, and Harry, although Die Adler are very much aware of this and have listed him at €100m (£85m) to ward off the rabble.

However, Liverpool need a centre-forward and appear keen on advancing their interest, especially as he’s dynamic, young and far cheaper than Isak.

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

For what it’s worth, Frankfurt are adamant that they aren’t negotiating with interested parties, at least until August, and that more concrete movements won’t occur for at least a month.

How Hugo Ekitike stacks up compared to Isak

Liverpool like to wrap up their summer business nice and early, but perhaps FSG would be willing to wait in the case of Ekitike, having placed him at the top of their list and conducted the lion’s share of their spending already.

Having finished his first full season in Germany, Ekitike has established himself as “one of the best strikers out there”, according to analyst Ben Mattinson, scorer of 22 goals and placer of 12 assists across all competitions.

He didn’t match Isak’s 27-goal haul, but the 23-year-old is undoubtedly emerging as a focal presence who could play the role Liverpool envisage for the Sweden striker.

Described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekitike is a relentless ball striker, but he’s also a silky and seamless dribbler, a creative partner for his teammates. Apt for a high-pressing team, Liverpool would surely raise their game with him in the ranks, especially when considering the current crop who would elevate the player’s game higher still.

And when peering at Ekitike and Isak’s metrics across the past campaign, it can be noted that Frankfurt’s man produces slightly more dynamic playmaking performances, and he’s more active in carrying the ball himself too.

Goals

0.51

0.75

Assists

0.29

0.20

Shots taken

3.74

3.10

Shot-creating actions

3.50

3.00

Touches (att pen)

6.73

6.17

Progressive passes

1.95

2.87

Progressive carries

3.04

2.71

Successful take-ons

1.90

1.37

Ball recoveries

2.75

1.80

Tackles + interceptions

0.96

0.49

Aerial won (%)

2.00 (50%)

0.85 (32%)

Moreover, he’s a more commanding aerial presence. This is less important than in years past, Slot opting against the cross-heavy style of Jurgen Klopp, and especially so now that Trent Alexander-Arnold has signed for Real Madrid, but it still adds an important dimension.

We can nitpick who ranked higher than who across the past 12 months, but there are some caveats that are worth noting: namely, Isak plies his trade in the Premier League, widely regarded as a tougher division than the Bundesliga.

Isak’s slight inferiority in ball-carrying numbers also owes to his drop-back duties in Eddie Howe’s squad, influencing from deeper and progressing play forward with stroked passes and off-the-ball movements.

What does matter is Isak has been drawn by FBref as one of Ekitike’s most comparable players, indicating a stylistic approach that could see the France talent dovetail into Slot’s system, for Isak has been comprehensively profiled and would be the perfect fit.

But given the exorbitant price demands Newcastle have placed on the table, it surely makes more sense to go for the younger man, who has been praised for his “incredible” quality by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.

Though an uncut gem, Ekitike is still a jewel who could sit at the front of the Liverpool crown for many years to come, combining with Wirtz, Salah and the like. He’s the real deal, and do Liverpool not like to take exciting talents and shape them into something refined and world-class?

He's like Salah & Isak: Liverpool join the race to sign £43m "superstar"

Liverpool may need to enforce further change up top this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 30, 2025

Anrich Nortje successfully defended 13 runs in the final over in a tense finish in St Lucia

Firdose Moonda21-Jun-20241:04

How are South Africa getting over the line in close games?

Is it too early to say it? That it looks like South Africa’s time has come.They beat defending champions England in a thrilling encounter, overcoming several scares in Saint Lucia to remain unbeaten in T20 World Cup 2024.South Africa didn’t seem to have enough runs, having scored 63 in the powerplay but only another 100 in the next 14 overs. They seemed to have got their selection slightly wrong on a slower-than-expected pitch by picking only one specialist spinner, who they had bowled out by the 13th over of England’s chase. And their quicks did not appear to have fully bought into pace-off, giving away 52 runs in three overs between the 15th and 17th over to leave England needing only 25 runs off the last 18 balls.But then, Kagiso Rabada had Liam Livingstone caught at deep backward square off a full toss – and celebrated in his face – and he only gave away four runs in his final over. Marco Jansen sent down a phenomenal penultimate over, bowling into the pitch and taking pace off, and conceded only seven runs, leaving Anrich Nortje with 13 to defend off the last over. His first ball was hit down the ground by Harry Brook, in search of six, but Aiden Markam ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his shoulder. That was the moment the game was won but Nortje still had five deliveries and he kept it together, bowling full, and restricting England to six runs in the 20th over.The drama aside, England may not too be unhappy after the close defeat. Their spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were impressive, taking 2 for 45 in 7 overs; Reece Topley conceded only 23 in his four overs; and Harry Brook brought up his first T20 World Cup fifty. The shot selection from the top order may come under scrutiny but with a positive net run rate and a game against the USA to come, England will still fancy their chances of reaching the semi-final.De Kock wins match-ups and gets a lifeEngland’s planning against Quinton de Kock was spot on as they chose to open the bowling with Reece Topley and Moeen Ali, both of whom have had the better of de Kock in the past. Topley had dismissed him four times in six meetings, and Moeen six times in 15, but neither got the early breakthrough in this game. Instead, de Kock opened the boundary count with a four and a six down the ground off Moeen and then punished Jofra Archer with a series of pick-up shots over the leg side. Archer’s opening over cost 21 and de Kock scored 17 of them, including successive sixes. De Kock went on to bring up fifty off 22 balls, equalling Aaron Jones for the fastest half-century of the tournament, but could have been out two overs later, on 58, when he slog-swept an Adil Rashid googly to deep backward square. Mark Wood had to reach forward to take the catch, which appeared clean until TV umpire Joel Wilson determined the ball had burst through his fingers and hit the ground.Buttler brilliant in the field De Kock added just seven more runs before Archer got his revenge. He banged in a short, slower ball, de Kock edged and Jos Buttler leapt one-handed to his left and hung on to a humdinger. And that was the entree. Buttler’s main course came when Heinrich Klaasen, on 8, responded late to the non-striker David Miller’s call for a run, after a short ball from Wood had deflected off the wicketkeeper’s pad towards short fine leg. Klaasen was slow between the wickets and Buttler pounced, showing incredible awareness and aim to throw the stumps down at the non-striker’s end with Klaasen well short.Quinton de Kock’s fifty was the big difference between the teams•ICC/Getty ImagesThe sublime, ridiculous and the sublimeEngland can catch? Hold my beer, said South Africa, as Reeza Hendricks grabbed on to the first chance they were given. Phil Salt was tempted into an aerial drive off Rabada but did not hit it as well as he hoped and Hendricks leapt two-handed to his left to hold on to a spectacular catch. Rabada should have had a second when Bairstow slashed him to deep third, but Klaasen was unable to hold on.The drop only cost South Africa six runs due to another wonder catch. Keshav Maharaj tossed the ball up, Bairstow cut and Nortje flung himself to his right at backward point to grab a stunner. And Klaasen was able to redeem himself when Buttler tried to take Maharaj on and was caught at deep mid-wicket. None of those catches, however, compares with what Markram did in the final over when Harry Brook, set on 53, tried to hit Nortje down the ground. He ran back from mid-on and took the catch over his right shoulder; it was the final turning point in the game.Rabada, Baartman miss their lengths England needed 77 runs off the last six overs and with Keshav Maharaj bowled out, it was up to the seamers to defend starting with South Africa’s most experienced, Rabada. Tasked with the 15th over, Rabada bowled pace-on and conceded six first up when Liam Livingstone hit him over square leg. He ended up giving away 18 runs in the over to take some pressure off England. But it was Baartman’s third over, the 17th, which was the most disappointing from a South African perspective. He tried to find a yorker length but sent down four full tosses in a row, which Livingstone hit through cover, twice, for four and then over square leg. His fourth delivery was toe-ended without damage but a fifth full toss to end the over gave Brook another four and set the game up for a thrilling finish.

Chelsea have already wasted no time in addressing one of their biggest issues of the 2024/25 campaign, helping Enzo Maresca in his quest to take the club back to their glory days.

The Italian has already landed the signature of striker Liam Delap, joining the club in a £30m deal from relegated Ipswich Town after triggering his relegation clause.

Hugo Ekitiké is another name that has been on Chelsea’s shortlist over the last couple of months, as the club look to add key depth to the centre-forward role ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The Frenchman has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this campaign, scoring 15 times in his 33 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt, leading to rumours around his long-term future.

However, he isn’t the only other forward being considered by the hierachy this window, with multiple other targets already on their radar ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for a new attackers this summer

Delap is understandably a player who will improve the options at the manager’s disposal, but, it appears as though Chelsea are also further looking to bolster the front line.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Emanuel Emegha are just three players who have been touted with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer in recent weeks.

However, they’ve turned their attention to another target in the former target, Samu Omorodion, reigniting interest in the Spanish forward, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The journalist claims that the Blues have made a bid for the 21-year-old, who’s scored 25 goals across all competitions this season, with his valuation undoubtedly rising as a result.

He currently has a £84m release clause within his deal at Porto, but the report doesn’t make it clear how much Maresca’s side have offered, despite looking at a potential move for the forward in the coming months.

Why Chelsea’s £84m target would be perfect with Kudus

Despite the interest in new strikers this summer, wingers have also been high up on Maresca’s list at the Bridge – looking to add further depth to the club’s already potent front line.

Mohammed Kudus is the latest name in their sights, with the Ghanian set to leave West Ham United this summer after being offered to the West London outfit as of late.

It’s been reported that the 24-year-old currently has an £85m release clause in his current deal until the middle of July, but it’s likely that Graham Potter’s side would part ways with him for a lower fee.

He could potentially link up with Samu at the Bridge should the pair both make the switch to join the club, handing the manager the added quality he’s desired as of late.

When delving into their respective stats from the current campaign, the Porto talent has managed to thrive in numerous key areas – with the Spaniard having the ability to link up with Kudus and take the club to new heights.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled “unstoppable” by one analyst, has scored 19 goals this season – a tally that would’ve been the highest in the Blues squad, potentially thriving with Kudus, given the 25-year-old’s tally of 1.1 chances created per 90.

He’s also managed to win 52% of the aerials he’s entered – handing Maresca an all-round option within the final third at the Bridge, able to make the most of the Ghanian’s threat in attacking areas whoch has seen him complete 26% of crosses in 2024/25.

Games played

30

Goals scored

19

Shot-on-target accuracy

39%

Pass accuracy

78%

Aerials success rate

52%

Fouls won

1.3

Goals per 90

0.8

Aerials won

1.9

Take-ons attempted

1.6

Samu has also managed nearly a goal per game this campaign, with his talent in the final third undoubtedly handing the side the added goal threat they’ve craved in recent months.

Despite the signing of Delap, it’s clear that the manager still wants another body in the attacking department to help push his side to the next level in his quest for Premier League glory.

Whilst Samu would be another hefty investment from the hierarchy, it’s one that would hand the club the added goal threat Maresca has been searching for, potentially creating a deadly partnership with Kudus in the process.

Caicedo revenge: Liverpool can hijack Chelsea move for "England's best LW"

Liverpool winger Luis Diaz faces an uncertain future with firm interest in his signature.

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Chelsea are now looking at signing a Netherlands international, who Arsenal have watched since he was 16, with Enzo Maresca’s side threatening to snatch a very long-term Gunners transfer target.

Chelsea targeting new defenders this summer

A new defender or two is reported to be high on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer, and a few high-profile names are already being mentioned ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st.

Chelsea will now sell player who Maresca is "crazy" about for just £30m

It could be very unpopular with their manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

The Premier League confirmed that 2025 will have two summer windows (one open from June 1st to June 10th, and the other from June 16th to September 1st), which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in new players before the Club World Cup.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

According to reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to invest significantly in a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen both mentioned as top targets.

Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract, and Chelsea are believed to be seriously considering the prospect of re-signing the Cobham academy graduate, who departed for Selhurst Park in 2021 (The Mirror).

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Huijsen is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his £50 million release clause attracting attention from a host of top Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, as England’s elite bid to battle for the Spaniard’s in-demand signature. However, there is also competition from abroad, as Vincent Kompany reportedly tells Bayern Munich to move for Huijsen as well (Football Insider).

Amidst their hot pursuit of the 20-year-old, Maresca’s side may also bolster their full-back options.

Jules Koundé was mentioned as a Chelsea target this week, according to reports in Spain, but they’ve also got their eyes on Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea eye Ajax defender and long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato

As per The Mail, Chelsea are now considering a move for Hato, who has become a mainstay for the Eredivisie side and one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.

The 19-year-old has been scouted by London rivals Arsenal since he was 16, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, so he has a big admirer in Arteta.

“Jorrel Hato is still a player they love – they’ve done all the work on him for years – they’ve been following him since he was 16,” said Bailey to The Boot Room recently.

“Liverpool like him as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hato came to England this year.”

The price of his signature, according to other reports, sits at around £40 million – which could be a bargain where Chelsea are concerned.

The versatile teenager can play at both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back when required, plugging two different gaps for Maresca, and there is a reason that no Ajax player has been handed more league minutes than Hato this season (WhoScored).