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Real Madrid have confirmed that captain Dani Carvajal will be sidelined for up to three months after sustaining a right knee injury during Sunday’s fiery Clasico against Barcelona. The 33-year-old defender, who was involved in a heated post-match confrontation with Lamine Yamal, will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage, the club announced on Monday.

Carvajal to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery

Carvajal is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed that their captain suffered a right knee injury during the 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu. Medical examinations revealed a loose intra-articular body in the knee joint, requiring arthroscopic surgery to remove and repair the tissue. In an official statement, Madrid said: “Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a loose joint in his right knee. Carvajal will undergo arthroscopy.”

The veteran full-back felt discomfort following the final whistle on Sunday, where he was a late substitute in Real Madrid’s win, sealed by goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. The injury could sideline him for around three months, potentially ruling him out until early 2026 as per El Partidazo de COPE.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportCarvajal’s injury nightmare continues

Carvajal’s setback represents a major blow to Real Madrid, who had only just welcomed their skipper back from a calf injury sustained against Atletico Madrid in September. The defender’s latest issue affects the same knee in which he ruptured ligaments and a tendon last October, forcing him to miss most of the 2024-25 season. This recurring problem will likely force Madrid to take an especially cautious approach to his rehabilitation to avoid further complications.

Madrid’s right-back options are now limited heading into the middle phase of the campaign. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has only recently recovered from a muscle injury, is expected to step in as the primary replacement, while Fede Valverde could once again provide cover in that position. The reshuffle will demand tactical flexibility from Xabi Alonso’s side, as both Alexander-Arnold and Valverde naturally prefer more advanced or central roles, respectively.

For Carvajal personally, the injury halts his efforts to regain form and consistency after a difficult period plagued by fitness setbacks. Having worn the armband since Nacho Fernandez’s departure, the Spain international had been eager to re-establish his leadership role in a squad undergoing transition. Instead, his latest absence leaves Madrid once again relying on short-term adjustments to preserve their early-season momentum.

Injury comes after clash with Yamal

The injury comes on the back of his clash with Yamal: Carvajal’s involvement in post-match tensions has added further intrigue to an already explosive El Clasico. The right-back was spotted exchanging heated words with Lamine Yamal moments after full-time, with Spanish media reporting that he told the teenager: “You speak too much. Speak now.” The altercation followed remarks made by Yamal days before the match, when the youngster suggested on Twitch that “Real Madrid steal,” a comment that reportedly angered several Los Blancos players ahead of the showdown.

Multiple Madrid stars appeared to confront Yamal during the melee, with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham also drawn into the argument before being separated by officials. Frenkie de Jong later defended his Barcelona team-mate, accusing Madrid players of overreacting and “trying to provoke” the 17-year-old forward. While no disciplinary action has been announced, the incident has fueled media debate in Spain about respect between senior and junior internationals, especially with both Carvajal and Yamal sharing the Spain national team dressing room.

Despite the controversy, Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory was an important result that extended their lead at the top of La Liga to five points and snapped a four-game losing streak against their Catalan rivals. Mbappe and Bellingham’s goals proved decisive, while Fermin Lopez scored Barcelona’s only goal from Marcus Rashford’s assist. The win demonstrated Madrid’s growing composure under Alonso, but Carvajal’s injury has now cast a shadow over their momentum heading into November.

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Getty Images SportReal Madrid to miss captain until January 2026

Real Madrid’s immediate focus will be managing without their captain through the busy winter schedule, with fixtures piling up in La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Alexander-Arnold is expected to make his first start since recovering from injury in Madrid’s next league match against Valencia on November 1, while Valverde will remain on standby to fill in as needed. The club’s medical staff will oversee Carvajal’s surgery and rehabilitation closely, with hopes that he can return to training early in 2026 if recovery progresses smoothly.

For Carvajal, the coming months will be another test of endurance and patience as he battles to return stronger once again. His professionalism and influence in the dressing room remain highly valued, and Madrid’s medical team will ensure he receives every resource to complete his recovery. Until then, Los Blancos will need to navigate the challenges ahead without their leader on the pitch — and hope that his latest setback does not linger beyond the new year.

Had Liverpool found another stoppage-time goal at the weekend, they would have beaten Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park and extended their flawless streak in the Premier League, six wins from six, 18 points from 18.

But Arne Slot’s side cannot subsist on a diet of last-gasp joy across the span of the campaign, and they got a taste of their own medicine as Eddie Nketiah struck late to condemn the Reds to their first defeat of the year.

In some ways, Liverpool’s never-quit attitude has papered over a few cracks in Slot’s squad across the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, with tactical imbalances clear after a summer of significant spending and upheaval.

Florian Wirtz, for example, has flattered to deceive since his £116m move from Bayer Leverkusen, but FSG are calm and confident, retaining full belief that the German playmaker, 22, will come good.

Liverpool have also added two of the most exciting strikers in the business to their ranks. Indeed, in Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, the Merseysiders have goalscoring options capable of firing the club toward more illustrious success after last year’s Premier League triumph.

Isak & Ekitike are Liverpool's future

Isak might be the record-breaking man, but the events of the summer transfer window have meant that the former Newcastle United striker has integrated late at Liverpool.

Ekitike, ostensibly the 26-year-old’s understudy, has started his Liverpool career with lightning speed, scoring five goals and registering one assist across eight matches, six of which were starts.

Much has been made of how Slot can appease the pair, who will both want to start regularly across the campaign, but he has hinted that they could play alongside against each other, and given the many shoots of Liverpool’s season, having a wealth of attacking options is hardly a bad thing.

One thing’s clear, FSG have landed a pair of elite attackers, with both having been likened to a former Premier League great in Thierry Henry.

TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves acknowledged in August that there is a likeness between Ekitike and his retired countryman, who also shifted between left-flanked and central striking berths.

And Isak has long been tagged as a similar sort of player to the Arsenal legend, with former footballer Nedum Onuoha saying the marksman is “vibes of Thierry Henry”, BBC pundit Alan Shearer also calling him “the complete striker”.

Goals

0.64

0.53

Assists

0.18

0.24

Shots taken

3.18

3.64

Shot-creating actions

3.04

3.06

Progressive passes

3.22

1.90

Progressive carries

2.72

2.74

Successful take-ons

1.43

1.66

Ball recoveries

1.97

2.40

Tackles + interceptions

0.54

0.87

Aerials won

0.82

1.92

Two fantastic forwards, but Liverpool actually already had their own version of Henry, and they still do at that.

Liverpool's own version of Thierry Henry

Mohamed Salah started off poorly in the Premier League, arriving at Chelsea from Basel as a young and unpolished prospect with a clear quality on the ball and impressive athleticism besides. He didn’t manage to pull it all together, though, and left for Italy to forge his path.

And forge his path he has. The 33-year-old made an impression in the Serie A and joined Klopp’s Liverpool for £34m, now recognised globally as one of the greatest players of his generation, the poster boy of this illustrious modern era at Anfield and hailed as a “superstar” by Sky Sports’ Gary Neville.

With 188 goals scored in the Premier League, Salah is fourth in the all-time standings and looking to rise higher still. Last season, he put to bed any doubts that he is a divisional great, scoring 29 goals and supplying 18 assists as the Reds sealed their first Premier League title since 2019/20.

Time was last season when Salah almost appeared a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or, so impressive was his start to the term. But he petered out across the second half of the campaign and was anonymous as Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

In this way, the iconic forward shares with Henry a certain grievance over having been snubbed for the award, coming in at fourth during last week’s ceremony in Paris, with the one-time Les Bleus star missing out to Pavel Nedvěd in 2003 despite an extraordinary campaign with the Gunners, scoring 32 goals and supplying 24 assists across all competitions in 2002/03.

Inarguably two of the greatest players in English football history, both could make a compelling case for the crown.

For Salah, he will have brushed off any frustration over being snubbed, having, after all, been the talisman in Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph.

But it must still sting, and with Henry and the Egyptian being ranked against each other so many times, this is seemingly something they will share when Salah eventually joins the Frenchman in retirement.

Set to soon pass the torch, the veteran will no doubt feel that the 2024/25 campaign marked his best chance to win the Ballon d’Or. It wasn’t to be, with the Egyptian no doubt frustrated that he didn’t even reach the podium after what will go down as one of the greatest season-long efforts in English history.

Salah might be approaching the final stretch of his legendary Premier League career without a Ballon d’Or title to his name, but he will still go down as an all-timer, having played an instrumental role in putting Liverpool back on their perch over the past eight-and-a-half years.

Likewise, Henry never got his mitts on the pinnacle individual accolade, but fans of the two persuasions will be sure to agree that both were good enough to have claimed the prize.

Not Isak or Ekitike: Liverpool struck gold on star worth more than Salah

This unsung Liverpool hero continues to prove a fantastic signing for the club.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 26, 2025

A dust storm and heavy rain denied Qalandars the opportunity to cash in on a strong start

Rvel Zahid01-May-2025Match abandoned Only 11.3 overs were possible before what was shaping up to be a high-scoring affair between Quetta Gladiators and hosts Lahore Qalandars was called off due to a dust storm and heavy rain.Gladiors’ captain Saud Shakeel might have regretted his decision to field at the toss as Qalandars’ batters cashed in on their red-hot form.Mohammad Naeem unleashed a barrage of boundaries in the powerplay with nonchalant whip over square leg off Khurram Shahzad in the third over being a highlight. His jitter-free 30-ball 50 ended in the tenth over when he chased a wide tempter from Abrar Ahmed.Abdullah Shafique, his partner in the 102-run stand, was regaling the crowd with his technically sound shots in a remarkably controlled innings. His back-to-back sixes off Saud Shakeel in the ninth over were poetry in motion.Earlier, Fakhar Zaman was bamboozled by an absolute pearler from Khurram – his off-stump was sent cartwheeling by a shortish ball that seamed just enough to beat the downswing. Qalandars were all set to step on the gas pedal when the heavens opened up and a fierce dust storm swept across the stadium, followed by torrential rain.The timing of inclement weather was perfectly synchronised with the fall of Daryl Mitchell’s wicket. Mitchell was struggling in his brief stay at the crease and was gobbled up at long-off by Rile Rossouw, just adding three to the total.With the steady rain, chances were remote for any further play with the drainage facilities in Lahore not being the best. The result leaves both teams on nine points, with Qalandars above Gladiators on net run rate.

Newcastle United are reportedly tussling with Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Manchester United over the signing of a European Championship winner.

Promising international break for Newcastle's attackers

The Magpies’ season hasn’t quite got going yet, with only two points picked up from their opening three matches, but a home clash with Wolves on Saturday afternoon gives them a good chance of getting their first win of the campaign.

Eddie Howe will be keeping his fingers crossed that his key Newcastle players remain fit during the current international break, and on the plus side, some new attacking stars have enjoyed a positive time with their respective countries.

The Magpies’ new big-money striker, Nick Woltemade, provided an assist for Germany in their 3-1 win at home to Northern Ireland on Sunday evening, teeing up Serge Gnabry for the opening goal of the night.

Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga found the back of the net for Sweden in their 2-2 draw away to Slovenia last Friday, suggesting that he is also in good form ahead of Newcastle’s return to league action this weekend.

While attacking signings have been a big area of focus for the Magpies, following the departures of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, a defender is now being mentioned as a transfer target for them.

Newcastle battling Man Utd for £34.6m ace

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are interested in signing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Dani Vivian in 2026 and want to trigger his £34.6m release clause in his current deal, but they aren’t alone in that respect.

Fellow Premier League sides Manchester United and Aston Villa are also in the conversation, with all three clubs seeing the 26-year-old as ‘a bargain for a player of his characteristics and experience’.

Newcastle and PIF could arguably still feel slightly light at centre-back, especially with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn both well into their 30s now, despite the summer arrival of Malick Thiaw.

For that reason, Vivian could be a great option to bring in, whether that be in January or next summer, with the Bilbao ace winning Euro 2024 with Spain, as well as the Spanish Cup with his club side last year.

At 6ft tall, he isn’t the most aerially dominant central defender, but he can excel in various facets of his game, averaging 4.6 clearances per game and enjoying an 87.4% pass completion rate in La Liga last season.

Anderson repeat: Newcastle must regret selling a "monster" for just £500k

Have Newcastle repeated their Elliot Anderson mistake?

ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

Still only 26, Vivian is right at his peak, so he could enjoy five or six good years at St James’ Park, and nine caps for an outstanding Spain team highlights his pedigree as a top-level defender.

The summer transfer window has been a turbulent one for Newcastle United.

Having worked tirelessly to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, the Magpies remain under pressure to solve their most glaring issue: the centre-forward position.

After a protracted saga with Alexander Isak, Newcastle have found themselves scrambling for solutions.

The opening two fixtures highlighted the depth of this crisis. Despite playing well against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle lacked a clinical edge.

The situation was made worse when makeshift striker Anthony Gordon was sent off against the Reds, leaving 22-year-old William Osula as the only recognised forward.

For a club intent on challenging at the top end of the Premier League, such frailty up front was unsustainable. That urgency forced Newcastle’s hand.

Out of nowhere, a £69m deal was struck with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade, the towering 23-year-old who had impressed in the Bundesliga and at the European U21 Championships.

Bayern Munich had bids rejected for the forward earlier in the summer, but conversations with Eddie Howe convinced him that his future lay on Tyneside.

Now in a race against time to complete his medical and join the squad for Saturday’s clash with Leeds, Woltemade has the potential to be transformative.

Yet Newcastle’s ambitions do not stop with the German international.

Reports in Italy suggest the club tested the waters for one of Europe’s most decorated strikers – though the answer was swift and emphatic.

Newcastle make move for top-level striker

According to Calcio Mercato, Newcastle made an audacious approach to the camp of Lautaro Martínez, Inter Milan’s talismanic striker.

The response, however, was one of firm rejection. Alejandro Camaño, the Argentine’s agent, did not return the Magpies’ call – a clear indication that Martínez’s focus remains solely on the Nerazzurri.

The refusal is hardly surprising.

Transfer Focus

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

Martínez is not only Inter’s captain but also he is a player adored by supporters and widely considered indispensable.

Podcaster Angelo Valdes recently described him as “the best No. 9 in the world,” a sentiment shared by many who have watched his rise since arriving in Serie A.

The timing of Newcastle’s approach is also telling.

Inter are still recovering from a bruising campaign in which they lost the Serie A title to Antonio Conte’s Napoli on the final day and fell to a humbling 5-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Letting go of their most consistent goal threat was never a realistic proposition, particularly given his contract security and market value of around €95 (£90m) million.

Strong interest remains in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though both clubs have shut the door firmly this summer.

In that context, the dream of pairing Woltemade with Martínez might have seemed appealing – but in reality, it was always a step too far.

Why Woltemade would have thrived with Lautaro

While the Argentine international may be out of reach, Newcastle’s recruitment of Woltemade still provides intriguing possibilities.

Standing at 1.98m, the German forward offers a physical presence that contrasts with Martínez’s dynamism and low centre of gravity.

Both, however, are effective in their own right, and a comparison of their output last season reveals the distinct qualities they could bring to a top-level side.

Matches Played

31

28

Goals

12

12

Assists

3

2

Progressive Carries

34

31

Progressive Passes

68

62

Martínez’s pedigree is undisputed. At 28, he boasts 70 international caps for Argentina, with a World Cup winner’s medal from Qatar 2022.

Across 336 appearances for Inter Milan, he has delivered 154 goals and 51 assists – a record that speaks volumes about his consistency.

Statistically, Martínez excels in areas beyond pure goalscoring.

He averaged 2.39 progressive passes per 90 and 2.70 shot-creating actions, while his defensive contribution – 1.05 tackles per 90 – illustrates his work rate out of possession.

He is not the archetypal penalty-box poacher but a complete forward capable of linking play and setting the tone with his pressing. By contrast, Woltemade is still carving out his identity.

His 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances for Stuttgart last season marked a breakthrough, and his performances at the U21 European Championships confirmed him as one of Germany’s most promising attacking talents.

His statistical profile highlights his potential versatility: 1.72 progressive carries per 90, 2.89 progressive passes, and an eye-catching 4.38 shot-creating actions.

His 50% shot-on-target rate was also superior to Martínez’s, suggesting efficiency when chances came his way. The differences extend to physicality and style.

Where Martínez relies on sharp movement and explosive bursts in the box, Woltemade thrives on aerial duels, hold-up play, and the ability to bring others into the game.

At nearly two metres tall, he offers a target-man option that Newcastle have lacked, particularly useful when matches become attritional.

His weakness, however, lies in defensive contribution – registering just 0.56 tackles per 90 compared to Martínez’s 1.05.

For Howe, this presents both challenges and opportunities.

Integrating a young striker into the Premier League is no easy task, but Woltemade’s profile complements Newcastle’s existing attacking talent.

Should Isak depart – as appears inevitable – a partnership between Woltemade and another dynamic forward could provide the balance required to keep Newcastle competitive domestically and in Europe.

What this episode ultimately reveals is Newcastle’s growing ambition. Contacting the representative of one of the world’s premier strikers may have ended in rejection, but it signals intent.

Coupled with the acquisition of Woltemade, alongside earlier arrivals such as Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga, the Magpies are determined to push forward despite setbacks.

Bruno will love him: Newcastle open talks to sign "£100m-plus footballer"

Newcastle could make an ambitious late move, much to the benefit of Bruno Guimaraes.

ByWill Miller Aug 29, 2025

تحدث اللاعب الدولي الأرجنتيني فرانكو ماستانتونو، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد حول مقارنته بـ لامين يامال، نجم برشلونة.

وأجرى ماستانتونو حوارًا مع برنامج “F3” على قناة “ESPN”، كان قد تحدث فيه عن ريال مدريد، وعلاقته الوطيدة بـ ليونيل ميسي قدوته ومن هم أفضل اللاعبين في العالم في رأيه (للاطلاع اضغط هنا)

وقال ماستانتونو، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”: “أعتقد أن المقارنات في كرة القدم موجودة دائمًا، وللأسف أيضًا بسبب التغطية الإعلامية وفهم المقالات، وتصدر الصحف للعناوين الرئيسية، بصراحة لا يزعجني هذا”.

وأكمل: “أحاول ألا أقارن نفسي بأحد، بل أركز على عملي وأحرص على أن تسير الأمور على ما يرام بالنسبة لي ولفريقي، لطالما قلت إن لامين لاعب رائع، وأنه يمر بلحظة رائعة، وهذا أمر مثير للإعجاب”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مبابي يعلق على إصابته ويستفز باريس سان جيرمان بتصريح مثير

وأردف: “لكنني لا أقارن نفسي به أو بأي شخص آخر، أحاول فقط القيام بما يجب أن أفعله وأعلم أن ذلك أهم بكثير من القلق بشأن ما يفعله اللاعبون الآخرون، لذلك أتعامل مع الأمر بهدوء”.

وشارك ماستانتونو في 3 مباريات مع المنتخب الأول وهي، تشيلي وفنزويلا والإكوادور كانت جميعها ضمن تصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

أما في ريال مدريد، فقد خاض المهاجم 9 مباريات بالفعل منهم 7 أساسيًا حيث سجل هدفًا واحدًا ضد ليفانتي وقدم تمريرة حاسمة واحدة ضد كايرات ألماتي.

Yet to welcome a new centre-back following Jarell Quansah’s departure, Liverpool have now reportedly been offered a fresh chance to sign a Champions League-winning defender this summer.

Latest on Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak

After officially becoming the most successful club in English football history last season, Liverpool are finally acting like a king who has just taken the throne. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes wasted no time before getting to work, instantly welcoming Jeremie Frimpong before shocking Manchester City and Bayern Munich to win the race for Florian Wirtz in record-breaking fashion.

Since then, Milos Kerkez has also arrived alongside third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. But Liverpool are far from done. The Reds aren’t looking to relinquish their crown anytime soon, with the arrival of a new No.9 seemingly becoming the priority. And, as ever this summer, those at Anfield are in no mood to settle for anything other than top targets.

Feeling ruthless, Liverpool reportedly told Newcastle that if the door was left ajar for Alexander Isak then they will break the British transfer record for a second time to sign the Swede for £120m.

Meanwhile, if the Magpies kept the door slammed shut, then the Reds would hijack their move to sign Hugo Ekitike instead, which has proven to be the case. Fresh reports have claimed that Newcastle have dropped out of the race to sign the Frenchman, allowing the Reds to advance towards his signature.

Liverpool also make contact for "amazing" striker who scored more than Ekitike

The Reds know all about his quality.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 16, 2025

It’s an ongoing saga which will undoubtedly continue to feature plenty of twists, but even after welcoming a much-needed No.9, Liverpool could still have unfinished business this summer.

Liverpool offered chance to sign Beraldo

Away from his striker problem, Arne Slot could also do with another centre-back following Quansah’s exit and although Marc Guehi has been the name mentioned most this summer, those at Anfield have reportedly been offered a fresh alternative.

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have now been offered the chance to sign Lucas Beraldo from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The defender often found himself behind Willian Pacho in the pecking order last season and the French champions have now opened the door for his exit.

Previously dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, Beraldo would be a suitable choice to replace Quansah this summer, especially at the right price. A Champions League winner who is still just 20 years old, the PSG man would even be an upgrade on the England U21 international out of possession and in the air.

Whether Liverpool take the opportunity to sign the Brazilian remains to be seen, however. Any potential move could still depend on whether they’re able to sign Guehi this summer.

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

Romano: Liverpool plan to submit record-breaking bid to sign Alexander Isak

The Reds could spend big once again…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Last summer was a poor one for Liverpool as far as transfer business was concerned.

The sole incoming was that of Italian Federico Chiesa, who moved to Anfield in a deal worth just £12.5m.

Well, a lack of business mattered not as far as Arne Slot was concerned. No Jurgen Klopp, no problem. No mass recruitment, no problem. The Reds still went on to win the Premier League.

Fast forward and the Merseysiders have made an almighty splash in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and before too long, Hugo Ekitike is set to be confirmed as a new Liverpool player.

Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his famous ‘here we go’ on Sunday, noting that the French forward is set to sign a six-year deal after a fee of £78m was agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Liverpool may not be done there, however.

Liverpool's transfer plans after signing Hugo Ekitike

Next on the agenda for Richard Hughes and Co will surely be slimming the squad a little. Darwin Nunez has been widely expected to leave for much of the summer while Luis Diaz, subject of a bid from Bayern Munich last week, could still depart.

Should more funds be generated, then a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could still come to fruition. An agreement on personal terms was reached earlier in the summer, but a club-to-club agreement has not yet been reached between the Eagles and the Reds.

Liverpool appear to be keen on a number of domestic players with fellow Palace star Adam Wharton a target for next summer and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers also on their radar.

TBR Football report that Chelsea are devising a plan to try and sign Rogers this summer but they will face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool who have ‘maintained a watching brief’ of the player.

Previous reports have suggested that Villa would be looking for a fee of £100m in order to sell.

What Morgan Rogers could offer to Liverpool

While this move feels extremely unlikely this summer given the funds Liverpool have already spent on new recruits, if they could maintain their interest in upcoming windows, he’d be a fabulous signing for Slot’s side.

Transfer Focus

Once of Manchester City’s academy, Rogers quietly went about his business in the EFL with the likes of Lincoln City and Middlesbrough before Villa came calling.

In the Midlands, the attacking midfielder has become a genuine sensation. He’s now an England international and deservedly so when you consider the numbers he generated throughout the 2024/25 season.

It’s safe to say it was the best year of young Rogers’ career, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions.

The 22-year-old didn’t just dazzle in the Premier League but he also took to Champions League football like a duck to water, scoring four goals in 12 games, three of which came in one game as he netted a sensational hat-trick against Celtic.

A goalscorer, a creator, and someone who can play through the middle as well as on the flanks, there are similarities with new Liverpool signing, Wirtz.

If you thought the art of the number 10 role was dying out, then you only need to look at Wirtz. However, he’s not just an attacking midfielder, but also someone who can play in a wider role, just as Rogers can.

Goals

0.23

0.38

Assists

0.29

0.46

Key passes

1.47

2.18

Progressive passes

3.55

6.74

Shot-creating actions

3.03

5.67

Successful take-ons

1.91

3.14

Progressive carries

3.29

5.02

Analysing the data above, it’s clear to see why Wirtz has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes. He’s a generational talent and the fact his data is so far ahead of Rogers, one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players, says a lot.

Still, Rogers does hold his own and if Liverpool are looking to sign England’s version of Wirtz, they’d find few better candidates than the Villa star. He’s notably progressive, ranking inside the top 20% of positionally similar players in the English top-flight for attempted take-ons.

In the words of The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, he’s been an “unstoppable” force over the last year and while he falls some way short of Wirtz in a lot of areas, this is a player who’s already been there and done it in the Premier League.

Principally, he scores goals like Wirtz and he creates them like Wirtz. What’s not to like?

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So far, this summer has been a rather frustrating one for Tottenham Hotspur.

As things stand, the only signings the club have made have been Kota Takai for around £5m and Mathys Tel, whose loan was made permanent for close to £30m.

Moreover, fans have seen several transfer targets slip through the cracks, with Antoine Semenyo agreeing a new deal with Bournemouth and Eberechi Eze now looking destined for Arsenal.

Worse yet, it is looking increasingly likely that Manchester United will be getting their hands on Bryan Mbeumo, who was heavily touted for a move to N17 following Thomas Frank’s appointment.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as Spurs are reportedly close to securing the services of someone who’d be their own version of the Brentford star.

Spurs target their own Mbeumo

With the club looking to massively improve on their dreadful 17th-placed finish in the Premier League next season, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with several impressive international stars, such as Xavi Simons and Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

The former could cost around £60m this summer, and while that is undoubtedly a lot, he’d likely be worth it, as at just 22 years old, he amassed a haul of 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances for RB Leipzig.

Likewise, while Lookman would cost in excess of £50m, his tally of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta last season suggests he’d be more than worth the outlay.

However, as talented as both players are, neither one has been compared to Mbeumo, unlike Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs remain incredibly interested in the West Ham United star, despite their initial £50m offer being rejected.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have entered ‘fresh talks’ over the Irons star, and that they are now closing in on a deal, which will likely require a fee of around £65m.

It’s a transfer that would represent a significant financial investment from the club, but given Kudus’ immense ability, it’s one worth making, especially as he has been compared to Mbeumo.

How Kudus compares to Mbeumo

One of the most significant comparisons between Kudus and Mbeumo stems from FBref, which analysed players in the Premier League last season and concluded that the Brentford star was the sixth most similar forward to the Hammers ace in the competition.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include things like non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, shot-creating actions, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty xG

0.24

0.20

Progressive Carries

3.40

3.43

Passes into the Final Third

1.60

1.66

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.52

0.50

Live Passes

29.1

30.7

Shot-Creating Actions

3.72

3.80

Successful Take-On %

44.2%

46.8%

These numbers help to show that, despite not scoring as many goals as he would have liked last season, the Ghanaian international could still have a similar attacking output to that of the Cameroonian ace.

Furthermore, away from the statistics, there are also some more straightforward similarities.

For example, both players are playing their trade for London-based teams, and they both seem destined to join another Premier League side this summer.

Finally, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bees’ star able to play off the right, up top, or as a second striker, and the former Ajax gem being capable of playing across the entire frontline, as well as in midfield.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Spurs should do all they can to complete the deal for Kudus, as he’d be an excellent addition to Frank’s squad and their own version of Mbeumo.

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025