In a sentence that would have seemed outrageous last week, three-time All-Star Rafael Devers belted his first home run as a member of the San Francisco Giants against the team he was employed by just six days ago before the trade that sent shockwaves through MLB.
Facing Red Sox righthander Brayan Bello in the bottom of the third inning at Oracle Park on Saturday, Devers took a four-seam fastball down the middle for strike one, then saw the same pitch in almost the exact same location. This time, Devers crushed it 105.5 MPH the other way to left field for a 370-foot home run.
It would have been a home run in 25 out of 30 ballparks, including Devers's former home, Fenway Park. Devers currently has a home run, a double, three RBI and a pair of walks in five games with the Giants.
Stokes faces both offspinners in floodlit nets session as England consider change to all-pace strategy
Vithushan Ehantharajah01-Dec-2025Around 20 punters watched England’s first evening net at the Gabba ahead of the day-night Ashes Test starting on Thursday.The outdoor facilities at this historic but ageing colosseum are the most amenable in the world for observers, offering a behind-the-batter view of what it’s like to face the fiercest bowlers going. There were plenty of eyes on the lane closest to Main Street, as Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson steamed in with the pink Kookaburra ball.But it was the net furthest away that had the most immediate interest ahead of the second Test. Both Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks were bowling their offspin to England captain Ben Stokes, duking it out for what seems, at this juncture, the last available spot in the XI.Related
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Mark Wood has been ruled out – England are optimistic his heavily strapped left knee will get adequate rest to ensure he is back in the mix for Adelaide – but the other 10 starters from the defeat in Perth are likely to be rolled out again.Josh Tongue is the most like-for-like replacement if the tourists want to repeat their all-pace attack from Perth. But they are understood to be trending more towards spin in their bid to come back from 1-0 down, with the expectation that the pink Kookaburra will soften earlier than the red one.The pair have had very different routes to these Ashes. Bashir has been the captain’s go-to spinner since a shock call-up to the India tour at the start of 2024, with 68 wickets in 19 caps to date. His traits – a high release-point, revs coming from over the top of the ball – were deemed better suited to Test pitches (particularly Australian ones) compared to traditional English, doorknob-turning finger spinners.Jacks, an allrounder, was the first conventional offspinner picked by Stokes, drafted on the tour of Pakistan in the winter of 2022 for his only two Test caps after developing as Surrey’s primary spin option. He took 6 for 161 in his first go on debut – the first Test at Rawalpindi – and showed his dexterity as a batter by slotting in at No. 3 in the second innings of the next Test in Multan to give Ollie Pope extra rest after keeping. That he is on this tour owes as much to his batting – destructive qualities, and comfort filling in any top six position – and his tall action and ambition with the ball.Bashir is understood to be the one in pole position, though it was Jacks who seemed to have the better of it on Monday night, before padding up. Nets can only tell you so much, of course. Stokes and the rest of England’s batters were focused on getting attuned to the shift from day to night, and then how the floodlights transformed the grass beneath their feet. They will have one more hit in similar conditions on Wednesday before they get going in their attempts to square the series.Visiting spinners have had very little success with the pink ball over here, collectively managing just 28 wickets at 64.03. Joe Root’s three in the Adelaide Test on the 2021-22 tour has him joint-second on that list (with Yasir Shah); Dawid Malan is joint-fourth with two picked up from that same game. R Ashwin sits top with six at 20.66.England would not be wrong to look at Nathan Lyon’s impressive record of 43 dismissals at 25.62 from his 13 day-night home Tests and surmise spin is a must. But they may take more meaningful notes from Kevin Sinclair’s cameo in Australia’s one and only pink ball defeat.That came here at the Gabba last year. Sinclair – also an offspinner – struck a vital 50 and then 14 not out, both from No. 7, in a tight eight-run win. He bowled just eight overs, all in Australia’s first innings which sandwiched his batting efforts, but was able to snare Usman Khawaja for 75. Replicating Sinclair’s impact rather than Lyon’s is a far easier task and would favour Jacks.It will be these cues from day-night affairs in Australia, and England’s own learnings from the seven they have played, that will continue to be disseminated among the group over the coming days. The entire top five played in England’s last pink-ball Test – against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in 2023 – but Jamie Smith, for instance, will be playing his first of any kind.”We’ve spoken with the guys who have played some pink-ball games, and had a look at some of the pink-ball games that have been played in Australia in the past four or five years,” Carse said. His only day-night match happened to be in this country for England Lions against Australia A at Melbourne in January 2020.”On an evening, it does seem to do a little bit more, especially if you have a slightly newer ball, which I’m sure we’ll take into consideration throughout the game. It’s going to be exciting. I’m expecting a massive crowd, a hostile crowd. The guys are really looking forward to it.”I think looking back at a couple of highlights of previous games played in Australia, it’s certainly very admirable how their new-ball bowling goes. You know, they strike early and I think that’s going to be important, whether that’s certain lines we’ll be bowling or maybe bowling a touch fuller to let it swing. They’ve played some really good cricket with a pink ball. So, yeah, I’d like to say that we’ve had a look at some of the stuff that they’ve done over the previous years.”
Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly considering launching a 2026 bid to sign an impressive defender who just scored a Premier League brace.
Carragher name-drops Marco Silva as pressure grows on Frank
Thomas Frank should be pleased that his side showed some resilience to complete their comeback against Newcastle United late on in midweek, but it was ultimately another attacking performance to forget. The Lilywhites found themselves relying on Cristian Romero brace to salvage a point as their frontline once again struggled to create.
The pressure is certainly growing on Frank, who is quickly losing the backing of supporters thanks to his pragmatic style. It remains to be seen whether ENIC pull the plug so early into the manager’s tenure, but that didn’t stop Jamie Carragher from suggesting a manager that he’s always seen heading to Spurs.
The Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend said: “I actually think he was the one manager Everton should have stuck with. I’ve always seen Silva at Tottenham, I’m not saying Tottenham as in change Thomas Frank put Marco Silva in.
“The point I’m trying to make is not quite go from Fulham to like you know a Liverpool or Manchester City you think going to sort of compete for the league but sort of that sort of level just belong with it trying to get you know Champions League maybe, you know Aston Villa, that type of team that would almost be the next step for him in the Premier League.”
Of course, if Spurs are to make a decison then it should come before the January transfer window, when they could look to sign a defensive addition.
Tottenham eyeing Van Hecke bid
According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are now eyeing a bid to sign Jan Paul Van Hecke in 2026 following the defender’s impressive start to the campaign for Brighton. Like Romero in midweek, Van Hecke netted an unlikely brace for the Seagulls, highlighting his surprising goalscoring threat in a dramatic 4-3 defeat against Aston Villa.
That said, Van Hecke’s set-piece threat is unlikely to be the main reason for Tottenham’s interest. Instead, their focus will be on his defensive prowess – especially as Frank continues to experiment with an occasional back three.
In Romero, Micky van de Ven and Van Hecke, the Lilywhites would suddenly have a solid trio to choose from in a back three. That, in itself, would go a long way towards turning things around for Frank.
Brighton rarely make things easy for buying clubs, however, and the praise of manager Fabian Hurzeler suggests that the Seagulls will be keen to keep hold of their man.
Fabrizio Romano shares Thomas Frank update amid mounting Tottenham pressure
The reliable journalist has some information.
ByEmilio Galantini Dec 4, 2025
The young manager told reporters last season: “I think it’s very important that we recognise he’s a very young player. He’s 23 and he plays an unbelievable season. He shows great character. I like his character because he’s very straight. He says his opinion, he always has good intentions.”
Tottenham in 'very advanced' talks with £88m Semenyo alternative over Spurs move
The New York Yankees are hosting the Seattle Mariners this week giving fans in the Bronx a chance to see a true slugger up close in MLB's home run leader Cal Raleigh. The Mariners catcher has a career-high 35 home runs and we're still a few games away from the All-Star break.
He also has a distinctive nickname, "Big Dumper," which YES Network's Michael Kay had to tell the viewers about during Tuesday's broadcast. With Raleigh reaching first on a fielder's choice in the top of the first inning, Kay explained the situation in detail to Paul O'Neil while the production team got a good look at the subject of the discussion.
"They gave him the nickname Big Dumper because he has a pretty large posterior," said Kay. "And he did not like it. His former teammate Jarred Kelenic said he hated it. Hated it. Said just wait, he'll come around. Then they're making T-shirts about it. Then he did come around."
"We're getting a close-up!" O'Neil then exclaimed as the camera focused on Raleigh's backside.
"I don't know if we need that guys. Goodness," Kay continued. "In Seattle they sell No. 29 jerseys with the name Big Dumper on the back."
And if you have any other questions about Cal Raleigh's butt, the Yankees and Mariners play on Prime Video on Wednesday and MLB Network on Thursday.
Serie A giants AC Milan are tracking Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus ahead of a potential January swoop as the forward finally makes a comeback from injury. The Brazil star spent almost a year on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January this year. Jesus returned to action in the Champions League earlier this week against Club Brugge before appearing in the Premier League on Saturday.
Jesus happy to be back after long injury lay-off
Earlier this week, Jesus finally returned to action for Arsenal after almost a year as he came on as a substitute in the Champions League fixture against Club Brugge. The Brazilian forward played for the final 30 minutes of the match but looked impressive on his return. Following his return to competitive football, Jesus had told Arsenal.com: "In the first three months, I had a lot of doubts in my head, and then I could be more focused on what God wants from me. Everyone was expecting me to score. and obviously, I wanted to score. I had some opportunities, but even with that, I'm so happy and so pleased, because to come back and then to have some touches that I had tonight, and then the way I could move, the way I could keep the ball. So with 11 months of helping myself and then feeling scared to come back different, maybe with some limitations, just to walk outside and then play with the boys, I'm so pleased. I feel more than ready. So, I'm here to say God saved my life."
Mikel Arteta was also pleased to welcome his star striker back as the manager said: "I think he brings something else, and I was really happy to see that. Gabi has a really special quality, which is that he suddenly connects everybody around him, and that’s something that we as a team need, and it will make us better. So happy for him, I think you can see how much we all love him. It's been a very, very difficult and long journey. For 11 months he's been fighting against another very difficult injury and to see him back with that smile, with that energy and with that quality in his first performance with us is something really impressive and we're all delighted for him."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportAC Milan eye move for Jesus
Per , AC Milan have set their sights on the returning Gunners star as they look to sign the forward on loan in the January transfer window. A permanent transfer is out of the question for the Italian giants, who have their own financial constraints, while a temporary move also looks difficult, considering Jesus' current salary.
The Selecao international presently earns €16 million gross per year at Emiratest Stadium, which is way more than what AC Milan can afford to offer to Jesus.
While the wages could become a hindrance in the transfer, it is also true that Jesus will remain hungry for more game, with only a few months left for the 2026 World Cup in North America. With Viktor Gyokeres on their side and Mikel Merino's ability to often shine as a makeshift forward, Jesus may decide he needs to move for more opportunities.
Jesus tipped to move out of Arsenal?
Last month, Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn had suggested that Gabriel Martinelli and Jesus, along with Ben White and Ethan Nwaneri, should be allowed to leave Arsenal in January. Speaking in association with , GOAL, when asked if Martinelli and Jesus will move on, the club icon said: “I don’t personally think they will leave. Because, for me, what you want to see from a squad on matchday is a starting XI but then look at the bench when things are not as comfortable as you want them to be, what player can come on and make an impact – whether that is defensively or an attacking option? I would suggest that Mikel Arteta, for the rest of this season with the games that we have got, will want everybody back fit. Jesus is a terrific option to have. I don’t see any of our players leaving in January. Maybe next season, but I don’t see anybody leaving in January.”
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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Arsenal?
After narrowly edging out Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, which helped them to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points, Arteta's side will be back in action on December 20 as they visit Merseyside to take on Everton.
Jasprit Bumrah was rested while Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya continue to recover from their injuries
Shashank Kishore23-Nov-20253:52
Rishabh Pant vs Tilak Varma for Shreyas Iyer’s middle-order spot
India batter KL Rahul will captain the side in the three ODIs against South Africa starting on November 30. Rahul steps in with regular captain Shubman Gill still recovering from the neck injury he suffered during the first Test in Kolkata earlier this month.Rishabh Pant was back in ODI mix as the second wicketkeeper, having last played the format in August 2024. Jasprit Bumrah was rested having featured in all four home Tests this season, the T20 Asia Cup as well as the ODIs in Australia over the past two months. Shreyas Iyer too wasn’t in the squad as he continues to recover from a lacerated spleen.With Shreyas unavailable, a middle-order spot opened up for Tilak Varma, the left-hand batter, who featured in a recent one-day series against South Africa A in Rajkot.ESPNcricinfo LtdTilak has so far played four ODIs with modest returns, but has established himself as a regular in the T20I set-up. He could compete with Pant for a spot in the middle order that also has Virat Kohli, Rahul as well as Ravindra Jadeja, who was rested for the Australia ODIs. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are the other allrounders in the mix. There was no spot for Axar Patel.In Gill’s absence, Yashasvi Jaiswal is expected to open the batting with Rohit Sharma. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was in sparkling form for India A during the one-dayers against South Africa A is the reserve opener. Gaikwad, who last played in an ODI two years ago, made scores of 117, 68* and 25 during India A’s 2-1 series win.Mohammed Siraj has been rested, presumably to manage his workloads after he featured in each of the four home Tests, with Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana as the frontline pace bowlers. The squad also comprises Dhruv Jurel as the back-up middle order batter.Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, is undergoing the final phase of his rehab for a quadriceps injury at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He has been named in Baroda’s squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s that start on November 26, and could play the first three rounds of matches before the selectors take a call on him for the T20I series against South Africa. Hardik, who was part of the Champions Trophy wining squad in March, missed India’s previous ODI assignment due to the injury he picked up during September’s Asia Cup.The three ODIs against South Africa will be played on November 30 in Ranchi, December 3 in Raipur and on December 6 in Visakhapatnam.India’s ODI squad for South Africa seriesRohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (capt & wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Dhruv Jurel
Aston Villa are now circling to sign an “unbelievable” Premier League striker in the January transfer window, with his club open to a sale.
Villa "want to sign a new striker" next month
Ex-scout Mick Brown has made it clear his former club are looking to bolster their options at centre-forward this winter, saying: “Aston Villa want to sign a new striker in January,”
“Emery wants somebody to challenge Watkins and score regular goals, because they’ve lacked that so far this season, and they want to do it when the window opens.
“The problem is, there aren’t many strikers available, and the ones that are cost big money.”
While there may not be a plethora of options available, some exciting targets have been identified, with it being revealed Igor Thiago is highly likely to leave Brentford in January, amid interest from Unai Emery.
Bologna star Santiago Castro is another striker of interest to the Villans, with the Argentinian striker outscoring Ollie Watkins this season, although a deal could be on the expensive side at around £44m.
A slightly cheaper centre-forward has also emerged as a target, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Aston Villa are now circling to sign Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee next month, following a new update on the Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford.
Although Ruben Amorim wants to keep hold of Zirkzee, in light of his versatility, Man United are now open to sanctioning a departure, and Villa’s Premier League rivals could look to hold out for a fee of around £35m.
A whole host of clubs are in the race for the Netherlands international, however, with the likes of Sunderland, Brighton, Everton, West Ham United, Inter Milan and Juventus also being named as potential suitors.
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ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025 "Unbelievable" Zirkzee back amongst the goals
The 24-year-old hasn’t had the easiest of rides at Old Trafford, failing to make it off the bench in seven Premier League matches this season, but he has impressed at times, with Sky Sports analyst Statman Dave hailing his mentality earlier this year.
The former Bologna man also returned to form in front of goal at the end of November, scoring the equalising goal to start Man United’s comeback in their 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.
That said, Villa should have major reservations about signing Zirkzee, considering his very poor record in front of goal, netting just eight times in 58 outings for Man United, while also receiving heavy criticism from content creator Alex Turk this season.
Chelsea didn’t blow Everton away last time out in the Premier League but the 1-0 win on home soil was still crucial in the Blues’ bid to pick up a Champions League spot come the end of May.
Enzo Maresca’s men are flimsily holding onto fifth position in the current league standings, with Nottingham Forest only below the West Londoners on goal difference, meaning more wins need to be clinched across their last four clashes to possibly dine at Europe’s elite table.
Sealing a place in the esteemed Champions League would also enable Chelsea to attract some top stars through the door this approaching transfer window, with the Blues still insistent they can get one statement deal over the line to enhance their defensive options.
Chelsea remain in contact for "unbelievable" star
Much of the chatter from a defensive point of view in recent weeks when it comes to Chelsea has concerned Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
Yet, the Blues may not be content with just strengthening the centre of their backline with a new full-back being lined up.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, as per a report journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea remain in constant contact surrounding a deal for Barcelona’s star man at the back in Jules Kounde and would allegedly ‘love’ to sign him this summer.
The report further elaborates that Kounde’s future in Spain is up in the air, meaning Barca could soon cash in on the in-demand defender who has admirers in the form of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Fresh off scoring a late winner for Hansi Flick’s men in the Copa Del Rey final versus Real Madrid, the hope will be that the “unbelievable” 26-year-old – as he’s been described by his manager this season – can be the classiest right-back figure to grace the Stamford Bridge turf since Cesar Azpilicueta’s celebrated stint.
How Kounde could be Chelsea's best right-back in years
It’s clear from Maresca’s last team selection against the Toffees that a new, fresh right-back body is a priority, with Moises Caicedo the preferred option here over his regular midfield duties.
Therefore, everyone at Chelsea will be praying that Kounde’s potential arrival on the scene can be as impactful as Azpilicueta’s was back in 2012 when he left Olympique de Marseille behind for good.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Indeed, the current Atletico Madrid veteran went on to cement himself as a modern day great whilst at the Blues, with two Premier League title triumphs and one Champions League success major highlights of his lengthy 508-game stay.
Away from Chelsea’s trophy cabinet filling up with the 35-year-old a trusted member of the team, the Spaniard would also chip in with 17 goals and 51 assists as a constantly expansive and forward-thinking outlet down the right, with the new Blues target also unafraid to maraud forward for his side, away from completing his routine defensive duties.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Kounde
Games played
32
Goals scored
2
Assists
3
Touches*
79
Accurate passes*
50 (89%)
Big chances missed
3
Big chances created
6
Total duels won
4.2
Since the former club captain left London behind, it’s safe to say Chelsea have struggled to replace him with Malo Gusto exciting but raw and Reece James spending more time on the treatment table than he has on the grass.
As a result, Kounde would be a brilliant asset and one who can provide the goods in both penalty boxes too, having managed to amass a mightily impressive 12 goal contributions as an explosive option, with five of those coming across 32 La Liga clashes as Barca aim to become champions come the close of May.
With that in mind, the £51m-rated France international would be able to offer everything James can when he’s fully fit by offering goals and assists galore from defence.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
Before any signings enter the building, however, Chelsea will need to be calm and composed in their hunt for a top-five finish in the Premier League, whilst their coveted target aims to sensationally pick up yet another trophy in the Champions League at Barca.
Better than Madueke: Chelsea now in talks to sign "England's best winger"
Chelsea are looking to sign one of Europe’s most talented young wingers this summer.
With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave Manchester City in the summer, it will be fascinating to see who Pep Guardiola’s side decides to sign as his replacement. It will not be at all easy to find someone to step into De Bruyne’s shoes. He has 107 goals and 177 assists in 415 games for the club.
However, someone has to do it, and perhaps they look in-house for the solution. In that case, the answer might be Phil Foden, who has excelled as a number ten for City when given the chance to play there. He has 24 goals and 16 assists in 51 appearances in that role.
If City are to make a signing to replace De Bruyne, then Florian Wirtz might be the player they look to sign.
The latest in City’s pursuit of Wirtz
If there is one player who City really seem to want as their De Bruyne replacement, it is Germany and Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Wirtz. According to a recent report from BILD, they are ‘keen to sign’ him along with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz
Yet again, it has been quite an extraordinary season for Wirtz in 2024/25. A key part of Leverkusen’s invincible season last term, he has continued that form this season and has once again shone for Xabi Alonso’s team.
In 40 games across all competitions this season, the 21-year-old has managed 15 goals and 13 assists. That includes 20 goal involvements in 26 Bundesliga appearances.
With that in mind, it might not be a surprise to learn that the Germany international is so highly valued by Transfermarkt. They believe the 21-year-old is worth an eye-watering £120m; he could cost City a pretty penny if they want to sign him this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz
Incredibly, the reigning Premier League champions have someone worth even more than Wirtz, who has been a key part of their success in recent years.
The City player worth more than Wirtz
When you think of the crucial players for City in their 2022/23 treble-winning season, three names might spring to mind: De Bruyne, Rodri, or Erling Haaland. Well, the latter was arguably the key player in that famous season for the East Mancunians and has been deadly in front of goal during his City career.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In 138 appearances for the club so far, the City number nine has an extraordinary 120 goals, along with 20 assists, to take his goals and assists per game ratio above one. He simply cannot stop scoring for City.
The Norway international has been deadly throughout the three years he has spent at City so far. However, one season stands out. His most prolific campaign was his first in Sky Blue, the treble-winning campaign, where Haaland managed 52 goals and nine assists.
This term, the 24-year-old has been in imperious form, although not to the levels he has previously shown. Haaland has only managed 30 goals and four assists in 40 games this term. They are the standards Haaland has set himself.
The Citizens centre-forward has superb underlying numbers from the last 365 days, too, courtesy of FBref. For example, he averages 0.87 goals per game, which ranks him in the top 3% of strikers in Europe.
Goals
0.87
97th
Shots
3.79
92nd
Shots on target
1.97
99th
Goals per shot
0.19
72nd
Expected goals
0.88
99th
With that in mind, hearing Haaland’s value is £171.4m according to Transfermarkt might not be a surprise. He is over £50m higher in transfer value than Wirtz, which shows just how well Haaland has done for City.
In many ways, their number nine is the original Wirtz. That is to say, an exciting young talent signed from the Bundesliga, who took to the Premier League like a duck to water.
As Statman Dave said, the Norwegian is “extraordinary”.
He's like David Silva: Man City in talks for £100m De Bruyne replacement
Man City have held talks to sign one of the best players in Germany…
When Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk decided to extend their contracts at Liverpool and put months of speculation pertaining to their futures to bed, they wanted reassurances that FSG mean to invest.
The veteran superstars are arguably the finest players in their respective positions worldwide, and despite Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held manager’s role last year, have enjoyed staggering success under Arne Slot to move within an inch of the Premier League title.
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah
Liverpool are Champions Elect, all but confirmed as this year’s English top-flight winners. It’s a remarkable feat, built upon the foundations laid by Klopp.
However, now is the time for Slot to put his own stamp on the Anfield side, with Federico Chiesa the sole arrival of his reign so far – goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to arrive this summer after a deal was agreed last year.
While Salah’s staying put and Liverpool are expected to prioritise the signing of a new centre-forward with Darwin Nunez expected to leave, there’s a good chance sporting director Richard Hughes will be tasked with signing a new wideman.
Liverpool need more quality on the wings
Make no mistake, Liverpool’s attacking force has been exactly that under Slot’s wing: a force to be reckoned with. However, with Nunez and Chiesa struggling and Jota enduring a disappointing season too, it’s understandable that the club wish to bolster.
Mohamed Salah
46
32
23
Cody Gakpo
43
16
6
Luis Diaz
45
15
8
Diogo Jota
32
9
4
Darwin Nunez
42
7
7
Federico Chiesa
12
2
2
The likes of Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Nunez is set to leave this summer after Saudi side Al-Nassr failed with a series of bids in January, but Liverpool may also look out wide in spite of Salah’s contract renewal.
Indeed, Luis Diaz is in red-hot form at the moment but, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year of his contract, is also deemed expendable, should the right offer come in.
Of course, FSG aren’t going to want to let the Barcelona- and Saudi-linked star leave on the cheap, letting suitors know that they will field bids totalling €80m (£67m).
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Salah will be 33 by the time the 2025/26 season kicks off, and though Liverpool’s data analysts, some of the best in the business, are confident that the Egyptian King will continue firing true over the next two years, some more firepower wouldn’t go amiss.
When Salah does enter his twilight, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka looks ready to take his mantle and assume the star spot as the Premier League’s most dangerous winger. Liverpool won’t want to let that happen, of course, and have actually identified their own version of the Three Lions superstar.
Liverpool step up interest in rising star
Liverpool are planning for a big summer, alright. If Diaz should leave, plans are being drawn for the transfer of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, one of the most coveted young wingers in Europe right now.
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 Football Insider, FSG are actually accelerating their plans to sign the 20-year-old after sorting out Liverpool’s contractual obstacles, having been scouting him for a while. He is believed to be a “key target”, as per scout Mick Brown.
Dortmund recognise the value of their youngster, however, and have previously responded to links away by placing a whopping €100m (£85m) price tag on Gittens’ head. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have also registered interest.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
Liverpool aren’t likely to engage in such exorbitant demands, but if a more agreeable figure can be agreed, there’s every chance the Reds could secure one of the most exciting English talents around after identifying him as a key target.
What Jamie Gittens would bring to Liverpool
Gittens might still be in the fledgling stage of his professional career, but he’s already made quite the impression in Dortmund’s senior squad, following Jadon Sancho’s footsteps in moving to the German club from Manchester City’s youth academy.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
The Yellow Wall have long been a hothouse for developing exciting talent and Gittens will hardly regret his decision, having already featured 102 times for the club.
The step-by-step progress he has shown will have pleased Liverpool’s scouts to no end, always regarded as an athletic, pacy and powerful winger but starting to sharpen his attacking tools, enjoying success as a proper goal threat this term.
24/25
44 (32)
12
5
23/24
34 (18)
2
8
22/23
20 (5)
3
1
21/22
4 (1)
0
0
This incremental growth does suggest that Gittens could match his compatriot Saka down the line, albeit in Liverpool’s shade of red.
As per FBref, Gittens ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.
This perfectly illustrates his blend of physicality and potency, something that perhaps Saka, 23, performs without rival at the moment.
Arsenal dispatched Real Madrid over two legs to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and Saka was the star forward at the Santiago Bernabeu, his chipped goal taking his haul to 11 strikes and 14 assists across 29 matches this term.
So dangerous. So dynamic. The right-sided forward’s completeness is part of what makes him such an incredible, highest-class footballer, but Gittens truly has the skills to match him.
The Dortmund man has also been impressive in the Champions League this year, hailed by Romano for one “special” performance against Club Brugge in the group stage, scoring two goals.
The rising star’s technical quality suggests he can go all the way, and under Slot’s wing at Liverpool, maybe he can take the next steps toward rivalling Saka for the position as England’s prized winger.
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