Victor Osimhen has once again found himself at the centre of intense transfer speculation this summer, with Turkish champions Galatasaray making a bold attempt to sign the prolific Nigerian forward. Antonio Conte has underlined the club’s stance by insisting that any departure must align with the financial terms outlined in Osimhen’s contract.
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Galatasaray agree to meet Osimhen's release clauseHowever, the payment will be made in installmentsAl-Hilal ready to pay entire release clause up frontFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Conte prefers to place his faith in Romelu Lukaku as his primary striker and is believed to be lining up Darwin Núñez as his secondary choice. With Osimhen deemed surplus to tactical requirements, Napoli are not just open to selling him, they see it as essential to move him on.
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Galatasaray, intent on bringing back their star striker from last season, have expressed their readiness to match the €75 million (£65m/$88m) clause. However, the Turkish side proposed paying the amount in staggered installments, a condition that Napoli has flatly refused. The Naples club insists on receiving the full sum upfront, backed by bank guarantees if a deal is to be finalized. Complicating matters further, Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal is reportedly ready to meet Napoli’s demands in one go, potentially putting pressure on Galatasaray to revise their offer quickly if they hope to win the race.
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Due to terms renegotiated in his last contract renewal, Osimhen is set to earn €24m (£21m/$28m) net in the upcoming season if he stays. That figure is seen as excessive by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, particularly for a player who no longer fits into the club’s long-term plans. With Osimhen’s contract running until 2026, this summer presents a strategic window for Napoli to secure a substantial transfer fee before his value potentially declines or he leaves on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.
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Osimhen’s exceptional 2024/25 season with Galatasaray only reinforces the growing demand for his signature. The Nigerian striker found the net 26 times and delivered 5 assists across 30 league appearances, playing a vital role in helping Galatasaray secure their 25th Turkish Super Lig title.
Sources close to Osimhen suggest that he has settled well in Istanbul and would prefer to continue his career in Turkey rather than return to Napoli. The striker has reportedly shown reluctance to join the Italian side’s pre-season camp, scheduled to start on July 15, underscoring his desire to avoid a return to a club where he no longer feels wanted.
Chegou o grande momento para Corinthians e Internacional no Campeonato Brasileiro Feminino. As equipes se enfrentam neste sábado (24), às 14h, na Neo Química Arena, pelo título brasileiro.
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O duelo tem tudo para ser histórico, tendo em vista que o Timão anunciou mais de 39 mil ingressos vendidos, número que supera o recorde estabelecido pelo próprio Inter na partida no Beira-Rio, onde 36 mil pessoas acompanharam o empate em 1 a 1 entre os clubes.
Além disso, a CBF anunciou que pagará R$ 1 milhão de premiação para as campeãs. O montante é cinco vezes maior do que o pago na última edição do torneio, vencida pelo próprio Corinthians. O vice-campeão faturará R$ 500 mil
+ Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os últimos jogos
Na primeira fase, a equipe de Arthur Elias conquistou nove vitórias, cinco empates e uma derrota e ficou com a quarta melhor campanha, com 32 pontos.
No mata-mata, o Corinthians eliminou o Real Brasília-DF e deixou para trás o rival Palmeiras na semifinal. Esta será a sexta final consecutiva das Brabas na competição, na qual são bicampeãs.
O Colorado terminou a primeira fase em 3º lugar, com 33 pontos, somando 10 vitórias, três empates e duas derrotas.
A equipe treinada por Maurício Salgado eliminou o Flamengo, nas quartas de final, com placar agregado de 4 a 2. Na semifinal, o Inter deixou para trás o São Paulo, ao vencer no agregado por 2 a 1.
CORINTHIANS X INTERNACIONAL CAMPEONATO BRASILEIRO FEMININO – FINAL – VOLTA Local: Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP) Data e hora: 24 de agosto de 2022, às 14h Árbitro: Charly Wendy Straub Deretti (FIFA) [SC] Assistentes: Leila Naiara Moreira da Cruz (FIFA) [DF] e Fernanda Nândrea Gomes Antunes (FIFA) [MG] Árbitro de vídeo: Igor Junio Benevenuto de Oliveira (VAR-FIFA) [MG] Onde assistir: Band, elevensports.com e SporTV
CORINTHIANS Lelê; Yasmim, Tarciane, Andressa Pereira e Tamires; Gabi Morais, Gabi Zanotti e Gabi Portilho, Jaque e Adriana; Jhennifer. Técnico: Arthur Elias
INTERNACIONAL Mayara, Eskerdinha, Bruna Benites, Sorriso e Belinha, Juliana, Duda Sampaio e Maiara Lisboa; Fabi Simões, Milenne e Lelê. Técnico: Maurício Salgado
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has a rebuilding job on his hands this summer and has now thrown his hat in the ring for an exciting star who continues to crop up on the radar of Premier League clubs, per a report.
Tottenham Hotspur look to navigate transitional moment
Daniel Levy has come under scrutiny from sections of the Tottenham support this season, and his rule over the club is never too far away from the headlines. However, there can be no doubt he has financially backed Postecoglou in the last couple of transfer windows.
Spending around £147.6 million on the likes of Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, optimism was fairly high in North London that the Lilywhites would kick on under the Australian’s stewardship. Fast forward to March, they lie 14th in the Premier League table with very little to show for their efforts.
Despite fighting the fire of an injury crisis over the last few months, Postecoglou is under pressure at Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly been lined up to replace the under-fire manager.
Even if that is the case, Spurs have already made a start on summer targets with Viktor Gyokeres high on their wishlist. Given Sporting CP are regulars in Europe’s premier competition, it feels like the only way he would be enticed by the prospect of a move to N17 is if they snatch a backdoor route to Champions League qualification by claiming the Europa League title.
On the same token, Rayan Ait-Nouri could be part of Tottenham’s rebuild for a sum of £40 million, though he is also in the sights of Liverpool and West Ham United.
Tottenham’s next five fixtures – all competitions
Chelsea (A)
Premier League
Southampton (H)
Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt (H)
Europa League
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt (A)
Europa League
One thing is for certain, there are changes on the way that Postecoglou is set to head up. The former Celtic boss has now turned his attention to a talented young star viewed as one of the best talents in his country below the top flight.
Tottenham Hotspur enter the race to sign Hayden Hackney
According to Football Insider, Tottenham want to bring in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after approving plans to sell Yves Bissouma this summer.
The England Under-21 cap is widely thought of as one of the best midfielders in England outside of the Premier League and is said to be valued at around £20 million at the Riverside Stadium.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
Labelled “an exciting player” by Carlton Palmer, the 22-year-old has registered five goals and two assists in 36 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace will provide stiff competition for the rising star, who has created 47 chances in the English second-tier from the engine room.
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Making advances ahead of the summer, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham can convince Hackney that enough minutes will be on offer in North London to continue his rapid development.
Tammy Beaumont scored a double-century as England Women piled on 510 runs in a day to build a huge 390-run lead against Australia A Women during a three-day warm-up for the Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge next week.Beaumont retired out on 201 from 238 balls in Derby with England 611 for 7 in response to 221 all out by an Australia A side captained by left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen, the only member of Australia’s Test squad to move into the A side for the build-up game.Beaumont and Emma Lamb, who fell for 10 on Thursday when she was caught by Tahlia Wilson off the bowling of Maitlan Brown, are England’s incumbent Test openers, having done the job in last year’s draw with South Africa at Taunton. Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophia Dunkley all scored half-centuries and Amy Jones cruised to 88 off just 65 balls before Jonassen had her caught by Brown.Related
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Jones was full of praise for Beaumont’s knock, which resumed on 65 on the second morning with England 120 runs behind with nine wickets in hand. She shared a 170-run partnership with captain Knight for the second wicket and 148 with Sciver-Brunt, Knight’s deputy, for the third.”Five hundred runs in a day is a great effort and Tammy set that up brilliantly,” Jones said. “I thought it was an incredible innings really. I don’t remember any chances. She just looked really free flowing and soaked up pressure in the harder moments of the game as well, so she was brilliant and we had some good partnerships throughout which is good to see.”But an intriguing sub-plot was developing in Leicester, where England A, led by captain by Lauren Winfield-Hill, took a lead of 278 runs after two days of their three-day warm-up against Australia’s Test players. Winfield-Hill, who lost her England central contract ahead of this season amid a nine-month period of being overlooked for the senior side, reached 106 from 148 deliveries batting at No. 4 before legspinner Alana King had her caught by Georgia Wareham.Meanwhile Danni Wyatt, who is part of England’s Test squad but moved to the A side this week, scored 37 off 43 balls at No. 5 before she was trapped lbw by Australia pace spearhead Darcie Brown. Wyatt had moved to the top of the order in the shorter formats last year when Winfield-Hill lost her place during the 50-over World Cup and Beaumont was dropped from the T20 side ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Winfield-Hill made a return to T20Is during England’s winter tour of West Indies, twice batting at No. 3 below Wyatt, who has played 245 white-ball internationals but is yet to make her Test debut.Paige Scholfield, the leading run-scorer in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy so far this season, also scored a century, while Bess Heath and Grace Scrivens, who led England to the Under-19 T20 World Cup final earlier this year, scored a half-centuries against the Australians.Ashleigh Gardner, the Australian allrounder named Player of the Tournament after helping her side lift the T20 World Cup in February, didn’t bowl as a precaution after being hit on the right index finger while catching before play on Thursday. While there was some swelling, the injury didn’t trouble her while batting or fielding and she was expected to be fit for the Test starting on Thursday.England A closed on 562 for 9 in reply to Australia’s first-innings 284, which was built on opener Beth Mooney’s century. Kim Garth was the pick on a “tough day” for Australia’s bowlers, with 4 for 69, and King claimed three wickets.”There is a lot of positives to come out of it though,” Garth said. “I think we actually did quite well on a wicket that’s not offering much for the bowlers. Credit to them as well, they did bat very well. If you asked the coaching staff upstairs, I think they probably would have wanted a game like this rather than just cruising through three days of cricket so I think there’s plenty to take out of it into next week.”
قلّص باتشوكا النتيجة في مباراته الجارية حاليًا ضد نظيره فريق ريال مدريد، في مباراتهما في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية، نسخة 2025.
ويلتقي الفريقان في الوقت الحالي في إطار منافسات الجولة الثانية من دور مجموعات البطولة، المُقامة حاليًا في أمريكا.
وتمكن باتشوكا من تسجيل هدف أول في شباك نظيره ريال مدريد، في الدقيقة 80، وجاء هدف باتشوكا الأول عن طريق إلياس مونتيل، بعدما سدد كرة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء، لتصطدم في الدفاع وتسكن شباك تيبو كورتوا.
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Montiel consigue marcar ante el Real Madrid y darle una alegría a su hinchada 🙌 @Tuzos @FIFACWC | Todos los partidos gratis en https://t.co/yWCWbevPop | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/oM79q8zjnp — DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) June 22, 2025
ويعاني ريال مدريد من النقص العددي منذ الدقيقة 7 بعد طرد راؤول أسينسيو، ولكنه تمكن من تسجيل 3 أهداف حتى الآن، عن طريق جود بيلينجهام، أردا جولر وفيدي فالفيردي.
Manchester United face one of the most crucial games of the season in just over 48 hours, yet, as ever, it is talk off the field that is dominating the back pages.
Speaking to a raft of outlets on Monday afternoon, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempted to justify the key decisions that have been made at Old Trafford under the new regime, while also seeking to outline the plan for moving forward following what has been a wretched decade or so in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The vision for Ratcliffe and Co, it would seem, is to steer the club toward winning a 21st league title by 2028, a goal that to some may be viewed as ‘Mission Impossible’ with Ruben Amorim’s side currently languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.
While the billionaire businessman appeared unwilling to shift the blame onto the previous leadership set-up, there was an obvious frustration directed toward the mammoth signings that he has now inherited.
Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Antony and Jadon Sancho were all name-checked by the Englishman as costly signings of the pre-INEOS period, while he also went on to state that there are those who are simply “not good enough” among the current crop.
If those words suggest anything, it’s that the ruthless decisions at Old Trafford are only set to continue in the near future – and not just related to those high-profile stars who Ratcliffe mentioned…
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Famous Five
While there will be an appreciation of the honesty of the 72-year-old, quite what Ratcliffe intends to gain by mentioning those names above remains to be seen, with it likely to prove another dent in the already dwindling confidence of Amorim’s side.
Antony, Zirkzee, Hojlund
Of course, in the case of Sancho and Antony, the pair are currently away from the club on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively, with the Englishman, in particular, already destined to depart with the Blues holding an obligation to buy the winger this summer.
As for Casemiro, reports did the rounds prior to Ratcliffe’s arrival that he had questioned the prior £70m capture of the then 30-year-old Brazilian, with INEOS now attempting to find a way to shift the £350k-per-week star from the wage bill.
An exit for the veteran had appeared inevitable even prior to Ratcliffe’s comments, yet for Onana and Hojlund, where does this leave them?
United’s number one has endured a dismal last few months or so under Amorim, having already made three errors leading to a goal in the top flight this season, yet such scrutiny from the ownership will likely do little to aid his spiralling form.
Meanwhile, for Hojlund, the promising Dane is on a run of 20 games without a goal and has only scored twice in the league this season, having notably laboured on the ball when presented with a chance against Arsenal last time out.
What the future now holds for the 22-year-old remains to be seen, although there could well be another inherited star facing an uncertain future under the regime…
Man Utd's 'best signing' is now on borrowed time
As Amorim has rightly stated, “nothing” – not even a Europa League triumph – would save United’s season, with the performances having failed to lift off even after the change in the dugout.
Erik ten Hag
There is an acceptance that it will take time to adjust to the manager’s 3-4-3 system, however, with the recent signings of Patrick Dorgu and teenager Ayden Heaven providing reason for optimism.
In the case of Heaven, the £1.5m January arrival has caught the eye during his two substitute cameos in recent weeks, having been described as “so relaxed” by his manager after shining against the Gunners on Sunday.
Heaven’s game in numbers vs Arsenal
30 minutes played
11 touches
2/2 aerial duels won
0/1 ground duels won
100% pass accuracy
1/1 long balls completed
3 clearances
1 shot off target
1x possession lost
Stats via Sofascore
The introduction of the 18-year-old has been a welcome surprise for United, with it looking as if the Hale End graduate could be a long-term fit in that left centre-back berth, if all goes to plan.
Heaven’s emergence could then ensure that the stricken Lisandro Martinez is now on borrowed time at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Argentine currently enduring yet another injury lay-off which will likely keep him out for much of the calendar year.
The former Ajax man – who was signed for £56.7m in the summer of 2022 – had looked to be one of the club’s “best signings” in years, in the words of Patrice Evra, following a standout first season, although the 27-year-old’s repeated injury woes have since made him far too unreliable.
Indeed, the World Cup winner made just 14 appearances last season due to repeated setbacks, while his form at the start of this campaign was also reason for concern, having been branded “appalling” by Gary Neville for his tame clearance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
It had been a solid start to 2025 for Martinez it must be said, a point validated by his stunning strikes against both Liverpool and Fulham, yet with it looking as if he will definitely miss the start of next season, can Amorim really factor him too greatly into his plans?
At his best, the 5 foot 10 ace is a “warrior” – as hailed by Erik ten Hag – and a real outlet on the ball. At his worst, however, the £120k-per-week asset can be exposed defensively, with journalist Alex Turk writing that he had “cost United far too often inside his own box” in the early months of 2024/25.
Lisandro Martinez
The diminutive ‘Butcher’ is a cult hero and a fan favourite, yet at a time when Ratcliffe and co will be desperate to ensure they are getting value for money, it might not be too long before Martinez finds himself shown the door.
Amorim has just discovered Man Utd's next big star & it's not Heaven or Obi
Manchester United have a number of exceptional young players at their disposal.
The final ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park between Everton and Liverpool is set to take place on Wednesday evening.
The hosts are looking to halt the Reds’ Premier League title charge under Arne Slot, with David Moyes’ side winning their last three games in the top flight.
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It will be an evening that will go down in the history books before Everton move to their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Everton v Liverpool team news Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti all look set to be missing once again for Everton, whereas Orel Mangala, Seamus Coleman and Dwight McNeil are long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, left-back Vitali Mykolenko was also unavailable last time out and could be missing once again.
Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold has missed Liverpool’s last two games with a thigh problem and could once again be left out at Goodison Park, whereas youngster Tyler Morton is out for around a month.
Fellow defender Joe Gomez returned to the starting line-up in the Plymouth defeat after missing a few weeks through injury but was forced off early. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones didn’t come on at Home Park after telling Slot he wasn’t fully recovered after a training session.
Where to watch Everton v Liverpool on TV
The match will kick off at 7:30pm (GMT) on Wednesday, February 12, and for viewers in the UK, will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+.
Everton v Liverpool referee and who is on VAR?
The referee assigned to keep control of the final Merseyside derby at Godin Park is Michael Oliver. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, whereas the fourth official is Tony Harrington. On VAR is Chris Kavanagh, with Eddie Smart the assistant VAR official.
Oliver, a well-known referee to both sides, has actually officiated Liverpool more than any other club and has given a total of 49 penalties in fixtures where Everton and Liverpool have been involved.
Games
59
64
Record
W20, D20, L19
30W, 20D, 14L
Cards received
101 Yellow, 6 Red
100 Yellow, 1 Red
Cards to opponents
96 Yellow, 5 Red
102 Yellow, 5 Red
Penalties for/against
16/9
17/7
Everton v Liverpool form Everton
Beto and James Garner
Moyes has now had five games back in charge as Everton boss, winning three and losing two.
The Toffees have taken themselves nine points clear of the relegation zone with wins over Tottenham, Brighton and Leicester, although they did exit the FA Cup to Bournemouth last time out.
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
Sat 8th Feb
Bournemouth (h)
FA Cup
L 0-2
Sat 1st Feb
Leicester (h)
Premier League
W 4-0
Sat 25th Jan
Brighton (a)
Premier League
W 0-1
Sun 19th Jan
Tottenham (h)
Premier League
W 3-2
Wed 15th Jan
Aston Villa (h)
Premier League
L 0-1
Liverpool
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Mohamed Salah
The Reds’ dreams of a quadruple under Slot in his first season came to an end last weekend as Liverpool were stunned in the FA Cup.
Championship basement sitters Plymouth Argyle dumped a much-changed Liverpool side out of the FA Cup days after they booked their place in the EFL Cup final after a 4-1 aggregate win over Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final.
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
Sun 9th Feb
Plymouth (a)
FA Cup
L 1-0
Thu 6th Feb
Tottenham (h)
EFL Cup
W 4-0
Sat 1st Feb
Bournemouth (a)
Premier League
W 0-2
Wed 29th Jan
PSV (a)
Champions League
L 3-2
Sat 25th Jan
Ipswich (h)
Premier League
W 4-1
Everton v Liverpool head-to-head
The two famous Merseyside rivals have met a whopping 295 times in total, with the first clash coming way back in 1894.
Overall, it is Liverpool who have the better record, although Everton did win this fixture 2-0 in the 2023/24 season.
أكد طارق يحيى، نجم الزمالك السابق، أن النادي الأهلي هو الأقرب اليوم لحصد لقب الدوري المصري الممتاز متفوقًا على بيراميدز.
وأشار خلال حديثه في برنامج “لعبة والتانية” على راديو ميجا إف إم، إلى صعوبة تعثر الأهلي أمام فاركو في المباراة القادمة.
وأضاف يحيى أن الدوري المصري هذا الموسم يشهد حالة من الفوضى في اللوائح والقوانين، واصفًا الوضع بأنه “سمك لبن تمر هندي”، في إشارة إلى التناقض والارتباك في تطبيق القواعد.
بين الاتهامات والحلال والحرام.. مناقشة ساخنة بين جمال عبد الحميد وعبد الجليل حول ألقاب الأهلي والزمالك
وأوضح أنه لم يشاهد مثل هذه الأمور خلال تجربته في الدوريات التي عمل بها، معبّرًا عن أسفه لما يعانيه النظام الكروي في مصر.
وشدد طارق يحيى على ضرورة أن تُدار كرة القدم المصرية من قبل أشخاص يملكون فهماً عميقًا للعبة، مؤكدًا أن الخلافات المستمرة ليست موجودة في الدوريات العالمية الأخرى، وأنها تؤثر سلبًا على سمعة مصر في الساحة الكروية بسبب تصرفات رابطة الأندية.
كما أشار إلى أن نادي الزمالك يعاني من نقص في النظام الداخلي، مؤكدًا أن الفريق يحتاج إلى إدارة تخاف على مصلحة النادي.
واعتذر لمجلس الزمالك بسبب الظروف المالية، لكنه شدد على أن سمعة النادي في الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم (فيفا) تضررت كثيرًا بسبب كثرة الشكاوى المقدمة من المدربين واللاعبين السابقين.
واختتم حديثه بالتأكيد على ضرورة أن يتبع مجلس الزمالك خطوات الأهلي في التعاقد مع لاعبين مميزين مثل محمود تريزيجيه وحمدي فتحي وأحمد زيزو، مشيرًا إلى أن استمرار الوضع الحالي دون صفقات قوية لن يؤدي إلى تغييرات إيجابية في الموسم الجديد.
Liverpool are now leading Manchester City in the race to sign a £317,000-p/w star, with internal talks currently ongoing, according to reporter Tobi Altschäffl.
Reds eyeing Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at Anfield is still in major doubt, having emerged as a major target for Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, and the Reds have started to look at potential replacements.
The main target Arne Slot’s side have been linked with is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, with reports from earlier this month suggesting they have already made contact with the Bundesliga side to discuss the terms of a deal.
The German’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he has been attracting the attention of a number of top clubs, including Manchester City, with manager Pep Guardiola believed to be a big fan and City reportedly moving into pole position for the deal this week.
Kyle Walker is now poised to join AC Milan, meaning Liverpool’s Premier League rivals may also need to bring in a new right-back at the end of the season, but there has been another twist, with the Merseysiders taking the lead back in the race for Kimmich’s signature.
Liverpool now leading race for "unpredictable" £10m forward who Slot loves
The Reds are in close contact with the 22-year-old’s entourage.
By
Dominic Lund
Jan 22, 2025
Rousing The Kop relay tweets from BILD reporter Tobi Altschäffl, who has revealed the Reds are still discussing a move for the right-back internally. Man City, he claims, are no longer considering a move for the 29-year-old, as they are planning to rebuild their squad with younger players after a major drop-off in performance levels this season.
Altschäffl makes it clear the most likely scenario is the defender signing a new contract to remain at the Allianz Arena, but if he does decide to move on, it would appear that Liverpool is now a more likely destination than Manchester.
Kimmich is the best option to replace Trent
The hope is that Trent rejects Madrid to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club, but if the 26-year-old does move to Spain, then the Bayern defender is most likely the best option to replace him.
Bayern Munich's JoshuaKimmichreacts in front of referee Tobias Reichel
The Germany international has a track record of winning trophies, having won eight league titles and a Champions League with Bayern, and he has a plethora of experience at international level, amassing 97 caps for his country.
Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the £317k-per-week star would also be a versatile option for Slot, given that he is capable of playing in central midfield too.
It will be difficult to find any player capable of matching Trent’s ability to pick out a pass, but there are signs that Kimmich is very assured in possession of the ball, having averaged the most passes per game of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, as of December 29th.
As such, if Kimmich decides he wants a fresh challenge next season, Liverpool should make sure they are right at the front of the queue for his signature.
After weeks of miserable football and worse results, Tottenham Hotspur picked up a much-needed victory on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to Hoffenheim knowing that a win was imperative to keep their hopes of automatically qualifying for the next round of the Europa League alive, and while it wasn’t straightforward, that’s just what they did.
While there were several good performances on the night, club co-vice captain James Maddison really stood out, scoring and assisting a goal.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison
The Englishman hasn’t been at his mercurial best in recent months, but Thursday night reminded everyone just how good he can be, and fortunately for him, the manager and the fans for that matter, recent reports have linked Spurs with a player who’d be the perfect teammate for him.
Tottenham chase midfield maestro
According to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham have maintained their strong interest in LOSC Lille star Angel Gomes.
In positive developments for the North Londoners, the report has revealed that the England international now favours a move to them over other suitors, including West Ham United and Manchester United.
However, while the team could do with some reinforcements this month, it would appear as if the Lilywhites are working on a pre-contract agreement for the 24-year-old, as with his £11k-per-week contract expiring in the summer, he’ll be available for free.
It might not be what the team needs at this moment, but signing a player of Gomes’ ability for nothing is an excellent bit of business, especially as he could help Maddison play at his best more often.
Why Gomes would be a dream teammate for Maddison
So, it would probably be fair to say that the Maddison we saw against Hoffenheim on Thursday night was the one that fans want to see more of.
The tenacious midfielder who can kickstart attacks from nothing, play a killer ball in behind for his teammates, or break the lines himself to put the ball in the back of the net.
However, for fans to see more of that, the former Leicester City star needs an extremely dependable midfielder to play alongside him, someone who can help out offensively but is also talented and disciplined enough to help out in build-up and defensive situations, which is where Gomes comes in to play.
The former Manchester United prospect has spent much of his career playing in either attacking or central midfield, and as such, has the skill set to influence all phases of play and could, therefore, platform his compatriot to focus on happenings at the sharp end of the pitch.
For example, FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, places him in the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shots blocked.
Pass Completion
86.6%
Top 1%
Successful Take-On %
57.9%
Top 1%
Carries
45.40
Top 3%
Passes into the Final Third
4.86
Top 4%
Shots Blocked
0.23
Top 5%
Progressive Passes
6.69
Top 6%
Switches
0.61
Top 6%
Moreover, an article from the Coaches Voice last September praised him for his pressing and counter-pressing ability, which in a Postecoglou system could be game-changing.
However, while he can help break up play and help defend central spaces, the “special” 24-year-old, as dubbed by former manager Jocelyn Gourvennec, can also help the Lilywhites and Maddison in attacking situations, as exemplified by FBref placing him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for pass completion and successful take-on percentage, the top 3% for carries, the top 4% for passes into the final third, the top 6% for progressive passes, switches and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, signing Gomes in the summer would be an excellent idea for Spurs and Maddison, as the Lille star would platform the Coventry-born star through his defensive efforts and assist him with his brilliant passing range.
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