Nottingham Forest’s sublime season in the Premier League might well have run out of steam towards the back-end – with only one league victory coming their way in May – but Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still have the Conference League to look forward to next campaign after finishing in a fantastic seventh spot.

Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees won’t just be content with one unbelievable season in isolation, however, with an ambitious approach during this summer transfer window perhaps allowing Forest to upgrade all over the pitch ahead of European football coming to the City Ground.

Already, Forest are flexing their muscles as they aim to finalise a deal for Botafogo attacking sensation Igor Jesus, but they might not be done there when adding in some exciting options up top.

Forest's search for a striker

As per a report by the Athletic, Forest remain keen on a deal for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa, having previously been interested in the Bees sharpshooter back in January.

At that time, the Premier League high-flyers were put off by the 28-year-old’s steep £40m valuation, resulting in a £22m bid for his services falling flat.

Now, a move could be back on the cards, even as Forest edge closer to landing the aforementioned Jesus from Brazil.

Worryingly so for the South American hotshot, Wissa’s arrival in through the door could see Espirito Santo and Co. win themselves an instant upgrade on the one-time Arsenal target, with the Congolese international very much a revered marksman in the Premier League.

Why Wissa would be an upgrade on Jesus

Wissa could soon go down as a fan’s favourite at City Ground, even though the long-standing Brentford servant would score this delightful effort only last month versus Forest to seal a 2-0 away success.

Still, they won’t be turning their noses up at adding Wissa to their attacking arsenal alongside Chris Wood, with that breakaway effort just one of 20 strikes the 28-year-old would fire home last season for Thomas Frank’s regular overachievers – 19 of which came in the top-flight.

To add context, the much-talked-about New Zealand powerhouse would tally up that exact amount last season in all competitions, meaning the pair working together in unison could be a dynamite duo.

But, away from any potential partnerships forming, the electric Bees number 11’s dependable record in the Premier League means he would instantly get the first-team nod over Jesus, with the experienced top-flight presence never looking back after entering the level in 2021.

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Looking at the table above, Wissa has gradually improved by season by season at the daunting level, with that tally of 19 league strikes last season his most lethal return in the top-flight to date.

On the contrary, whilst Jesus is an entertaining watch with a hefty 3.5 total shots averaged on goal in Brazilian top-flight action this year, he doesn’t possess that same potency Wissa has in abundance, with a weaker output of seven goals coming his way from 24 Brasileirão Betano contests.

He does have an additional eight goals next to his name playing for Botafogo from 55 total appearances, but the concern will be that the four-time Brazil international could struggle to immediately make an impact in the English game.

Wissa wouldn’t have any of these issues to contend with, with the clinical number 11 once even labelled as “unbelievable” by his Brentford boss for his blistering goalscoring prowess.

Adding in both strikers could well be the dream scenario here, with Jesus able to bounce off a Premier League-recognised striker to up his standards.

After all, Forest might as well aim to strike up as many golden deals as possible whilst the club is on an all-time high.

Wow: Nottingham Forest could now sign £100m star in Gibbs-White swap deal

The Tricky Trees could look to bring in a forward, as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

2 ByDominic Lund Jun 1, 2025

Some players moved closer to Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad, others will be left wondering if they did enough

HOUSTON – The Gold Cup is over. But we won't really what it all meant for another 11 months. Sunday was the finale, yes, and it was a deflating one for the U.S. men's national team. But from the start, the Gold Cup was never really about the Gold Cup – it was a stepping stone on the ultimate journey to the 2026 World Cup.

With that target now less than a year away, a group of 26 players gathered for 40 days to play eight games all over the United States. It wasn't the strongest possible collection of players for Mauricio Pochettino and his USMNT staff, but they were the ones on the roster, those tasked with not just winning a tournament, but with setting a tone.

In the end, they didn't win the tournament. Mexico managed to do that – again – by overcoming an early deficit and winning, 2-1, over the USMNT. But was that tone set? The next year will provide the answer.

"I think we understand the standard now," said defender Tim Ream. "We understand what we need to do on and off the field. We understand what kind of culture is wanted for us and it took a little bit longer than it probably should have. Guys will come in and out. This group will more than likely not be the same again.

"But it's down to us players to now drive home the ideas that they want, the culture that they've created. And it's going to be important for whoever has been in camp for these five weeks to make sure this continues moving forward in every single camp."

This camp, like any other, featured the rise of some players, the fall of others. It was a measuring stick for not just those on the fringes, but also those at the top of the player pool. With just a few camps remaining until the World Cup – and nothing but friendlies ahead – this was the longest gathering before the U.S. squad is selected for next summer.

Some players moved closer to being a part of that squad with their performances in these games. Others will be left wondering if they did enough. Who stood out? Whose stock rose in this Gold Cup run, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

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  STOCK UP: Malik Tillman

  For the first time in his USMNT career, Malik Tillman was allowed to be a big fish in a small pond. He lived up to that label, taking control to establish himself as a bona fide starter one year out from the World Cup.

  From the start, Tillman proved he was clearly in a different class technically, so much so that it took his teammates time to realize just how little space he needed to make things happen. He continually delivered, scoring or assisting in all but two of the games in this tournament. When the U.S. generated a big chance, Tillman was often on the end of it, which went a long way towards building his confidence.

  "Malik is one, the quietest guy ever, but he's leading by example," Ream said. "You have guys who are more vocal and guys who lead by example so finding more of those and unearthing more of those within this group has been a really big positive."

  That confidence should carry over when the USMNT veterans rejoin the squad. Tillman no longer has reason to defer when with the "A team" arrive. He's comfortably part of it now. He translated his PSV successes to the national team, erasing any doubt about whether or not he could contribute at the international level.

Advertisement

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  STOCK DOWN: Matt Turner

  It could have been a summer for Matt Turner to rebuild his confidence. Instead, it was a summer to build up a competitor for that No. 1 goalkeeper spot.

  Matt Freese, not Turner, was in goal for the U.S. all summer, leaving the Crystal Palace goalkeeper on the bench. It was his time on the sidelines at Palace that put him in this scenario, a lack of playing time that opened up a race. Now, Turner will have a lot of work to do to make up ground, as the USMNT went 5-1 with Freese as the starter in the Gold Cup run.

  Turner, to his credit, handled it fantastically. Throughout the Gold Cup, he was frequently seen tutoring Freese, who had nothing but good things to say about the veteran. Turner wasn't bitter; he was helpful, and that goes a long way.

  Still, if Turner wants to be the starter next summer the way he was back in Qatar, he'll need to play on the club level. That message was sent quite clearly by Pochettino and his staff. A move to Lyon may or may not be in the cards but, no matter where Turner does end up, all that matters is that he gets minutes. If not, the door will remain open for Freese, Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte with the World Cup looming.

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  STOCK UP: Diego Luna

  Where to begin with the USMNT's Moon Man? He's become a cult hero and, arguably, already among this team's biggest stars. Based on this summer, he's also likely bound for the World Cup next summer, too.

  Pochettino has been enamored with him since January, and for good reason. He brings attitude, heart and fight to a team that has, at times, lacked all of those qualities. Just boiling him down to that shortchanges him, however. Luna, at his core, is also one hell of a player, one with quality and creativity.

  He sparked this team often in this tournament. He was the difference-maker against Guatemala and Costa Rica. He had two assists, one that should have been a goal, against Trinidad & Tobago in the opener, too. In the end, Luna finished with five combined goals and assists, level with Tillman in the Gold Cup. Only Panama's Ismael Diaz had more.

  Luna isn't going anywhere. The question is no longer if he can contribute to the USMNT, but whether he's made a case to start in the final few camps leading up to the World Cup.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  STOCK DOWN: Johnny Cardoso

  As with Tillman, Cardoso entered this USMNT camp with open questions. Despite all of his club successes, which have led to a reported move to Atletico Madrid, Cardoso never looked particularly good in a USMNT shirt. The hope was that this Gold Cup would change that.

  Just the opposite. Injuries limited Cardoso throughout the tournament, and he ends this Gold Cup in the same state as he began it: a question mark.

  In total, he played just 11 minutes at the tournament after putting in a downright bad 45 against Turkey and a poor 90 against Switzerland in pre-Gold Cup losses. When he was on the field, Cardoso did himself no favors – and injury issues prevented him from making up for it. It's bad fortune, for sure, for a player who has generally been pretty unlucky when representing the national team.

  Is September the window in which he figures it all out? Pochetino will hope so. He is too talented not to contribute, but this tournament was yet another without a signature Cardoso moment.

Sometimes in football, things are just meant to be. Despite not picking up a single victory in their last six standard Championship games, Sunderland rallied and came up through the play-offs in dramatic circumstances.

As they weaved their way through the most lottery system in world football, they must have thought the gods were with them when Dan Ballard powered home an injury-time goal in the semi-finals against Coventry.

The gods were shining down on them again last weekend when Tom Watson, soon to be of Brighton, slid the ball home in the dying embers to send the Black Cats up.

Sunderland have been through hell and back since their exit from the top-flight several years ago, so you can’t say they don’t deserve to be back.

But, what lies in store now? Well, a move for Jordan Henderson could be on the cards.

The latest on Jordan Henderson's future

A Premier League and Champions League winner, Henderson left Liverpool behind in search of luxurious riches in Saudi Arabia.

However, his move to the Pro League wasn’t exactly filled with success. He left after a matter of months, heading to Ajax.

A European titan, his spell in the Netherlands hasn’t been too pleasing either. He’s been attacked by reporters for showing an alleged disrespect to the club amid talk he could leave, while the Amsterdam club lost the Eredivisie title on the season’s final day to PSV.

Still, there has been some solace for Henderson who, after Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager, is now back in the Three Lions setup.

To top things off, he could also return to his boyhood club. That’s according to talkSPORT, who revealed earlier this week that the Mackems are ‘contemplating’ a move to bring the midfielder back to the Stadium of Light.

Henderson first left Sunderland behind back in 2011, having played 79 times for the club.

Would he be a good signing? Well, speaking exclusively to Football FanCast on behalf of BetVictor Casino, former Black Cats defender Wes Brown seemed to think so.

“Jordan Henderson going back to Sunderland would make sense. He’d understand that he might not play every week, but when needed, definitely show the heart,” Brown began.

Sunderland’s squad boasts some fabulous young players from Jobe Bellingham to Chris Rigg, but Brown thinks adding some experience to the squad now they’ve been promoted would be a fine idea.

The former Manchester United star said: “You do need a few experienced players in the squad, to settle the ship. We all know it’s not going to be perfect next year and there are going to be games where it’s not a good day. There has to be people in the squad to pick the other players back up. You see it year after year, how teams that come up, they can’t quite get back up from a defeat and their heads go down, everyone’s nervous.”

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Concluding why the 34-year-old should head back to the northeast, Brown commented: “You need players to bring the life back into the team and Jordan would definitely be a player that would easily help do that. It’s his boyhood club as well. He would try everything to help the team.”

While Henderson’s arrival would be noteworthy, so would a potential exit for Bellingham.

Brown provides verdict on Jobe Bellingham's future

With a name like Bellingham, you’re always going to attract the attention of elsewhere and it looks like the younger brother of Jude could follow in his footsteps this summer by heading to Germany.

Sky Sports Germany reported this week that the attacking midfielder has been in talks over a move to sign for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.

What does Brown make of the young Sunderland star?

He told FFC: “I like Jobe Bellingham, he’s not his brother but he’s a solid player, still young. I can tell you, I played in the Championship, it’s a tough league to get out of, it’s horrible. You could be sitting pretty one minute, you lose two games on the bounce and you’re back in tenth, and you don’t know what’s going on. He’s got a great mindset, determination and they seem like a great bunch of lads.”

Brown concluded: “He’s fitted into that team fantastically and there’s a lot of people who will be looking forward to seeing what Jobe can do in the Premier League.”

While the 19-year-old’s numbers were not jaw-dropping this season, scoring four and assisting three, it’s clear he’s got immense potential and losing him just as they earn promotion would undoubtedly be a big blow.

Big O'Nien upgrade: Sunderland targeting move for "freak" £20m "monster"

Sunderland might look to upgrade on Luke O’Nien when venturing up to the Premier League.

ByKelan Sarson May 30, 2025

Track the squads ahead of the new seasons as clubs build their lists

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024 • Updated on 12-Oct-2024Adelaide StrikersMenFabian Allen, James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Chris Lynn, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake WeatheraldIn Fabian Allen, Jordan Buckingham, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross (Thunder)
Out Wes Agar (Thunder)Women Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston, Katie Mack, Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt,In Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston (Heat), Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Orla Prendergast
Out Dani Gibson, Georgia Adams (Thunder), Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Ella WilsonBrisbane HeatMenTom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Paul WalterIn Tom Alsop, Callum Vidler
Out Josh Brown (Renegades), Sam Billings (Thunder)WomenBonnie Berry, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla WrigleyIn Bonnie Berry, Sianna Ginger, Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla Wrigley
Out Amelia Kerr (Sixers), Georgia Voll (Thunder), Courtney Sippel (Sixers), Ellie Johnston (Strikers)Hobart HurricanesMenIain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Rishad Hossain, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Mac WrightIn Shai Hope, Rishad Hosein, Charlie Wakim
Out Corey Anderson, Sam HainWomenSuzie Bates, Nicola Carey, Zoe Cooke, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Chloe Tryon, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni WyattIn Lauren Smith (Thunder), Chloe Tryon, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Suzie Bates
Out Maisy Gibson (Stars), Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith, Naomi Stalenberg (Renegades)Melbourne RenegadesMenJacob Bethell, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Laurie Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam ZampaIn Jacob Bethell, Josh Brown (Heat), Laurie Evans, Gurinder Sandhu (Thunder)
Out Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson (Thunder) Shaun MarshWomenAlice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney WebbIn Alice Capsey, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (Stars), Milly Illingworth (Stars), Naomi Stalenberg (Hurricanes)
Out Tammy Beaumont, Jess Duffin, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ellen Falconer, Erica Kershaw, Rhiann O’DonnellAmelia Kerr has been a big-name signing for Sydney Sixers•ICC/Getty ImagesMelbourne StarsMenScott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Tom Curran, Ben Duckett, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterIn Tom Curran (Sixers), Ben Duckett, Hamish McKenzie (Stars)
Out Nick LarkinWomenYastika Bhatia, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Hasrat Gill, Liv Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma, Annabel SutherlandIn Yastika Bhatia, Maisy Gibson (Hurricanes), Marizanne Kapp (Thunder), Deepti Sharma, Hasrat Gill
Out Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Nicole Faltum (Renegades), Milly Illingworth (Renegades)Perth ScorchersMenAshton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst, Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors Ashton Turner, Andrew TyeIn Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Sam Fanning, Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings, Matthew Spoors
Out Hamish McKenzie (Stars)WomenChloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine, D Hemalatha, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Jones, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe PiparoIn D Hemalatha, Mikayla Hinkley (Heat)
Out Taneale Peschel (Thunder), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-HillSydney SixersMenSean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, James VinceIn Jafer Chohan, Akeal Hosein
Out Steve O’Keefe, Tom Curran (Stars)WomenHolly Armitage, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson, Courtney SippelIn Holly Armitage, Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr (Heat), Isabella Malgioglio, Courtney Sippel (Heat)
Out Chloe Tryon, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Lindsey SmithSydney ThunderMenWes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerIn Wes Agar, Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, Nic Maddinson (Renegades), Sherfane Rutherford
Out Alex Ross (Strikers), Gurinder Sandhu (Renegades)WomenGeorgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy Jo-Johnson, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia WilsonIn
Georgia Adams, Sienna Eve, Shabnim Ismail, Taneale Peschel (Scorchers), Georgia Voll (Heat)Out Lauren Bell, Marizanne Kapp (Stars), Lauren Smith (Hurricanes)

ألقت تقارير دنماركية، الضوء على تعيين ياس سوروب مدربًا للنادي الأهلي، بعد توصله لاتفاق مع مجلس إدارة القلعة الحمراء بقيادة محمود الخطيب.

ووفقاً لـ”سبورت” الدنماركية، فقد نشرت أنه قد يكون من الصعب على المواطن الدنماركي العادي فهم ما يفعله سوبورب في القاهرة والذي أصبح يدرك ذلك بنفسه.

وأجرى سوروب مقابلة مع قناة “TV Sport2” حول انتقاله لكرة القدم المصرية والذي لا يعد أمرًا مألوفًا، رغم أنه أصبح واقعًا، وقال: “إذا نظرنا إلى قارة مثل إفريقيا، نجد أن أكبر ناد هناك يضم أكثر من 80 مليون مشجع”.

وأضاف: “الأمر أشبه بمحاولة الوصول إلى أوروبا والانتقال لبرشلونة أو بايرن ميونخ، إنه ناد من هذا المستوى”.

وأضاف عن عرض تدريب الأهلي: “لقد أغراني أن يفتح لي ذلك أبوابًا جديدة وقارة جديدة، مع ما يصاحب ذلك من ضغط، لذلك وافقت في النهاية على هذا التحدي الهائل”.

اقرأ أيضاً.. الأهلي يعلن تفاصيل الجهاز المعاون لـ ياس سوروب.. وموعد وصوله

وكان النادي الأهلي قد حقق لقب الدوري المصري ثلاث مرات متتالية، وبلغ مجموع ألقابه 45 بطولة في تاريخه.

وسيحصل سوروب على عقد لمدة عامين ونصف، ووفقًا لما نشرته “Tipsbladet” الدنماركية، فإنه من المتوقع أن يتقاضى راتبًا سنويًا يقارب 20 مليون كرونة دنماركية.

ولم يتم الكشف عن المبلغ المحدد الذي سيحصل عليه المدرب صاحب الـ55 عامًا، لكنه اعترف بأن العرض المادي لعب دورًا في قبوله المهمة.

وواصل سوروب: “لا أتحدث عن الأمور المالية فهي ليست جزءًا من هذا، سأذهب إلى هناك لتحقيق بعض النتائج ولأخطو خطوة مهمة في مسيرتي المهنية، من الواضح أن الراتب جزء من ذلك وهو بالتأكيد جيد، لكن مهما كان الأمر سأحتفظ به لنفسي”.

وأتم المدرب الدنماركي عن مشروع تدريب الأهلي: “إنه مشروع متكامل، تجلس وتدرسه في النهاية وتقيم ما إذا كان يناسبك المشروع ككل، الأهلي تواصل معي عدة مرات، لكن هذه المرة فقط تمكنا من تحقيق أهدافنا”.

وسئل سوروب عن مشاركة الأهلي المثيرة في كأس العالم للأندية حيث يأمل المدرب في إضافة لمسة مميزة لأداء النادي: “هم يحققون أداء جيدًا أيضًا في البطولات الكبرى، إنه ناد يضم العديد من اللاعبين الدوليين، لذلك فهو لا يسعى فقط للفوز بالدوري المصري بل عليه أن يبذل قصارى جهده لبناء سمعة طيبة لنفسه عالميًا”.

وختم سوروب: “ما رأيته خلال الشهر الماضي من كرة القدم المصرية، هو دوري يتمتع بجودة فردية عالية لكنهم يفتقرون للقليل من الفهم التكتيكي للفريق، والذي آمل أن أتمكن من المساعدة فيه واتخاذ الخطوة التالية للأمام للتطوير”.

Liverpool have entered the fray to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially disrupting Newcastle United's long-standing pursuit of the 22-year-old striker having made their interest known in the Magpies' Alexander Isak. The Merseyside giants have initiated contact with the Bundesliga club, seeking to open negotiations.

Liverpool set sights on FrankfurtNewcastle are also vying for his servicesThe Reds are tracking Alexander Isak as wellFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle, who have tried on two previous occasions to bring Ekitike to St. James’ Park, had a recent offer believed to be worth around €75 million (£65m/$87m) rebuffed by Frankfurt, according to . With the Magpies’ attempts again facing resistance, Liverpool have moved swiftly to explore their own interest.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Liverpool's renewed focus on strengthening their attacking options has gained urgency after their attempt to sign Newcastle's Isak met resistance. They have seemingly made public their willingness to offer up to £120m ($161m) for the Swedish forward, but Newcastle’s firm stance that the striker is not available has complicated matters. Moreover, the player himself has not communicated his desire to leave the club, but if Liverpool continue to push, there might be a change in the scenario, as revealed by The report also claims that the Geordies are determined to make their own statement by landing Ekitike, having held positive talks.

DID YOU KNOW?

With both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz potentially on their way out, Liverpool have made acquiring a top-tier centre-forward a priority. Ekitike fits the bill after his impressive output last season – 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions – played a key role in Frankfurt securing a third-place finish in the Bundesliga.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Having already brought in Florian Wirtz and promising talents like Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, spending a combined £185m ($247m), Liverpool are still prepared to invest further. With financial expert Kieran Maguire confirming Liverpool's healthy PSR standing and revenue streams, the Reds are well-positioned to fund another marquee signing without regulatory issues. While Isak remains their top priority, Ekitike is increasingly seen as a realistic, high-upside alternative who could flourish under Arne Slot’s guidance.

With little threat of being scored off, England’s four quicks were able to chip away at will

Nagraj Gollapudi25-Jul-2020An overcast day. Ball swinging even when 30 overs old. You didn’t need to be a cricket pundit to know it might be England’s day, especially when their four best fast bowlers were operating in tandem.Yet it was the West Indies batsmen that made it England’s day. By showing a total lack of intent. By getting intimidated in their minds even before the ball had pitched. By falling into the trap set. By forgetting they had a bat in hand to defend and strike with intent.West Indies’ batting unit is not the first one to buckle in such conditions. James Anderson can make even a Virat Kohli look like a mug. Stuart Broad can eyeball you and then send you to hell with his nip-backers. Jofra Archer, the smiling assassin, can rip you and snip you to pieces. Chris Woakes can look generous, but kill you softly with his swing.ALSO READ: Roach first West Indian to join 200-club since AmbroseAs a batsman, mentally, you are already thinking all that before you take guard. But the good and the best play the ball, not the man. That is why there are only a few greats. Steven Smith and Kohli, two modern greats, have built their aura by fighting off the mental demons. They have been vulnerable, but they have also improvised quickly.Last year Archer concussed Smith. The Australian finished the Ashes as the best batsman. It takes more than guts to succeed. It takes presence of mind.Most West Indies batsmen on day two at Old Trafford were neither bold, nor wise. Kraigg Brathwaite might have started the series playing the ball late, but here he went chasing a ball that was in the channel. John Campbell shrugged off an early mistake when he poked at a full away-swinging delivery from Anderson, but survived only because Ben Stokes spilled the catch.Campbell has had no forward stride into his strokes so far in the series. In the first two Tests, Campbell had been rooted to his crease and playing with his hands, even to fuller balls that shaped away. Broad said that he was happy because he knew he could easily lure Campbell, something he did successfully in the second Test.Campbell looked to score which allowed him to regain confidence. But as soon as Archer attacked him, Campbell succumbed meekly. Overall, of the nine balls that Archer bowled to Campbell, four were on a length, three full, one short-of-good length, and one short.That last one was the perfect short-pitched delivery, heading for Campbell’s throat when he least expected. The previous five deliveries Campbell dealt with confidently, moving towards the pitch and playing with the full face. Archer left Campbell off balance with the short delivery, just like he had opened up Roston Chase in the second innings in Southampton with a similar nasty delivery.The biggest disappointment though has been Shai Hope, recognised by none lesser than Brian Lara as one of the best talents in the Caribbean. Hope has shown no back bone in the series and he became more and more tentative and negative during his 64-ball stay, the longest by a visiting batsman. Despite standing way out of his crease, Hope rarely showed any intent. His diffidence only created an impression as if he was being suffocated by the discipline of England’s bowling. As the runs dried up, Hope’s body language became defensive and he was eventually gobbled up by and Anderson outswinger.Hope’s struggles have only created more pressure for the middle order. Even Chase, who had looked the strongest mentally, stayed rooted in the crease to a Broad delivery which he should have ideally played on the front foot, but instead ended up being caught plumb.John Campbell drives through the covers•Getty ImagesThe naturally aggressive Jermaine Blackwood paid the price for a scrambled mindset. Coming from wide of the crease, Woakes seamed in a fuller delivery on the middle stump. Blackwood, standing on leg stump, played from the crease instead of taking a forward stride and covering the line of stumps. The ball beat his flourishing bat swing to uproot middle.Late in the day, with the light weakening, Archer placed Ollie Pope at short leg in addition to the leg slip. Shane Dowrich looked nervous. Archer was intent on taking a wicket and banged a short delivery.Dowrich, slouching low, was already playing the short ball in his mind even before it had been pitched. Barring the first innings in Southampton, Dowrich has remained susceptible to the short delivery throughout the series.This ball did not even rise to his waist, but Dowrich had already closed his eyes, turned his face away and attempted to fend the ball one-handed. Luckily for him the leading edge flew high over Rory Burns at short gully. Archer smiled sarcastically in disbelief.To a large extent, West Indies’ batsmen have stayed rooted to the crease, worried by Archer’s short deliveries. This series Archer has got two wickets – Chase and Campbell – with that type of the delivery. As per ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, Archer has delivered 49 short-pitched balls giving away just 13 runs. In contrast, during last year’s Ashes, of the 172 short deliveries, Archer earned just one Australian wicket. Smith may have been concussed at Lord’s, but he showed positive intent and was not once dismissed by Archer (as he liked to point out).When West Indies did play with intent, as Jason Holder showed eventually, the pressure was on the bowler. Having been hit for three successive fours by the West Indies captain, Archer sprayed wide or over-pitched. Holder showed the value of playing bold. Archer did not like it, and between smiles exchanged a few words with the fellow Barbadian.Overall, though, West Indies batsmen did not dare on Saturday. The price could be the Wisden Trophy.

Manchester City now have a genuine chance of signing a £45 million Liverpool target after making an approach about a potential transfer, according to a recent report.

Pep Guardiola threatens to quit Man City over squad size

The Blues brought an end to the 2024/25 season at the Etihad on Tuesday night, beating AFC Bournemouth 3-1. City now have one final away game against Fulham on Sunday to ensure they are in the Champions League next season, but it is a campaign that Pep Guardiola is going to want to forget fairly soon.

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Given the poor start to the season, City spent big in January to try and better their chances of having a strong second half of the campaign. That didn’t fully go to plan, and now heading into the summer, Guardiola has revealed that he will leave City if the club doesn’t trim the squad down, as he doesn’t want to have players watching in the stands.

Guardiola told Sky Sports, via BBC: “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad]. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad; I will stay.

“It’s impossible for my soul to [tell] my players in the tribune [stands] that they cannot play.”

Man City to fight Liverpool for Kerkez

While Guardiola wants his City team to be shortened down, the Blues hierarchy may have other ideas, as according to iNews, Man City want to sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth.

It was considered that Liverpool were the frontrunners to sign the left-back, as they have already held talks with the player about a move to Anfield, but as of yet they haven’t made a transfer offer. City have made enquiries about signing Kerkez, and they are now viewed as ‘genuine rivals for his signature’.

The fact Liverpool have not made an offer has left the door open for City, who are looking at bringing in a new left-back, as Guardiola wants a specialist player to play in that position. Incoming sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be a fan of Kerkez.

Milos Kerkez’s Premier League stats
Apps	65
Goals	2
Assists	8

Kerkez, who has been dubbed a “mad man” by teammate Marcus Tavernier, is said to be valued at £45 million by the Cherries, and while he is under contract until the summer of 2028, there is an expectancy they will allow the player to leave as long as their price tag is met.

The 21-year-old has been at Bournemouth since the summer of 2023, and in his two years in the Premier League, he has gained many admirers for his direct, attacking style of play from left-back, a style that would see him flourish in teams such as Man City or Liverpool.

Deportivo Alaves striker Joaquin Panichelli is set to sign for French club Strasbourg after an outstanding spell on loan at Mirandes.

Joaquin Panichelli on the verge of moving to FranceStrasbourg has finalised a deal with Deportivo AlavesVillarreal were interested in signing PanichelliFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Strasbourg have reached an agreement with Alaves to sign their star striker, Panichelli, who had an impressive loan spell at Mirandes last year in Spain's second division. The French club will reportedly pay around €16.5 million (£14m/$19m) to secure the Argentine striker's services; however, this fee can increase up to €20m (£17m/$23m) if the striker able meets certain targets in his contract.

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Panichelli joined Alaves in 2023 and played eight La Liga games for the Spanish club. His breakout season came last year on his loan spell at Mirandes in Spain's Segunda Division, where he scored 21 goals and registered eight assists, taking the team to the cusp of promotion playoffs. The 22-year-old was the second top-scorer of the league behind Almeria's Luis Suarez and was the club's top scorer during the 2024-25 campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

Several teams were on the lookout for Panichelli, with Villarreal being the closest to monitoring the striker with reports suggesting the club wanted to spend the money received from Thierno Barry's transfer to Everton to bring the Argentine to Estadio de la Ceramica. However, Strasbourg's aggressive bidding and their relentless pursuit by hiking their bid from initial fees of €15m (£13m/$17m) to later agreeing on €16.5m showed their determination and was attractive to Panichelli's camp, who were quick to agree on personal terms.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR STRASBOURG?

Liam Rosenior's side have had a busy transfer window. The French club qualified for the Conference League last season and have been bringing in reinforcements to secure their spot in the upcoming season. The Ligue 1 club has signed Pape Demba Diop, Maxi Oyedele, and loaned several players from sister club Chelsea like Mike Penders and Kendry Paez. Chelsea players Marc Guiu and Aaron Anselmino have been linked with temporary moves to the French team.

da 888casino： Everton are stepping into a new era at Bramley-Moore Moore-dock, and David Moyes will be delighted with his team’s progress since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout.

da lvbet： Moyes saved a sinking ship, sealing a comfortable 13th-place Premier League finish despite the Toffees’ relegation fears when he joined in January.

Change is afoot. The Blues are ready to bring in a raft of additions as they step into a new home, but outgoings are also to be expected; Charly Alcaraz is in the process of becoming a permanent member of Moyes’ squad, but the rest of the loanees will depart next month.

The futures of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Michael Keane and Seamus Coleman are uncertain at this time, with the veterans, who combine to earn £235k per week, all just one month away from free agency.

Incomings are expected. While Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is the most exciting name on The Friedkin Group’s radar right now, he’s not the only one on the list, with an audacious deal for Liverpool prospect Ben Doak also being explored.

Everton looking at two Liverpool players this summer

The Times have revealed that while Everton have pitched their project to Delap, who is set to leave the relegated Tractor Boys this summer, internal talks have also been held regarding a move for Scotland international Doak, who Liverpool value at £30m.

This, it goes without saying, would be a tricky one to navigate. Liverpool and Everton are fierce local rivals, the last direct transfer between the two clubs dating back to January 2002, when Abel Xavier left Goodison Park to join Liverpool in a deal south of £1m.

Doak, heading the other direction, would mark a bigger move indeed, with former Scotland manager Craig Levein even saying, “this kid could be a world-class player.”

Doak has been out injured with a hamstring issue sustained in February but made his mark beforehand, notching ten goal involvements from 24 Championship fixtures. With Jack Harrison set for release, he could prove a huge upgrade.

Though it’s difficult to compare Championship metrics with those in the top division, peering at Doak’s campaign when lined against Harrison’s, you begin to understand the electric upgrade Moyes would score, with the Scottish teenager also sharpening a skill set that could produce prolific results at the highest level in the future.

League Stats 24/25 – Jack Harrison vs Ben Doak

Stats (* per game)

Harrison

Doak

Matches (starts)

34 (24)

24 (21)

Goals

1

3

Assists

1

7

Shots (on target)*

0.9 (0.2)

1.1 (0.6)

Pass completion

73%

84%

Key passes*

1.0

1.9

Dribbles*

0.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

2.1

2.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.2

1.3

Duels won*

2.6

3.8

Stats via Sofascore

And Doak isn’t even the only Reds talent on Moyes’ radar, with another Liverpool up-and-comer being considered.

According to Caught Offside, Everton are one of five clubs who are keen on signing Reds defender Jarell Quansah this summer.

They have now learned what they will need to pay if they are to sign the centre-back in the coming months, with Liverpool placing a £29m price tag on the central defender.

A host of Premier League clubs are interested in the 22-year-old, while Borussia Dortmund and, in particular, Bayer Leverkusen are also keen.

Why Quansah would be a "monster" for Moyes

The English talent is highly rated but has struggled for minutes under Arne Slot’s wing this season, and while a rogue shout, Everton could provide him with a star role without the need to relocate.

However, Quansah has certainly made his name known over the past few years, having now earned 58 senior appearances for the Reds, winning the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.

Though the 6 foot 5 talent’s displays this term have left something to be desired, his potential is incontrovertible. In fact, if Quansah were to move to Everton, develop his defensive principles through Moyes’ coaching while working on his impressive technical ability, he may well find himself rivalling Jarrad Branthwaite for the crown as Everton’s star centre-back.

In 2023/24, Branthwaite took to life as a Premier League regular seamlessly, leading Manchester United to consider a £75m bid for Everton’s colossus and prompting talent scout Jacek Kulig to hail him as an “absolute monster.”

Well, Kulig also described Quansah as a “monster” of a centre-back for his emergence in Jurgen Klopp’s system that same term, with his metrics underscoring his value as a prototypical modern centre-half.

As per FBref, Quansah ranked among the top 3% of Premier League defenders in 2023/24 for goals, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 15% for progressive passes, the top 11% for aerial duels won and the top 4% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his roundedness.

Branthwaite, conversely, has struggled to showcase the scope of his ball-playing skills, hemmed in as he is in a counter-attacking system. This is partly why he has reportedly considered leaving Everton in recent months, for he has been overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel once again.

Would Quansah entertain a controversial move to the blue half of Merseyside? Only time will tell. But Everton could do with such a player, bringing a complete skill set into the defensive fold, crucial as Michael Keane supposedly gears up to depart.

After more than two decades without any direct business between the two Merseyside giants, it seems unlikely that Liverpool would entertain the sales of two of their biggest prospects in the same transfer window.

But then, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer spending spree, and Everton could boldly take advantage, securing two talented stars who could shape Moyes’ project over the coming years.

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