Adrien Rabiot has branded Serie A’s plan to stage AC Milan’s league clash with Como in Australia as “completely crazy” and “truly absurd.” UEFA has “reluctantly” approved the move amid global regulatory loopholes, but the Frenchman slammed the idea of flying across continents for domestic matches, calling it “beyond reason.”
Rabiot voicing reservation on playing in Australia
The French international Rabiot has openly criticised Serie A’s unprecedented plan to hold AC Milan’s fixture against Como in Perth, Australia. The star midfielder, who joined Milan this summer, called the proposal “completely crazy” and expressing disbelief that two Italian teams will play a domestic league game nearly 14,000 kilometres away from home. UEFA “reluctantly” granted approval to both Serie A and La Liga to stage league matches abroad, despite labelling the move “regrettable.” The governing body said the decision was made “on an exceptional basis amid regulatory gaps at global level” and “should not set a precedent.”
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'Absurd' – Rabiot slams the decision
Speaking to , Rabiot said he was “surprised” to learn of Milan’s February clash against Como taking place in Australia, questioning the logic behind the move.
“I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan and I will be playing a Serie A match against Como… in Australia! It’s completely crazy,” he said. “These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There’s a lot of talk about schedules and player health, but this all seems truly absurd. It’s crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always.”
UEFA's reluctant approval
UEFA has approved the Italian and Spanish domestic leagues’ requests to stage matches abroad but made it clear that it does not endorse the concept. President Aleksander Ceferin described the move as “regrettable” and warned that “league matches should be played on home soil.” The decision was granted due to what UEFA called “regulatory gaps at global level,” paving the way for FIFA to issue final authorisation. If confirmed, Milan’s match with Como in Perth would mark the first time a regular-season European league fixture is played outside the continent. Similarly, Spain’s La Liga hopes to stage Villarreal’s game against Barcelona in Miami this December
The landmark move to take Serie A abroad now awaits FIFA’s final clearance, which could set a new precedent for domestic leagues across Europe. While Serie A argues that hosting games overseas will “introduce new audiences to the excellence of Italian football,” fan groups in Italy have criticised the decision as "spineless nonsense." UEFA, meanwhile, continues to maintain that its approval was purely procedural. If the Perth fixture goes ahead in February, it will be closely watched as a test case for future global expansions.
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From Marseille to Milan
Rabiot also discussed his departure from Marseille, admitting that his exit still feels like a betrayal.
“I wanted to focus solely on football, on my first weeks at this new club and in this new life; it was important. Generally, I’m not one to express myself much off the pitch, but at that moment it was really time to focus, to restart with my mind completely on football,” he said. The midfielder, who was sold after a locker-room altercation with former teammate Jonathan Rowe, is now enjoying a fresh chapter at AC Milan. “It’s incredible to have experienced all this,” Rabiot added. “I hope to achieve great things at Milan, to win titles, at a historic and legendary club.”
While, Milan’s domestic calendar remains packed, with some key Serie A and Champions League fixtures before the proposed Australian trip, and Rabiot’s remarks have already reignited the debate on player welfare and football’s global commercialisation.
Nottingham Forest have now submitted a £15m offer for an “elegant” midfielder, as they look to move ahead of West Ham United in the race for his signature.
Forest keen on another midfielder after Luiz
The noise surrounding Nuno Espirito Santo’s future will be an unwanted distraction, with the manager’s future now in doubt after publicly making it clear his relationship with Evangelos Marinakis has deteriorated since last season.
However, up to this point, the Tricky Trees have enjoyed a very positive summer transfer window, having brought in the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Dan Ndoye and James McAtee, although securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future was arguably the most important piece of business.
Forest have also recently added another midfielder to their ranks, with Juventus’ Douglas Luiz arriving on an initial season-long loan, which includes a conditional obligation to buy next summer.
Despite adding a proven Premier League midfielder to their ranks, Nottingham Forest remain keen on bringing in a more defensive option before the September 1st deadline, and an offer has now been submitted for AS Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa.
That is according to a report from Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness), which states Forest have now tabled a proposal of €17m (£15m), which is slightly higher than West Ham’s offer of €16m (£14m).
Both offers are currently still on the table, but there could be competition from elsewhere, with Atalanta also keen on the defensive midfielder, having recently contacted his entourage to assess the possibility of a deal.
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ByDominic Lund Aug 24, 2025
As such, there could be an intense battle for Magassa’s signature before the transfer deadline, which would be beneficial for Monaco, should a bidding war break out.
"Elegant" Magassa could be excellent signing for Forest
As previously mentioned, Forest have made major improvements to their midfield this summer, but the majority of their signings flourish going forward, while the Monaco maestro has more of a defensive mindset.
In fact, the Frenchman has performed extremely well across a number of important defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
3.54 (97th percentile)
Interceptions
1.80 (96th percentile)
Blocks
1.73 (90th percentile)
Scout Jacek Kulig has described the 21-year-old as an “elegant” player in the past, while also revealing the youngster is capable of slotting in at centre-back, which would make him a versatile addition to Nuno’s squad.
Not only that, but scout Ben Mattinson believes the Monaco starlet is very comfortable in possession of the ball, saying: “On the ball he has a forward-thinking mindset looking to play through into the midfielders high up or spray passes wide out to the wings. His passing range is top.”
As such, Magassa, who made seven Champions League appearances for Monaco last season, could be an excellent addition to Nuno’s squad, and a move to the City Ground would surely be a more attractive proposition than joining West Ham, given their recent struggles.
The ongoing struggles of Manchester United have Wayne Rooney in meltdown, with the club's all-time leading goalscorer calling out underperforming players and an ownership group that lacks leadership. Ruben Amorim continues to see questions asked of his future as manager at Old Trafford, with Rooney concerned by the direction in which the 13-time Premier League champions are heading.
Man Utd in turmoil: Rooney addresses serious issues
Rooney enjoyed 13 memorable years with United as a player, winning 16 trophies – including five top-flight crowns and the Champions League – while scoring 253 goals through 559 appearances. There were, however, signs towards the end of his spell at Old Trafford that things were starting to go wrong. The Red Devils find themselves on a slippery slope at present, with little improvement on show following a 15th-place finish last season and failure to qualify for Europe.
Portuguese coach Amorim has picked up just 18 wins from 49 games at the helm, as he stubbornly sticks with a flawed 3-4-3 system, and value is proving difficult to find in big-money signings made across several transfer windows. Inconsistency remains a huge issue for United, with no manager since Sir Alex Ferguson able to land a Premier League title, and Rooney fears that the Red Devils are in danger of becoming stuck in reverse.
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Underperforming players slammed by Rooney
Speaking on podcast, the ex-England captain said: "What is going on at Man United? This is not Man United. I don't recognise the whole football club. I don't see players fighting, I don't see character, I don't see desire to win. I don’t see ability, I don’t see match-winners, nothing gets me off my feet. I go to a game watching, expecting, here we go again – expecting the team to lose or maybe pick up a point.
"I care for the club. I was at the football club for 13 years and what is going on is not right. And this is not all on the manager, by the way. I’m seeing players not deserving to wear the shirt. And it hurts. This is not acceptable, what’s going on. There needs to be a clear message from the owners. Whether that is the Glazers, [minority owner] Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there has to be a message of where this club is going. At the minute we are all sitting there waiting for it to crumble."
Rooney's concern for sons in Man Utd academy
Rooney, whose son Kai is a promising member of United’s academy system, went on to say: "It's not even just results on the pitch. It's everything about the club that needs fixing – Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have walked into a real challenge. We're seeing staff members getting sacked after 20, 30 years who are very important people to that football club. The culture of that football club has gone. I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs.
"I've got two kids [in the academy] at that football club and I really hope this doesn't affect what they're doing. What I'm seeing at that football club is not Manchester United. The soul has gone from the club. It needs a new engine, a new lease of life. It needs something to kickstart that football club. I am not seeing anything which is giving me any confidence, there needs to be big changes in my opinion. Manager, players, whatever that is. Whatever it takes to get Manchester United back."
Rooney can appreciate what Amorim is going through, having endured his own coaching struggles at Birmingham and Plymouth, but went on to say of United getting wedged in a serious rut: "I just don't know what's going on. I have tried my hand in management and it didn't work out too well, I get it. Ruben Amorim is my age, he is still a young manager and I'm sure he still has a massive future, but what's going on at Man United, this is not Man United. I honestly hope he can turn it around and he does. But if you're saying to me, 'do you believe he will?', then, after everything I've seen, honestly, I've got no faith in it."
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Of course: What next for Man Utd?
Following the arrival of Ineos in February 2024, as they acquired an initial 27.7 per cent stake in the club, staff numbers at United have been trimmed from 1,100 to 700. Funds have continued to be invested in the transfer market, while a new £2 billion ($2.7bn) stadium is being lined up, but the Red Devils have veered alarmingly off course and sit 14th in the Premier League table through six fixtures in the 2025-26 campaign.
A “quality” Liverpool player is now reportedly in talks with another club about a move there this summer, with the situation said to be “gaining momentum” currently.
The latest on Isak to Liverpool
The Reds’ pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is the big talking point at the moment, as the Premier League champions look to get an incredible piece of transfer business over the line.
Liverpool have already seen a first bid of £110m rejected by the Magpies, and while a second offer is yet to be tabled, it may well happen once Newcastle have signed a replacement.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko appears to be their priority target to lead the line instead of Isak, but the Slovenian now has to choose between them and Manchester United.
From a Liverpool perspective, they will clearly hope that Sesko opts to move to St James’ Park, in terms of aiding their efforts to bring in the Swede this summer. If that does happen, it will help pave the way for other Reds attackers to move on before the new season gets underway, and a key update has emerged regarding one such player.
Liverpool star in talks over Saudi Pro League move
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X, Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is in talks with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal about a summer move, with an Andfield exit “gaining momentum”.
Assuming the Reds do end up signing Isak, or an alternative for that matter, this summer feels like the right time for Nunez to leave, even though Jurgen Klopp spoke positively about him in the past.
“He loves to play for this team together with these boys and has quality coming out of his ears, to be honest. Is he at his absolute peak in general? Not now for us. But can he develop? Yes. Is he a threat all the time? Yes.”
The £140,000-a-week Nunez is a popular figure among the fans, due to his character and work ethic, but the brutal reality is that his finishing is still erratic after three years at Liverpool, as is his all-round game.
"90% certain" – Liverpool set to make new improved bid for Alexander Isak
Liverpool may just be in luck…
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Ben Goodwin
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For that reason, a move to Al-Hilal would be ideal for the Reds, allowing them to cash in on the 26-year-old and hopefully sign a huge upgrade in Isak.
Legspin-bowling allrounder Dushan Hemantha has been called up
Andrew Fidel Fernando12-Nov-2024Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand, having sustained an injury to his left hamstring while bowling, in the second T20I, on Sunday. Hasaranga was seen hobbling through his later overs, and was also limping between the wickets while running.He has been replaced in the ODI squad by Dushan Hemantha, another legspin-bowling allrounder. Hemantha has played five ODIs and has recently been among the wickets for the Sri Lanka A team.Hasaranga’s absence will be significant for Sri Lanka, particularly as he had been Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler in the T20Is, taking 2 for 20 in the first match, then 4 for 17 in the second, while also producing an important 22 off 23 in the first T20I.Related
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Sri Lanka already had another legspinner in the squad, however, in Jeffrey Vandersay, with Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage the other frontline spinners.Hasaranga becomes the second player to be ruled out of the series owing to injuries sustained in that second T20I, with New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson also unavailable due to a calf injury.The series begins on Wednesday, with the first match to be played in Dambulla, and the remaining two games in Pallekele.
New Zealand have played down all the talk around the Pune pitch – a slow, dry, black-soil surface is in the works – but if conditions turn out to be extreme and the ball turns square from the first day, it could favour the visitors’ spinners too. This is the assessment of their captain Tom Latham on the eve of the second Test against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.”I guess whatever we’re presented with, it’s about, for us, trying to adapt as quick as we can; that’s something that we can’t control with the wicket,” Latham said. “So it’s about trying to go out there and adapt as quick as we can, and if it’s going to be a wicket that turns a little bit more, then we’ve obviously got four spinners in our line-up, so fingers crossed that will play into their hands, but yeah, as I said, it’s about trying to adapt on the run, and try not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas.”Allrounder Rachin Ravindra, who is among New Zealand’s spin options, agreed with his captain. When Pune had served up a sharp turner in 2017, it had backfired on India, with left-arm fingerspinner Steve O’Keefe spinning Australia to victory inside three days. O’Keefe took 12 wickets, which was as many as R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined.Related
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“If it’s an extreme wicket, it almost brings us into the game more,” Ravindra said. “If you win the toss, all of a sudden you take a couple of wickets and you’re right into the game on a wicket that’s pretty spicy and turns a lot. As a team, it’s about accepting what’s in front of us. We can’t change that. We can’t control what wicket they’re going to roll out.”But we can control our attitude, how we approach it, and each and every position we get into with the bat or consistency with the ball. We’re excited for the challenge, whatever it may be.”New Zealand had picked three spinners for the first Test in Bengaluru, but didn’t need any of them with the ball in the first innings in seaming conditions. Their workload, however, could be much heavier across both innings in Pune. New Zealand are also open to selecting an extra spinner in place of a seamer if the conditions dictate the need for it. Offspin-bowling allrounder Michael Bracewell has returned home for the birth of his second child, but they have other options in Mitchell Santner (left-arm fingerspinner) and Ish Sodhi (wristspinner).Rohit Sharma and Tom Latham chat after Bengaluru Test•BCCI
“Yeah, I obviously had a little bit of a think around what that [the playing XI] may look like, but we’ll make those final decisions after I speak to you guys, Latham said. “So yeah, as I said, it’s just about trying to make sure we adapt as best we can, and try to get a little bit of information from previous games here, and also the practice wickets that we’re on will hopefully be something around, or similar to what we’re getting, so I think that’s the beauty of our team, is trying not to go into the game with too many preconceived ideas, and trying to make sure we adapt as best we can.”Latham also looked back fondly on the success in Bengaluru – he became only the third New Zealander to captain the side to a Test win in India – but he quickly shifted the focus to Pune, where New Zealand hope to go one better and seal the series.”Yeah, obviously very special, I guess to be… there’s myself, Graham Dowling and John Wright, to be in this position is really special, Latham said. “But for me it was a team effort, it wasn’t just me that obviously contributed to the win, you know, the guys did a fantastic job, and obviously that was last week, we obviously celebrated what was a special performance.”But our attention turned quickly to this game, and we’re trying not to, I guess, rest on what happened last week, as trying to take the confidence from last week, and take that into this game, and hopefully hit the ground running.”
All eyes are on Chelsea’s Club World Cup commitments, although that has not stopped the transfer rumour mill rumbling on in the background, with further deals seemingly set to follow, following the notable capture of Liam Delap last month.
While the Blues appear to have ended their interest in AC Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, the club’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens continues, despite missing out on the Englishman ahead of the previous transfer deadline.
Prior reports have indicated that the 20-year-old has already agreed on a seven-year contract with the Stamford Bridge side, albeit with a club-to-club agreement still yet to be found, amid reports of a €65m (£55m) asking price.
Jamie Gittens
The former Manchester City youth star does appear to be Enzo Maresca’s leading target right now, although further moves could seemingly lie in store, with talk that a new defensive addition could also enter the building.
Latest on Chelsea's bid for a new defender
For all the speculation surrounding attacking additions, it would appear that the west Londoners are also keen to bolster the backline this summer, having previously been in the mix for new Real Madrid man, Dean Huijsen.
A reunion with a certain Marc Guehi has also been mooted, albeit with the Englishman looking more likely to join Arne Slot’s Liverpool, should he decide to leave Crystal Palace in the coming months.
Centre-back thus looks to be a priority position for Chelsea ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, with reports in Spain suggesting that they are now readying an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per the report, the Blues have ‘launched an ambitious move’ for the 23-year-old defender, having made the versatile left-footer – who can operate at left-back – one of their ‘key targets’.
Despite his €60m (£51m) asking price representing something of an obstacle, the report claims that Chelsea are ‘willing to negotiate’, with the player himself ready to take the next step in his career.
Should that step take him to Stamford Bridge, the 6 foot sensation could look to replicate the success of his compatriot, Moises Caicedo.
Why Chelsea could land their next Caicedo
It’s fair to say that eyebrows were raised when Chelsea forked out a club-record fee of £115m to sign Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion back in 2023, with the Blues edging out Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature.
Despite enduring a “tough” first season by his own admission, the 23-year-old has kicked on and then some since, with teammate Cole Palmer hailing him as the side’s “best player” last month.
Also lauded as the Premier League’s ‘best central midfielder’ by pundit and analyst Adrian Clarke, the former Seagulls star is relishing life under Maresca, having notably made the fifth-most tackles in the top-flight last term.
Hopefully, the signing of his international colleague – who is the same age as Caicedo – can prove just as successful, with Hincapie having been noted as an “Ecuadorian football legend in the making” in his own right, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Despite being “in the shadow” of the likes of Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, the £51m man is a “top quality” talent undoubtedly, in the words of Kulig, with it no surprise that he has caught the eye of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
Piero Hincapie in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Where he particularly excels is in possession, as evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, while also ranking in the top 16% for progressive passes, as per FBref.
For comparison, the man he could potentially replace in that left-sided centre-back – Levi Colwill – ranks in just the bottom 33% for progressive carries, as well as in just the top 38% for progressive passes.
Hincapie’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games (starts)
32 (28)
Goals
2
Assists
2
Big chances created
4
Key passes*
0.5
Pass accuracy*
89%
Tackles*
1.6
Interceptions*
1.0
Balls recovered*
3.3
Total duels won*
62%
Stats via Sofascore
In a similar manner to Colwill, however, what does set Hincapie apart is how flexible he is at operating as a full-back or more centrally, with Caicedo sharing that versatility having featured as a deep-lying midfielder, or even as an inverted right-back under Maresca to date.
A further benefit is also the wealth of experience that Hincapie has earned thus far despite his relative youth, having made 189 club career appearances at senior level, alongside 46 caps for his country. For comparison, Caicedo has made 193 senior club appearances, alongside 55 caps at international level.
While unlike the latter man and his time at Brighton, the Leverkusen star is yet to be tested in the Premier League, all the signs point to him being a natural fit in Maresca’s side – much like Caicedo has been over the last 12 months or so.
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Manchester United are believed to have agreed personal terms with an “unplayable” player and are now willing to pay more than £60m to get a deal done.
Who could Man Utd sign this summer?
Ruben Amorim will know the importance of the Red Devils signing top-quality players this summer, following a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with exciting names continuing to be linked with moves to Old Trafford.
A new striker is a must for United, and Juventus marksman Dusan Vlahovic has been mentioned as an option before next season gets underway. In fact, they are even reportedly awaiting talks over a transfer.
Dusan Vlahovic in action for Juventus.
Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez continues to be seen as a target for the Red Devils this summer, as Amorim eyes up a summer switch for the Argentine. An upgrade on Andre Onana is required and the World Cup-winning 32-year-old appears to be a leading target between the sticks.
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is also a front-runner to join United imminently, joining Matheus Cunha in the process, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him.
Man Utd agreed personal terms with "unplayable" star
Taking to X, journalist Rudy Galetti claimed that Manchester United have now agreed personal terms with Mbeumo, as a £63m move to Old Trafford edges closer:
At this point, it would be a huge surprise if Mbeumo wasn’t a United player come the beginning of next season, with the winger constantly edging closer to completing a move in recent weeks.
The Cameroonian enjoyed a fantastic 2024/25 season, scoring 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances, and former Bees manager Thomas Frank is well aware of his ability, saying:
“Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”
United are desperately in need of signing a wide player who can bring guaranteed end product to the team, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all loaned out in 2024/25, and the Brentford ace could be perfect in that respect.
Granted, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided role as Amad Diallo, so there is the risk that he could stunt the youngster’s progress, but the Red Devils need to be in a position where they have top-class players battling for minutes all over the pitch.
Man Utd come blistering into race to hijack Arsenal deal to sign £20m star
They could get one over on their rivals.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025
The Bees attacker has proven himself in the Premier League, and at 25 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him, so there are few positives to the move happening this summer.
In what would be a bargain deal, Aston Villa are now reportedly in the race to sign a midfield star who has already confirmed his next steps ahead of this summer.
Aston Villa's final UCL push
It all comes down to Sunday for Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side travel to square off against a heartbroken Manchester United side who are fresh from their Europa League defeat and simply must compile the Red Devils’ misery. As things stand, they sit outside of the top five on goal difference and must desperately hope to see at least one of Manchester City, Chelsea or Newcastle United slip up.
There’s no denying just how important this weekend’s action is and Emery hasn’t tried to play things down in the build-up. The Spaniard told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “In our hands is only our result on Sunday, how we can respond and how we can perform against Manchester United.
“That’s the only issue I want to focus on with the players. I don’t want to know other results.
“I want only to play our match, only to focus on our match in 90 minutes and try to focus the dressing room on the first half on everything tactically and individually. We will not focus on other results. We must win, we must compete and we must get our result. We must respect Manchester United. That’s the only way I want to focus on Sunday.”
The impact that Champions League football would have on Villa’s summer business also cannot be overstated. It could instantly put them in a position to attract top talents for the second season on the bounce, which may yet include an England international for a bargain price.
Aston Villa chasing Angel Gomes deal
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Angel Gomes, who has already confirmed that he will be leaving LOSC Lille at the end of his current contract next month.
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The England international said in a statement on Instagram: “After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye.
“This club has been more than just a team – it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I’m truly grateful to my teammates and the fans for sticking with me throughout.”
Gomes’ time at the French club will be looked back on as a pivotal turning point for his career. From a Manchester United reject, the midfielder transformed into a deep-lying midfielder who is now ready to step back into the Premier League.
Dubbed a “smart” passer by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gomes is set to become one of the best bargains of the summer transfer window wherever he ends it playing for Aston Villa or, indeed, another club.
The Premier League champions have defied pre-season predictions to take gold medals this season. However, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have their work cut out this summer.
It’s curious that a title-winning team with such depth and balance in attack have found repeated calls in recent months for upgrades in the final third.
Liverpool, after all, have outscored their divisional rivals and then some this season. Moreover, Mohamed Salah is surely going to complete a clean sweep of individual accolades after his incredible campaign.
1.
Liverpool
1st
80
2.
Man City
4th
66
3.
Newcastle
3rd
65
4.
Arsenal
2nd
63
5.
Tottenham
16th
62
But several stars haven’t lived up to the billing, with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota’s woes accentuating the need for an out-and-out striker.
Credit to Luis Diaz, whose versatility and tireless efforts have been crucial in Slot setting his name alongside the illustrious list of Premier League-winning managers; however, he’s not a true number nine and he’s gone stretches of the campaign without finding the back of the net.
Liverpool need to sign a centre-forward, but they shouldn’t sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. Big claim, but here’s why.
Why Liverpool shouldn't sign Isak
If we’re going purely off suitability within Slot’s system and the level of quality Liverpool want to augment their ranks with, Isak would be the perfect summer signing.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
However, FSG simply won’t authorise a package in excess of £150m to bring him to Merseyside, which is what Newcastle are likely to demand if they qualify for the Champions League.
And given that the Magpies are third in the Premier League with four games to go, they have a real chance to claim a seat back at Europe’s elite table.
Hark back two years. In April 2023, Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, concerned about the finances involved in striking a deal and Real Madrid’s vested interest.
Real Madrid'sJudeBellinghamcelebrates
This was met with derision from rivals, but FSG knew what they were doing. A range of signings were needed to refurnish the midfield, and who can say the decision was a poor one? Now, Liverpool are champions, having lifted the Carabao Cup last year.
The same outlook must be applied to Isak’s situation. The Sweden star has been “the best striker in the Premier League” this season, in the view of Jamie Carragher, but he’s not the only goalscorer available, and bagging him would likely come at the expense of much-needed investment across other areas.
Luckily, Liverpool are not so blinkered as to place all eggs in one basket.
Liverpool scouting exciting striker
As per The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe, Liverpool may well turn their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike as they (potentially) close the door on Newcastle’s star striker.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, FSG’s chiefs are understood to have internal reservations about forking out a figure which could stand at £80m for a raw talent whose qualities have not yet been solidified at the highest level over a proven number of years.
The frustrations behind the failed shot at Nunez still live in the club’s mind, but Liverpool have doubled down on their data-driven approach since Klopp’s departure and Ekitike ticks a lot of boxes.
He ticks a lot of boxes for multiple high-level suitors, though, with Arsenal and Manchester United both also reportedly keen on striking a deal.
What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Anfield
Frankfurt signed the 22-year-old Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain on loan for the second half of the 2023/24 season before his deal was made permanent for a reported €35m (£30m) fee last summer.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
Always well regarded for his gifted skills on the ball, his multi-faceted attacking approach, Ekitike has gone from strength to strength since moving to Germany, thriving as the main man after languishing on the periphery of PSG’s swollen ranks.
According to analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike is “one of the best strikers out there” right now, scoring 22 goals and supplying ten more assists across 45 matches in all competitions. He’s certainly making waves, with journalist Graeme Bailey citing a few years ago the fact that many in France feel he could be “the next Mbappe.”
He netted a fantastic goal in the first leg of Frankfurt’s Europa League quarter-final tie against Tottenham Hotspur, though failed to advance to the penultimate stage.
Liverpool are interested not just because he has the trappings of a first-class goalscorer, but boasts a dynamic range of qualities. As per FBref, the Les Bleus star ranks among the top 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
What an interesting profile. Direct but smooth in his darts into the danger area, Ekitike is an artful dribbler and intelligent in his decision-making under pressure, hailed for his “incredible” quality by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.
These qualities have actually led the data-driven site to record Isak as Ekitike’s most statistically similar player. The plot very much thickens, then. You can see why Liverpool are so keen to snap this young talent up, replacing Nunez with an exciting new striker.
Ekitike isn’t Isak Lite, per se, but he’s definitely not on the level of the 25-year-old, whose completeness is truly a thing to behold. Of course, goalscoring is Isak’s bread and butter, scoring 22 Premier League goals this season (his one-term record) and missing just 18 big chances, as per Sofascore.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
Such a conversion rate is impressive, for sure, but Ekitike’s showcasing his own brand of ball-striking potential in the Bundesliga, with 15 goals put away and only 13 big chances missed.
Similarities there, but Isak also ranks among the top 14% of strikers for both assists and shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90 (also FBref).
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Isak’s the dream, but dreams are so often rooted in unreality, and Ekitike would be a more pragmatic signing who could still turn into a world-class player under the wing of Slot.
All the while ensuring there is ample room to make important improvements across the park.
Liverpool willing to table £51m to make West Ham star Bowen marquee signing
He has scored 3 times against the Reds in the past.