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Juventus’ crisis deepens as their winless run stretches to six games following a 1-0 defeat to Lazio marking their fourth consecutive match without scoring. Coach Igor Tudor, under rising pressure and sacking rumours, refused to hide behind excuses, bluntly stating that “everyone is responsible” for the team’s collapse, even as he urged unity and insisted he won’t step down.

Juventus’ goal drought deepens

Juventus once again found themselves on the wrong end of a narrow defeat at Stadio Olimpico. This time registering a 1-0 loss to Lazio that exposed the same recurring issues. Toma Basic’s early deflected strike decided the game, as Juve dominated possession but failed to find a breakthrough. The frontline pairing of Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David struggled for cohesion, while Andrea Cambiaso and Francisco Conceicao provided energy without end product.

It marked Juventus’ sixth straight game without victory and their fourth consecutive match without a goal. Their build-up play was predictable, and defensive lapses continued to cost them points. Lazio exploited space on the break, and Juve’s response lacked conviction. Coach Tudor, who was visibly frustrated after the final whistle, admitted the team’s shortcomings but urged collective accountability. “It’s a tough and difficult time, and we’re all responsible,” he said. “We prepared for the game well, but we’re still missing something. We need to stay united and work harder together.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportEveryone is responsible, says Tudor

After the defeat, Tudor’s tone was frank, reflective, and unflinching as he addressed the critics in the post-match press conference. The Croatian manager refused to be drawn into the growing speculation around his job security, instead calling for unity and honesty.

"It's a tough and difficult time, and we're all responsible. We need to stay united and work harder together. We prepared for the game well, but we're still missing something: we need to get it right and we can't make mistakes at the back. Instead, there are always some mistakes and we lose games," Tudor said.

Reflecting on the scrutiny he is facing, Tudor explains: "I'm not thinking about myself. I see everyone asking me these questions, but I'm not thinking about myself. I live in the present and I don't care about the future. I'm clear-headed and aware of the problems that exist. Steps backward? No, no, my friend: steps can only be taken forward. We feel terrible, but we need to stick together and pull together. Everyone is responsible, we're trying to do better, and this is a time like this, but we'll play immediately in two days, and with a win we can get going again."

Tudor's tactical tweaks do no good

In recent weeks, Tudor has not stood still tactically. Facing a goal drought and pressure from above, he has experimented with systems and personnel in search of balance. Shifting between a 3-4-2-1 and a 3-5-2, he has tried pairing Vlahovic with David, expanding Conceicao’s role, and alternating midfield pivots between Teun Koopmeiners and Manuel Locatelli to improve transition play.

Defensively, Juve moved from zonal to partial man-marking in response to set-piece frailties. Tudor also gave full-backs like Cambiaso and Llyod Kelly greater licence to push higher, seeking width and unpredictability. However, the execution has lagged behind the intent, and the team continues to lack fluency in the final third.

As Tudor explained post-match, the ideas are there, but mistakes persist: “Today we tried with two strikers, we were there and had chances, but we’re definitely missing something. I chose David and Vlahovic because [Kenan] Yildiz needed a rest: both have goals in their arsenal, but when you get to the final 20 meters, someone has to score, otherwise a small mistake always happens and you get punished.”

Despite tactical reshuffles, Juventus remain toothless up front and unsettled at the back which is a worrying sign with key fixtures against Udinese, Cremonese and Sporting CP looming.

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AFPDefining weeks ahead for Tudor

The atmosphere in Turin is tense. Reports suggest Juventus have begun quietly assessing replacements should results not improve, with Roberto Mancini, Luciano Spalletti and Edin Terzic among the names linked. Yet for now, the club hierarchy, led by general manager Damien Comolli, insists on patience.

Among the few positives in Turin, Kenan Yildiz continues to be viewed as the symbol of Juventus’ future. Tudor, despite resting him against Lazio, emphasised his faith in the youngster: “He’s a special player with something unique. You can see it in his attitude, his touch, his personality. But he’s still young, we must protect him and help him grow.” 

In the short term, focus turns to Udinese, Cremonese, and Sporting – three fixtures that could shape the remainder of their campaign. A win could reset momentum; another poor showing might force decisive action from the management.

The BCCI also announced back-to-back India A series at home against Australia A and South Africa A later this year

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-2025Australia will tour India for a three-match ODI series in mid-September as part of both teams’ “crucial preparation” for the women’s ODI World Cup, scheduled to be played in India from late September.The matches will be played at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), the BCCI said in a statement on Thursday, on September 14, 17 and 20. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 29.India, the hosts, and Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka had earned direct entry into the World Cup, while Bangladesh and Pakistan got there after topping a qualifying event in Pakistan earlier this year.Pakistan’s matches at the World Cup, however, are likely to be played at a neutral venue in accordance with the BCCI-PCB agreement made earlier this year before the Champions Trophy. The PCB was the host of that tournament, but all India matches, including the one against Pakistan, were played in Dubai.Australia, South Africa men’s ‘A’ teams to visit IndiaIndia A, now in England to play two four-day matches against England Lions and then a four-day fixture against the main India Test team ahead of the five-match England vs India Test series, will have more cricket in September, October and November when Australia A and South Africa A visit.Australia A will visit first and play two four-day games – starting September 16 and 23 – and three one-dayers, on September 30, October 3 and October 5. After a gap, South Africa A will play a similar set of matches, two four-dayers, starting November 2 and November 9, and three one-dayers, on November 13, 16 and 19.The four-dayers between the Indians and Australians would be played in Lucknow, and the one-dayers in Kanpur, while all the India A vs South Africa A games would be played in Bengaluru. The two four-dayers are scheduled to be played at the BCCI’s new Centre of Excellence (formerly the National Cricket Academy), making these the first competitive matches to be played at the facility.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has urged teenage sensation Estevao Willian to follow the positional pathway undertaken by his fellow team-mate Cole Palmer. Maresca addressed talk of a position change for Estevao and believes that the young Brazilian can seamlessly transition from a right winger to an attacking midfielder, provided he is "physically prepared" for the challenge.

Estevao impressive during adaptation period at Chelsea

Estevao's minutes have been managed quite meticulously by manager Maresca as the youngster adapts to the rigours of the Premier League. However, the €57 million (£50m/$67m) signing has shown flashes of brilliance despite only starting four games and managing only 326 minutes in the eight games he has played across all competitions. He bagged an assist in the 5-1 drubbing of West Ham in August, but has since failed to contribute to a goal directly.    

AdvertisementAFPPalmer's injury opens doors for Estevao

Palmer has had rotten luck with injuries in the first two months of the 2025-26 campaign. Ahead of the second league game against West Ham in August, the ex-Man City starlet suffered an issue during warm-up, forcing him to miss the game despite being named in the starting XI. It was then revealed that Palmer was diagnosed with a groin injury, which kept him out for three weeks. He returned to action against Brentford in mid-September, after the international break, but suffered a relapse in his groin during the dismal 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.   

Although the Blues have the on-loan Facundo Buonanotte to count upon in the No.10 role amid injuries to Palmer and Liam Delap, who is a centre-forward, Maresca believes Estevao can make the transition to a No.10 and plug in in the absence of their 23-year-old talisman.  

Estevao reminds Maresca of Palmer

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Maresca said: "I think Estevao reminded me a lot of Cole when Cole was with me in the U23s at City, and when he was with us in the first team. I think Cole's path has been similar to Estevao's path in terms of starting wide as a winger. And then slowly, slowly you can move inside.”

However, the Italian head coach also admitted that the Brazil international will need to bulk up in order to thrive in the new role. “The Premier League is completely different compared to other countries in the world. If you want to play in the middle, you need to be physically prepared,” the former Leicester City boss said.

“I think Cole now is like that. In the past, he needed to develop that. I see Estevao exactly in the same way.”   

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Getty/GOALLiverpool challenge awaits Chelsea

It will be interesting to see how Maresca sets up his team and who makes the cut in his starting XI against the defending Premier League champions on Sunday. Desperate for a win after two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings, the 45-year-old will be under pressure to get both his player combinations and tactics right against Arne Slot's men.   

Do Wolverhampton Wanderers need to be active in the final few days of the transfer window to avoid being relegated?

In their Premier League opener on Saturday, Wolves were demolished 4-0 by Manchester City at Molineux, their heaviest defeat under Vítor Pereira.

This is the start of the Old Gold’s eighth successive season in the Premier League, their longest stay in the top division since the early-70s, but could it come to an end?

Well, some fresh additions between now and September 1st would certainly help.

Wolves targeting new midfielder

That opening day annihilation at the hands of Man City underlined Wolves’ lack of quality, so do they have their eyes set on a highly-rated midfield general?

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Well, according to reports in Spain, Wolves are interested in signing Marc Casadó from Barcelona, with Real Betis and Como also in the running.

They add that Barça “would accept” a suitable offer, given their ongoing financial issues, only able to register new signings Joan García and Marcus Rashford on the morning of their La Liga opener against Mallorca last weekend.

As it transpires, the three aforementioned suitors have already submitted an offer to sign the player, believed to be worth around £26m.

So, could Casadó soon swap Catalonia for the English Midlands?

What Marc Casadó would bring to Wolves

Ever since they secured their return to the Premier League in 2018, high-quality midfielders have been key to Wolves’ success.

First, Portuguese duo João Moutinho and Rúben Neves formed the bedrock of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, playing 184 matches for the club together, but the one that got away is unquestionably Vitinha.

20 years old at the time, he spent the 2020/21 season on loan from Porto in the Black Country, making just 22 appearances for the club, starting only five times in the Premier League, his only goal this absolute rocket against non-league Chorley in an FA Cup tie.

Wolves did have a £17m option to buy following the conclusion of his loan, but declined, a decision they surely now regret, considering Vitinha has become one of the very best midfielders in the world, thriving at Paris Saint-Germain.

But, how does Casado compare? Well, joining Barcelona’s academy at the age of 13, and is a classic la Masia midfielder; diminutive and possessing exceptional technical ability, much like Vitinha.

After making the odd cameo appearance here or there beforehand, he really established himself as a key figure in Hansi Flick’s domestic treble-winning squad last season, as the table below documents.

Casadó ranked highly for a wide variety of statistics at Barcelona last season, including passing and defensive metrics, despite the fact ten players saw more minutes than he did.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “midfield general”, praising his “control and work rate”, while Pol Ballús of the Athletic notes that he dominated midfield against ‘elite opposition’ last season, believing he could be a massive star in the future. It’s clear to see why the comparisons to Vitinha exist.

However, could this future be away from Camp Nou, with Casadó having fallen down the Barça midfield pecking order, an unused substitute for Saturday’s win at Son Moix, with Fermín López, Frenkie de Jong and Pedro starting, while Gavi came off the bench?

Should Casadó end up in Wolverhampton, he’d be joining the strongest area of Wolves’ team, with Brazilian duo João Gomes and André starting on the opening weekend, surely one of the best pairings in the bottom half, with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Marshall Munetsi deployed further forward.

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old Spain international has the potential to be a world-class operator so, if Wolves are able to take advantage of Barcelona’s dire finances, they can’t afford to fumble this opportunity, as they did with Vitinha five seasons ago.

Wolves submit £26m offer to sign "superb" new star who’s been granted exit

The Midlands club have made their first move.

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 21, 2025

Akhter, an offspinner who last turned out for Bangladesh in 2022, is the first international women’s cricketer to be banned on charges of corruption

Mohammad Isam11-Feb-2025

Bangladesh offspinner Shohely Akhter has become the first female cricketer to be banned for corruption. Akhter, who has played two ODIs and 13 T20Is, was found guilty of attempting to fix, offering a bribe and failing to disclose full details of an approach to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code (ACU), as well as obstructing the investigation.She has been banned for five years from all cricket after she admitted breaching five provisions of the anti-corruption code.The charges against her centre around an approach she made to a Bangladesh cricketer during the 2023 Women’s T20 World held in South Africa. Akhter, 36, was not part of the Bangladesh playing squad for that World Cup, having last played in October 2022.The ACU’s investigation focused on Shohely’s conversation on Facebook Messenger with the cricketer on February 14, 2023. It was the day of the T20 World Cup match between Bangladesh and Australia. She made an offer of 2 million Bangladeshi Taka (USD 16,400 approx.) to the player to get out hit wicket during the match.The player who was approached by Akhter reported the matter to the ACU immediately, providing all the voice notes from Shohely, who had deleted those files on her devices.When interviewed by the ACU, Shohely confirmed that she did send the voice messages to the player but initially claimed that “she only did so in order to show her friend that members of the Bangladesh team were not involved in fixing, not because she was genuinely making a corrupt approach”.In her first interview with the ACU, Akhter showed the ACU screenshots which she claimed were a conversation between her and a friend about the “challenge”. She said that these messages had been exchanged prior to February 14, when she contacted the Bangladesh player. The ACU however confirmed that those files were created after February 14 by “reviewing underlying metadata for the messages”.In deciding on the length of her ban, the ICC said it had considered the circumstances of the case, “including giving Ms Akther credit for agreeing an outcome that avoids the need for a hearing and so saves considerable time and money for use elsewhere in the fight against corruption, and has considered relevant precedents.”The ICC therefore considers that a period of ineligibility of five (5) years is reasonable and proportionate. Ms Akhter has agreed to this sanction. As such, a period of ineligibility of five (5) years is imposed.”As such, neither Akhter nor the ICC has any right of appeal against this decision.The ACU which oversees all senior international cricket, does not make public information on investigations that do not lead to charges, but it is believed that a small number of investigations around women’s events have taken place in the past. This, however, is believed to be the first time an investigation of an attempt to corrupt at a women’s event has reached a conclusion with charges.

When Liverpool announced the arrival of Hugo Ekitike earlier this week, it would have been easy to assume that the Reds had ended their search for a striker. But since then, there has been an almighty twist to the tale.

As reported by David Ornstein and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Alexander Isak now wants to leave Newcastle United this summer and explore options elsewhere. The Swede was sent home from the Magpies’ friendly against Celtic amid all the speculation, before being left out of their Asia tour courtesy of a ‘thigh injury’.

However, it has since emerged that Isak was left out of the tour after his request to leave St James’ Park ahead of next season. It’s an undeniable blow for the Magpies – their biggest yet in a summer full of disappointment – but Newcastle’s loss could quickly become Liverpool’s gain.

Liverpool informed Newcastle before signing Ekitike that they were willing to break their club record for the second time this summer to sign Isak in a £120m deal. And whilst that becomes more difficult after splashing out £69m to welcome their new French forward, fresh sales could yet leave Liverpool in dreamland.

With the potential to have both Isak and Ekitike at their disposal, AI assistant Grok has predicted and ranked the different formations that Liverpool could use to incorporate the two forwards.

3

4-4-2 (dual strikers)

The natural way to accommodate two talented strikers would be to play the trusty and reliable 4-4-2. The sytem would be a new one for Arne Slot, but could be one worth playing if he is to get the best out of Isak and Ekitike.

In this formation, Isak would likely take up the role of primary goalscorer whilst Ekitike takes up the job of chief creator. The latter’s task would be to drop slightly deeper into the No.10 role or even the false 9 role that Liverpool fans will know so well from Roberto Firmino’s time at the club and provide the link between midfield and attack.

Isak, meanwhile, would be asked to do the very thing that only Mohamed Salah did better than him in the Premier League last season and that’s score goals. The big questions here, though, would be whether Slot would be willing to sacrifice his numbers in midfield and just where he would find a place for Florian Wirtz.

2

4-2-3-1 (Ekitike as No.10)

There is, of course, another way around this. Liverpool could simply revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation – which they used at times last season to great success – and utilise Ekitike as a No.10. The former Frankfurt forward would then have Isak in front of him and likely Cody Gakpo and Salah beside him.

Suddenly, Slot would have a scintilating front four all featuring at once. The last time that Liverpool had something close to such attacking quality were the few months prior to Philippe Coutinho’s exit when the Brazilian stood alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino. Years later, however, Anfield could be about to see that front four eclipsed.

Alas, there are some downsides to the 4-2-3-1. Where would Wirtz slot in? Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign the German and for very good reason. There’s no disputing that he should be an instant starter. What’s more, there would be question marks over Ekitike’s ability to remain consistent as No.10 with such little experience in the role.

The Frenchman would be shoe-horned in more than anything and there’s certainly a better way for Slot to get the best out of every one of his stars if Liverpool sign Isak.

1

4-3-3 (Ekitike wide left)

Another option, and one that Slot is more familiar with, would be a 4-3-3 with Ekitike playing out wide. Forming a front three between Ekitike, Isak and Salah, the Reds would have their best trio since Mane, Firmino and Salah and one that would arguably be capable of putting up similar numbers.

Given that Luis Diaz could yet join Bayern Munich in a big-money deal this summer too, moving Ekitike into his left-wing spot would certainly make sense. There may be some concerns that the Frenchman lacks experience in the role, given that he played just 5% of his minutes at Eintracht Frankfurt on the wing, but he certainly has the creative talent.

With 12 assists to his name last season, Ekitike could provide a similar threat to Cody Gakpo by cutting in from the left-hand side using his physical stature. Isak, meanwhile, would once again benefit from the No.9 role, whilst Wirtz could take his much-needed role in midfield.

In terms of familiarity and player roles, utilising a 4-3-3 looks like the best way that Slot would be able to take a squad full of stars to a second-consecutive Premier League title.

David Moyes has made no secret of his determination to reshape Everton’s attack before the Premier League season kicks off.

His squad looked flat throughout the Premier League Summer Series in the US, suffering defeats to both Bournemouth and West Ham, along with a draw against Manchester United.

With Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom returning to their parent clubs, Moyes has prioritised signing a new wide player who can slot straight into his first eleven.

So far, there have been arrivals in other areas.

Carlos Alcaraz’s loan move from Flamengo was made permanent, while the club also secured the £27m signing of striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal – though Moyes has cautioned that the forward will need time to adapt.

What’s more, Bayern Munich left-back Adam Aznou has joined in a £7.8m deal.

However, Everton have suffered frustration in the market too. Kenny Tete renewed with Fulham, while a bid for Lyon’s Malick Fofana has fallen short.

Talks for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo were equally problematic, with his £50m release clause proving prohibitive. Everton have also shown an interest in Jack Grealish, though a deal appears complicated at this stage.

In the midst of these challenges, one name has emerged as a potentially transformative addition, alongside both Tyler Dibling and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who could be on their way to Merseyside, according to the most recent reports.

Everton interested in wildcard option

Zuriko Davitashvili, the 24-year-old Georgian winger currently playing for Saint-Étienne, is quickly attracting attention.

Like Iliman Ndiaye before him, Davitashvili has shone in Ligue 1 with his blend of direct attacking play and creative spark.

Last season, he produced nine goals and eight assists in 33 appearances, while also amassing 46 caps and six goals for Georgia.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “powerful finisher,” a trait that would certainly appeal to Moyes, who needs players capable of providing an end product.

Transfer Focus

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Davitashvili can play on the left, on the right, or through the middle, giving Everton the kind of versatility they have lacked since losing Harrison and Lindstrom.

He is valued at around €12m (£10m), as per Football Transfers, a price Everton could realistically afford even within their financial constraints.

According to Foot Mercato, the Toffees are among those interested in making a move, despite Saint-Étienne having declared him not for sale, frustrating the player, who is said to be determined to test himself at a higher level.

Rennes, Strasbourg, Sevilla, and Mönchengladbach are also all credited with interest, but convincing Saint-Étienne to sell will take negotiation. If the Toffes can do just that, they’d be in for a real treat…

Comparing Davitashvili to Ndiaye

Like Ndiaye, who arrived from Ligue 1 side Marseille last summer in a £16.9m move and went on to contribute nine Premier League goals, Davitashvili appears ready-made for Moyes’s counter-attacking style, with his capacity to drive from deep and create in tight spaces.

The parallels between Davitashvili and Ndiaye are striking.

Both are left-wingers who can also play centrally, and both have a proven Ligue 1 record.

Statistically, Davitashvili actually surpassed Ndiaye’s output last season, registering 17 goal involvements (nine goals, eight assists) compared to Ndiaye’s nine.

When you dig into their numbers, subtle differences emerge.

According to FBref, Ndiaye offers more progressive carries per 90 (3.19) and progressive passes per 90 (3.07) than Davitashvili (2.19 and 2.36 respectively), suggesting Ndiaye is more dynamic in advancing play through the thirds.

Davitashvili, meanwhile, is more of a final-third contributor, boasting higher shot-creating actions per 90 (3.85 vs. 2.41) and more shots on target per 90 (0.78 vs. 0.56).

Their finishing efficiency also varies. Ndiaye landed 42.9% of his efforts on target, compared to 35.3% for Davitashvili, though Davitashvili takes more shots overall.

His pass completion rate sits slightly lower (78.6% vs. Ndiaye’s 81.8%), suggesting more risk-taking in his passing decisions.

In terms of beating defenders one-v-one, Ndiaye again has the edge with a 47.6% successful take-on rate, compared to 37.4% for Davitashvili.

Moyes may see Davitashvili as a player who complements, rather than directly mirrors, Ndiaye.

Where Ndiaye excels at progressing play through the middle third, Davitashvili could thrive in advanced areas, providing a clinical edge in front of goal and adding variety in how Everton break teams down.

His positional versatility, plus a proven track record of scoring and assisting from wide positions, would make him an immediate contender for a starting role.

Everton’s recruitment team have been instructed to identify players who can adapt quickly, cope with physical football, and plug multiple gaps.

Davitashvili, with the same Ligue 1 background as Ndiaye and a clear ambition to play at a higher level, fits that brief.

If Everton can negotiate a way past Saint-Étienne’s resistance, he could arrive at Goodison Park as another hidden gem, following in Ndiaye’s footsteps to help rebuild an attack that has badly needed fresh energy.

Talk of transfers at Liverpool in recent days have centred around the addition of a new centre forward.

The two players in question are Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, however, the Reds have found one deal rather more complex than the other.

Towards the beginning of the week, it was reported that the Anfield side had approached Newcastle United, issuing their willingness to put a £120m offer on the table for Isak.

It’s an astronomical sum of money, but the Toon have always said the same thing about the Swede; he’s not for sale.

While this was happening, Newcastle had actually been looking at doing a deal for Ekitike themselves, even registering a bid. Sadly for Eddie Howe’s men, they look set to miss out on the Frenchman.

That’s because Liverpool have come in with their own bid for the Frankfurt striker and there is now confidence that he will be heading to Merseyside. Once that deal is done, surely Richard Hughes and Co will chill out a bit? Apparently not.

Liverpool eyeing Real Madrid stars

While Ekitike is target number one right now, there have been links to Real Madrid winger Rodrygo in recent days.

Transfer Focus

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

Also a target for Arsenal this summer, reports earlier in the week suggested that Liverpool were set to send officials out to Madrid to discuss a deal for the Brazilian. Yet, with Ekitike now looking ever more likely to arrive, whether they sign another forward player remains to be seen.

In fact, according to reports in Spain, another Madrid star is on the club’s radar: Aurelien Tchouameni.

Liverpool have already tried to sign the holding midfielder once when he was still at Monaco but they could make a fresh attempt.

The report states that Arne Slot’s side are ‘back on the attack and preparing a big offer to secure his services’.

What Tchouameni could offer to Liverpool

Two years ago, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool underwent a midfield rebuild. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson had departed for Saudi Arabia and the injury-stricken Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara also left Anfield behind.

As a result, three players came in: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Mac Allister has been by far the most consistent, working his way onto the nominees for the PFA Player of the Year award. For Gravenberch, the progress in Merseyside has been slower.

Under Klopp, he struggled to find a regular starting berth but Slot’s arrival has turned him into a midfield monster. The Dutchman repurposed his fellow countryman as more of a defensive-minded midfielder and he shone, notably winning the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award for 2024/25.

Szoboszlai, on the other hand, has been criticised by Jamie Carragher for needing to score more goals. That might well explain why Florian Wirtz was signed this summer.

Yet, despite Gravenberch’s captivating campaign, he could well be replaced by Tchouameni, a player capable of emulating Fabinho at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.

Described as “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet” by analyst Raj Chohan, the 25-year-old has been around the block for a while now, cementing himself in the Madrid team.

Last season, the Frenchman proved why he’s rated so highly, starting 31 of the 32 games he was available for in LaLiga and also starting ten of the 12 Champions League ties he was available for. You don’t play that many games for Madrid without being a good player.

Like Fabinho, he’s a tempo setter but he can also break up play fantastically well. Here’s what the data tells us.

Pass success %

92%

87%

Passes into final 3rd

5.89

5.58

Progressive passes

5.15

5.58

Tackles won

0.77

1.52

Interceptions

1.54

1.47

Blocks

1.14

1.08

Errors leading to a goal

0.03

0.04

Touches

77.7

77.2

Successful take-ons

0.33

0.39

Progressive carries

0.64

0.82

Analysing Fabinho at the peak of his powers, when Liverpool won the Premier League in 2019/20, the similarities with Tchouameni are clear to see.

While the Brazilian got through more tackles per 90 minutes, in other areas there isn’t much to split the duo whatsoever.

They complete a similar number of take-ons, have almost an identical touch count and have a similar skillset when it comes to various passing metrics.

For a defensive-minded midfielder, however, the ability to intercept play and block passing lanes is crucial. Those are two areas where Tchouameni and Fabinho in his prime are very alike.

Signing a new holding player this summer may not be the most pressing issue but if the Madrid sensation is on the market, this would be a wonderful opportunity for FSG to take.

Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 17, 2025

Celtic are in the market to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch during the summer transfer window, having already added defender Kieran Tierney to the group.

The Hoops are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sweden international Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland to add to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking arsenal.

In the 2024/25 campaign, the left-footed star, who usually plays on the right wing, scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga for his club.

This suggests that the 23-year-old forward could provide a good goal threat for Rodgers on the right flank next season, if he can adapt to Scottish Premiership football.

Celtic keen to sign another winger

Nygren may not be the only wide option added to the Hoops squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, though, as they are also eyeing a left-sided attacker.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic remain interested in a deal to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of next season.

The reporter claims that the deal has slowed down in recent weeks, but that all parties, including Royal Antwerp and the Belgian dynamo, are keen for the 24-year-old forward to sign for the Hoops before the window closes.

Tavolieri adds that the Pro League side are demanding a fee in the region of £5m for their star winger, and it is now down to the Scottish giants to stump up the cash to get this deal done.

Why Balikwisha would be as exciting as Nygren for Celtic

If the Scottish giants can wrap up a move for the Belgian wing wizard in the coming days or weeks then he would be a signing that would be as exciting as the pending addition of Nygren.

As aforementioned, the Swedish star is an exciting purchase for the Hoops because of the potential he has to deliver goals on a regular basis from the right wing for Celtic.

Balikwisha, meanwhile, is a winger who carries a dual threat on the left flank as someone who can both score and create goals at a fairly impressive rate, albeit he is coming off the back of an injury-laden year that restricted him to just 12 starts in the Belgian top-flight.

The Royal Antwerp star had scored seven goals and provided five assists in 33 outings in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before a disrupted season this term.

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian star’s performances in limited minutes this season suggest that he has the potential to offer more to the team as a creator than Nygren does.

Balikwisha, who was described as “creative” by analyst Will Glavin, can consistently create high-quality opportunities to assist his teammates, whilst still offering a threat as a goalscorer.

Therefore, Celtic could have a good balance on the flanks as they would have Nygren to provide a huge goal threat and Balikwisha to be the main creator, whilst both players can also chip in with assists and goals respectively.

This means that both wide players are exciting in their own right, as they offer quality in different departments, and that is why Hoops fans should be excited by the prospect of both stars ending up at Parkhead this summer.

Bigger blow than Kyogo: UCL club in talks to sign "breathtaking" Celtic ace

Celtic are in talks with a European team over a deal for one of their star players.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2025

Glasgow Rangers have made a formal bid to sign another full-back for manager Russell Martin after an Ibrox deal for Max Aarons.

Rangers sign Aarons on loan as Gers announce deal

After confirming a deal which was agreed earlier in the year to sign midfielder Lyall Cameron, the Gers and 49ers Enterprises have moved efficiently to bring Aarons to Ibrox.

Moving to Glasgow on a straight loan deal from Bournemouth, Aarons got straight to work with Rangers and said after penning his contract:

Ahead of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos and Scottish Premiership opener at Motherwell, Martin and the Gers will be looking at more additions, with further defensive signings on the agenda.

Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady is open to a move to Rangers following contact, whereas Liverpool’s Owen Beck is another transfer target. Talks were thought to be opened by Rangers over a move for Beck, and a new update has emerged.

Rangers make bid to sign Owen Beck

According to DaveOCKOP, ‘Rangers have now made their interest formal with a bid for the 22-year-old’.

Liverpool have held talks with Beck over extending his contract and sending him out on loan, whereas Rangers are interested in a permanent deal for the left-back.

Beck spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers and won their Young Player of the Season award after making 24 Championship appearances. Prior to his time at Ewood Park, Beck also had loan spells at Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers and Dundee United.

The Welshman was actually described as “spectacular” by scout Jacek Kulig, who also compared him to Andy Robertson when coming through Liverpool’s academy.

Elsewhere, former Liverpool U21 coach Barry Lewtas called Beck a “consistent performer” back in 2022. “I thought Owen was fantastic. The progress he has made over his time at the Academy, but certainly the last couple of years, is a credit to him with the work he puts in [and] how coachable he is because he listens and takes on board the information we give him. He has become a real consistent performer for us and in my opinion he was the standout player against Derby.”

Related Rangers deal agreed: Gers accept bid to sell Ibrox ace without Martin's approval

They won’t be making a profit either.

Posts 1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 25, 2025

Now, a move to Glasgow with Rangers could be one to keep an eye on following the update of a formal bid being submitted.