da bet vitoria： Gary Neville has suggested a Manchester City star “doesn’t get involved enough” and “could do so much more” after the Sky Sports pundit’s former club suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby.
Man City back on track after derby triumph
da cassino online： Man City endured a difficult start to the Premier League season, losing two of their opening three games, but Pep Guardiola will be hoping the 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United can be an early turning point.
Phil Foden opened the scoring for the hosts just before the 20-minute mark, with a second-half Erling Haaland brace wrapping up all three points for Guardiola’s side, who always looked in control of the game.
Guardiola waxed lyrical about the Norwegian striker after the match, saying: “Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us.”
While Neville was also left impressed by Haaland’s performance, the Manchester United legend queried why the striker is unable to put in similar displays on a more regular basis, saying on his podcast: “Obviously he sometimes doesn’t get involved in the game enough.
“He scores so many goals, but then I always think, you could do so much more, you could hold it up, you could rag-doll defenders, you could chase things down, you could defend it in your own box, you could win headers, you could do everything, because you’re that good – you’re that good a player, and today was that performance.”
Haaland has made flying start to the campaign
The 25-year-old has been called out on his general play in the past, with former Man United man Roy Keane comparing the centre-forward to a League Two player after the Blues’ 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the 2023-24 season.
However, one thing that cannot be questioned is the Man City star’s goal-scoring ability, having won the Premier League Golden Boot award in his first two campaigns at the Etihad Stadium, while also maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal last season.
Season
Premier League appearances
Goals
2022-23
35
36
2023-24
31
27
2024-25
31
22
As pointed out by Neville, the Norway international also showed signs that his all-round game has improved against United too, making six clearances, creating one big chance and completing two dribbles throughout the match.
Although Man City have endured a difficult start to the season, having Haaland at their disposal should mean they always have a chance of competing for major honours, and Guardiola will be hoping the centre-forward can continue his fantastic form.
da casino： Manchester United have the long term in their sights under Ruben Amorim, though they could now face a decision on whether to sell one of their prize assets to Real Madrid.
Man Utd look for gradual progression under Ruben Amorim
da bwin： The Premier League campaign has ignited quiet optimism at Old Trafford over the direction Amorim’s young squad may be headed. However, there is still plenty of work to do before debates can take place over quantified success.
Taking difficult decisions to improve his pool of talent, Andre Onana’s departure to join Trabzonspor on loan has impressed supporters as the Red Devils streamline their squad appropriately for years to come.
Onana stated upon his arrival: “I am very happy. I can say that I am very happy. I am starting a new project, a new adventure for me, I am very happy to be here. This is a feeling that makes me so happy. I’ve never felt so much love from people around me.”
Feeling love in a new environment is important, something reflected in Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first goal for Napoli over the weekend, but Amorim has shown courage to discard big-money signings in pursuit of an improved product on the field.
In statistics recorded before Manchester United’s tussle with Manchester City, the Red Devils had taken the most shots and also faced the second-fewest efforts in the Premier League across their last ten top-flight matches, illustrating that slow change is taking place.
CSKA Moscow midfielder Kirill Glebov has his heart set on moving to Old Trafford, showing a buy-in from young players desperate to join Amorim’s project, albeit not everyone is feeling the same way amid recent developments.
Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave Man Utd for Real Madrid
According to reports in Spain, Kobbie Mainoo is pressuring Manchester United to sell him to Real Madrid and views a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as a dream destination in January.
This term, the England international has fallen out of favour under Amorim and hasn’t been a regular starter, though any transfer could depend on Los Blancos running into injury trouble or selling Dani Ceballos. Mainoo still wants out of Old Trafford and ‘his inner circle is working on finding a club that can guarantee him minutes’
INEOS may now be left with a decision to make on Mainoo’s future, which is complicated further by the fact he has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford.
Amorim stated earlier this week that the Carrington graduate needs to improve in the engine room to fulfil his potential fully: “I believe in him a lot. He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better.
“For some guys (talent) is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie, and that’s it.”
After Mainoo asked to leave Manchester United on loan before the window closed, it appears there may still be work to do at Old Trafford to convince him to stick around amid interest from Champions League giants.
da bet esporte： Everton’s summer very nearly got even better as the deadline approached and they reportedly submitted an offer to sign a La Liga midfielder for David Moyes.
Every player that Everton signed this summer
da dobrowin： In a new era with new owners in The Friedkin Group and the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton were always likely to spend big in the summer transfer window. Their squad certainly needed the investment, too. The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure departed as free agents and the Toffees were quickly forced into the market.
In previous years, those in Merseyside could be accused of investing poorly before lingering all too close to the Premier League’s relegation zone as a result. This time around, however, it looks as though they’ve got things spot on. The likes of Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have got off to excellent starts, whilst big-money striker Thierno Barry is beginning to find his feet under Moyes.
The Friedkin Group waited up until deadline day to finalise their summer spending, welcoming Merlin Rohl on loan from German club Freiburg to cap off what was a fantastic window of arrivals.
After becoming the latest to arrive, Rohl told the club’s official website: “I’m really excited and full of joy to sign for Everton. It’s a big club, with great history and great fans. It’s the right time for me to join Everton. It feels like a shifting point for the Club. The future looks really good and I’m excited to be part of it.”
In total, Everton managed to welcome nine fresh faces with those being Grealish, Barry, Dewsbury-Hall, Rohl, Dibling, Carlos Alcaraz, Adam Aznou, Mark Travers and Tom King.
That said, as impressive as that list is, nine very nearly became 10 as the deadline approached if recent reports are anything to go by.
Everton submitted late offer for Altimira
According to reports in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton and TFG submitted a late offer to sign Sergi Altimira from Real Betis only for the Spanish club to hand them an instant rejection. The midfield star also had interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, but eventually stayed put in Spain as the transfer window slammed shut.
Everton’s late summer bid means that Altimira is now one to watch for January. If the Toffees return, then they will add to their spending and welcome another midfielder after Rohl.
League stats P90 24/25
Rohl
Altimira
Minutes
965
1,972
Progressive Carries
1.87
1.14
Progressive Passes
2.06
4.52
Ball Recoveries
4.58
5.34
When compared, it’s clear that Altimira would have offered Moyes a different kind of midfielder in the summer transfer window. The Spaniard outperformed Rohl in ball recoveries and progressive passes, but struggled when it came to carrying possession.
Sergi Altimira in action for Real Betis.
Altimira also featured more often than Rohl last season and would enter Everton’s side with more experience. There’s no denying that the midfielder ticks plenty of boxes and would have been an excellent deadline-day addition. If the Toffees get a second chance to secure his signature, they should grab hold of it.
da dobrowin： While Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenuous relationship with the Nottingham Forest ownership rages on, hopes remain high that last season’s success can be used as a platform for new riches.
da realsbet： A heavy summer of spending has run counter to Nuno’s desire to play with a more compact first-team squad. Still, the pointers are promising, and even after last week’s surprise defeat to West Ham United, there is reason for the Reds to be excited for the times ahead.
Nuno Espirito Santo in action for Nottingham Forest.
Last season’s success in the Premier League has led to Forest awaiting a campaign in the Europa League, with the stern, steely defence doing such fine work over the past year.
However, it was Chris Wood at the other end of the field who took many of the plaudits, with the 33-year-old still firing them in for the Tricky Trees.
Chris Wood continues to deliver
When Wood arrived at the City Ground in January 2023, he arrived as a Newcastle United reject, and many believed his best days were behind him.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
The New Zealand international has scored 36 goals from 69 matches in the Premier League, including a remarkable 20-strike haul last term. Pundit Alan Shearer praised his “unbelievable” shooting last term, the focal point of the Tricky Trees’ success.
Lethal and commanding in the final third, the powerful striker has already added two goals to his collection this term, and now stares down the runway at that elusive centurion badge, 91 goals scored in the competition.
His second in the opening-day match against Brentford was a thing of beauty, collecting, scuttling, striking. The net bulges.
It was a lovely strike, engineered by the creative brilliance of Elliot Anderson in the centre. And it is the robust centre-midfielder who is shaping into Forest’s main man.
Forest have hit gold on Elliot Anderson
In July 2024, Newcastle United were forced to sell homegrown prospect Anderson to avoid PSR-related disaster.
He joined Forest in a £35m deal, perhaps a little costly at the time, but since viewed as a shrewd deal for an elite talent. The 22-year-old has been nothing short of a bona fide success, right from the get-go.
Elliot Anderson celebrates after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur.
Instrumental in qualifying for Europe last year, analyst Ben Mattinson has described Anderson as a “midfield warrior” and a “powerhouse carrier with a bit of passing range”.
Hailed for his “utter class” performances in the Forest midfield by journalist Ralph Blackburn, Anderson is starting to shape into one of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League, so cultured and complete for a high-flying outfit.
Anderson – PL record for Forest
Stats (*per game)
24/25
25/26
Matches (starts)
37 (33)
3 (3)
Goals
2
0
Assists
6
1
Touches*
54.2
105.0
Pass completion
82%
89%
Big chances created
7
1
Key passes*
1.0
1.7
Dribbles*
1.0
1.0
Ball recoveries*
5.6
6.0
Tackles + interceptions*
2.5
4.0
Duels (won)*
6.5
8.7
Data via Sofascore
An unrelenting defender and a silky, progressive attacking outlet from the centre, Anderson has it all, and given that he’s still so early into his Premier League career, there’s every reason to imagine that the duel machine might prove to be the defining player of the Nuno era, perhaps leaping ahead of someone like Wood.
His incisive passing and immense athleticism make an interesting comment on his potential, with Football Transfers recording his value to have doubled since first joining the Forest squad.
Having recently earned his first call-up for duty with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, Anderson really has gone from strength to strength since leaving Tyneside.
To lose him would be inconceivable, packing so much into Forest’s defensive and attacking manoeuvres. Wood might be a first-class talisman, but there’s a case to be made that Anderson is the cream of the crop.
da bet esporte： Tottenham Hotspur were viewed as frontrunners to sign a Premier League star along with their ongoing move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani.
Tottenham pushing to sign Kolo Muani
da marjack bet： In a summer which has seen attacking stars Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons arrive in north London, Daniel Levy is looking for more in the final third before the window slams shut.
Spurs incomings
From
Fee
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham
£55m
Xavi Simons
RB Leipzig
£51.8m
Mathys Tel
Bayern Munich
£30m
Kevin Danso
Lens
£21m
Luka Vuskovic
Hajduk Split
£12m
Kota Taka
Kawasaki Frontale
£5m
Joao Palhinha
Bayern Munich
Loan
Thomas Frank’s side drew a blank before the international break against AFC Bournemouth, and Spurs are now pursuing Kolo Muani. Linked with Tottenham before, the France international now looks set to join a loan-to-buy deal.
However, it isn’t just Spurs who are in for the former Juventus loanee, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Aston Villa also on the hunt for attacking additions. Should Kolo Muani head to London as expected, he could be joined by a “perfect” player, with an update emerging on another Spurs target.
Spurs were frontrunners for Akanji before Inter deal
According to reports on deadline day, relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham are seen as the frontrunners to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old only wants to play for a side in the Champions League this season, ruling out a move to Europa League side AC Milan.
Manuel Akanji
However, Akanji, who picks up £180,000-a-week (£9.3m-a-year), is now set to join Inter Milan on loan, with the Serie A side having an option to buy.
Capable of playing as a full-back or as a centre-back, Akanji has been hailed in the past by Pep Guardiola, with the Etihad boss calling him “perfect” at one point.
“With [assistant manager] Carlos Vicens on set pieces, he said: ‘you only have to tell [Akanji] once [and] he knows it’. The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly. This is a gift for the manager. Some players, you have to explain ten times or train ten times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do. This guy needed just one training session and he got it.
“The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn’t train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball he is a magnificent player. Our build-up should be three in the back and that’s why in the position we normally play Kyle [Walker] or John [Stones]. He was absolutely perfect. Proof again that intelligent people, always it pays off.”
da brwin： Sunderland have made a solid start to life in the Premier League and could now be about to make a late swoop for a rapid forward.
Sunderland see off Brentford in dramatic fashion
da lvbet： Harnessing the power of their home support, Sunderland claimed their second victory of the league campaign under Regis Le Bris after Wilson Isidor’s last-minute winner over Brentford maintained their 100% record at the Stadium of Light.
Despite going behind courtesy of Igor Thiago’s header, Enzo Le Fee converted from the spot before the Black Cats’ fanbase were sent into raptures in stoppage time.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris on the touchline
Speaking post-match, Le Bris praised his side for their resilience after taking advantage of the fine margins that presented themselves on a day of ecstacy in the North East.
He stated: “Three points, another tough game with fine margins. I think the first half was positive, we controlled this part of the game without creating many chances or scoring, I think it was the main regret of the first half.
“Second half was totally different – more chaotic, more open. I’m happy because these two sides of the performance are really important, you can be well-organised and feel that we can control this part.”
With focus quickly shifting to deadline day, Sunderland are lining up a late bid for FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, who is also attracting interest from Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
On the same token, the Black Cats have submitted an offer for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman and there is a good chance that he could sign on the dotted line once all is said and done.
Making late moves, Sunderland now have a striker in their sights that would add an element of pace to their forward line if they can pull off a deal.
Sunderland "keen" on RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda
According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Sunderland have made their interest known in RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda, who is also wanted by the likes of Juventus and Aston Villa before the window slams shut.
His current employers are set to demand a fee near the £35 million mark for his signature, and Philipp Hinze has added to these reports via the social media outlet, claiming Openda may be able to leave on loan with a mandatory purchase option.
Sporting’s Conrad Harder has been billed as a Leipzig replacement for the Belgium international, who has registered 41 goals and 18 assists in 93 appearances for the German top-flight outfit.
Hitting a top speed of 38.86 kilometres per hour in the Bundesliga last term, per their official website, Openda is deemed a similar player to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior by Football Transfers’ comparison algorithm, coming as a result of his ability to race in-behind.
Reinforcements in the forward areas are on the agenda for Sunderland and a move to bring the talented forward to Wearside would be a fitting end to a strong window for the Black Cats.
da betano casino： With James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson and Arnaud Kalimuendo already through the door, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly made contact to sign a defensive addition.
Nottingham Forest closing in on Luiz agreement
da betcris： The Tricky Trees may have taken time to truly get going this summer, but they’re now in no mood to stop spending as the Premier League campaign gets underway and transfer deadline day approaches. Evangelos Marinakis has welcomed a flurry of arrivals as of late, and Douglas Luiz looks destined to be the next to be welcomed by the Greek owner.
The midfielder will arguably be Forest’s most impressive signing of the summer if he puts pen to paper as expected. The former Aston Villa midfielder has endured a nightmare spell at Juventus, but will be remembered most by Premier League fans for how he helped Unai Emery’s side into the Champions League two seasons ago.
Now set to return to the Premier League to play for Aston Villa’s Midlands rivals, Luiz will have the chance to restore his reputation in a World Cup year. Given how emphatic Forest were on the opening day against Brentford too, the addition of Luiz is only likely to improve a side that is already firing on all cylinders.
Even after the Brazilian potentially arrives to make it a fourth signing in the last two weeks at the City Ground, however, Marinakis is reportedly not done there in the transfer window. Reports are now indicating that Forest have launched an opening move to sign a Championship defender.
Nottingham Forest make contact to sign Fisher
As reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have now made an opening enquiry to sign Kellen Fisher from Norwich City. The 21-year-old has caught the eye of those at the City Ground after breaking into the Canaries’ senior squad last season and since keeping hold of his place under Liam Manning in the current campaign.
Earning plenty of praise from Johanes Hoff Thorup last season, the former Norwich manager explained why Fisher has the ability to play an inverted right-back role as well as in the natural full-back position – telling reporters: “He can do it because he has the technical abilities. He’s a great crossing player, and he’s a great technical player.
Kellen Fisher celebrates Norwich City goal.
“When you have that as one of your skills, then you can cover more and different positions. It’s just praise to him. He’s doing well, and it also creates a little bit more rotation in the team because now he has tried more positions.”
Seemingly doing enough to earn the interest of the Premier League, the young defender could go from Bromley in 2022 all the way to Nottingham Forest in the space of three impressive years.
da bet7： The Thomas Frank era got off to an agonising start as Tottenham Hotspur fell short against Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, but there was much to admire from a spirited and, for the most part, organised north London outfit.
da dobrowin： There was a lot to like, but Spurs fell short against the continent’s finest outfit, who clambered back from a two-goal deficit in the late stages. Lots to like, but work to be done, with the need for an attacking midfielder accentuated by the loss.
James Maddison’s injury is a tough one to take. Certainly, the Three Lions playmaker has been left stricken given the promising nature of Tottenham’s season ahead, with the World Cup then on the horizon across the pond.
Looking at the situation through a pragmatic lens, Spurs’ need for an attacking midfielder has been heightened. Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a patella injury, and the controversial failed bid for Morgan Gibbs-White preceded Maddison’s return to the infirmary.
With Heung-min Son having completed a £20m transfer to LAFC in the United States, signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze feels like something of a no-brainer, with that deal in the works. Well, insofar as Tottenham must remain apace with Arsenal in the battle.
But though Frank’s side showed great promise against PSG on Wednesday night, it’s clear that the club are calling out for more than just the arrival of a Maddison replacement, with a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho being chased too.
The latest on Savinho to Spurs
With Son gone and Eze operating frequently from the middle, thrusting forward with electric strides, completing a deal for Savinho feels important.
The Brazilian, 21, joined Pep Guardiola’s side from French club Troyes for around £31m last summer, and he registered 13 assists across 48 matches last term, albeit only scoring three times.
But there’s a lot to like, and Tottenham have opened talks for the rising talent as City pursue a deal for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
Savinho’s lack of bite in the final third is equalised by his snappy physicality and natural creativity. The goals will come, especially if he heads down N17 to work under Frank’s tutelage.
Savinho, who can play across both flanks, would be a fantastic addition, but with Man City holding out for a £67m fee, Daniel Levy and his coterie appear to have earmarked an exciting alternative.
Spurs have made bid for new winger
As per Spanish sources, Tottenham have seen an offer rejected for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, worth somewhere in the region of €40m (equating to £34m).
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The sought-after Japan international believes Sociedad’s ambitions do not match his own, with Spurs hoping to entice him over to London, offering the promise of Champions League.
Daniel Levy will be keenly aware of rival English interest: Bournemouth, Everton, and West Ham have all placed bids of their own, and AC Milan are now emerging as suitors too.
With such thick competition for Spurs’ Savinho alternative, Kubo’s outfit want his €60m (£51m) release clause paid in full.
What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Spurs
Savinho has proven that he has what it takes to impress in the Premier League, with Manchester City expert Steven McInerney remarking that he’s “on the precipice of being a world-class footballer.”
However, £67m is a tall order for a young winger who only scored one league goal for one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the world last season, and Kubo could be an exciting alternative who might even prove the better pick.
Takefusa Kubo for Real Sociedad.
A high-speed and nimble winger, Kubo is typically housed on the right flank, though like Savinho, his dynamism lends itself to roles across the frontline.
And his desire to leave Real Sociedad bespeaks his ambition. Despite maintaining a steady creative presence for the Basque side last year, he was let down by his teammates, finishing 11th in the league and creating only 42.5 xG (expected goals), via FBref.
In spite of this, Kubo, who has been described as a “special talent” by journalist John Bunting, enjoyed a promising individual campaign.
League Stats 24/25 – Kubo vs Savinho
Stats (*per game)
Kubo
Savinho
Matches (starts)
36 (27)
29 (21)
Goals
5
1
Assists
0
8
Shots (on target)
1.2 (0.4)
1.9 (0.7)
Big chances missed
2
6
Accurate passes
18.4 (77%)
23.0 (87%)
Big chances created
9
11
Key passes*
1.3
1.6
Dribbles*
2.1
1.8
Tackles + interceptions*
1.4
1.0
Duels (won)*
5.3
3.6
Data via Sofascore
Like Savinho, Kubo hasn’t established himself as a free-scoring wide forward yet, but there’s no question that he’s the more clinical of the two.
The Japanese’s flaw in the final third is that he doesn’t work himself into space with enough regularity, instead hugging the touchline and creating for his teammates.
Savinho does this too, of course, and it’s worth drawing attention to the fact that Kubo failed to register even one assist in La Liga last year. However, his underlying playmaking numbers suggest that he has what it takes to enrich Tottenham’s attacking fluency and build-up play.
Ultimately, Frank’s proven record with wingers, taking talented players and fashioning them into stars, suggests that both Savinho and Kubo could go from strength to strength under his leadership.
But, in all likelihood, Tottenham can only sign one. And if that is indeed the case, Kubo has the skill set and the hunger to prove himself at the highest level, having only featured eight times in the Champions League and having yet to reach the potential that was recognised from an early age.
Spurs’ initial offer suggests their interest is genuine, and if Man City stand unwavering on their £67m valuation, he is the winger to go for.
da supremo： Sunderland have agreed a £13m up-front fee to sign Granit Xhaka, who will sign a three-year contract on Wearside this week.
da 888casino： Xhaka had emerged as the Black Cats’ most high-profile target of the summer transfer window, as they look to make significant and experienced signings before the new Premier League season gets underway.
The Swiss has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, with the 32-year-old already having a huge amount of experience in the English game from his Arsenal days.
Xhaka seemingly likes the idea of being a vital player in the Black Cats’ quest to avoid relegation straight back to the Championship, feeling that his time in a Leverkusen shirt has reached its natural conclusion after winning the Bundesliga title back in 2023/24.
The legendary Switzerland international has dominated the Sunderland-related headlines of late and now two quickfire updates have emerged regarding the situation.
Xhaka set to sign three-year contract
Reports broke on Monday morning that Sunderland have agreed a £15m move for Xhaka, with the veteran midfielder set to join from Leverkusen imminently. However, Keith Downie has shared a further update, revealing plenty of good news for those on Wearside.
Indeed, Xhaka’s contract will be a year longer than first reported, and the initial cost is actually lower than the numbers going around.
This is fantastic news for anyone associated with Sunderland, with Xhaka a statement signing who could take Regis Le Bris’ team up another gear.
Related Sunderland make £13m bid to sign "goal machine" and want deal done ASAP
The Black Cats have included a buy-back clause.
The Black Cats achieved promotion with a young team, with emerging midfielders such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg excelling, but more experience is needed in the middle of the park in the Premier League, not to mention a replacement for the former after his move to Borussia Dortmund.
In Xhaka, Sunderland could have the perfect man to come in, with the ex-Arsenal player winning an incredible 137 caps for Switzerland and being hailed by former Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso for his “big heart”, always giving his all for the cause and playing with plenty of passion.
Granit Xhaka’s international career
Caps
Goals
Switzerland
137
14
Switzerland Under-21s
5
0
Switzerland Under-19s
10
3
Switzerland Under-18s
3
2
Switzerland Under-17s
13
1
It’s now a case of the final parts of the transfer being sorted, before Xhaka joins up with his new teammates, hopefully making a huge impression from the off.
da realbet： Liverpool won the Premier League last season. Could they repeat the trick in Arne Slot’s second season?
da bet7： Though underdogs last year, with Jurgen Klopp having stepped down from his post, the Reds’ success under Slot’s wing and the sweeping changes that have been enforced across the past two months of the summer transfer window have changed the lens through which rivals view the Anfield side.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
Now, the champions are ready to go again, with Mohamed Salah handed some degree of fresh offensive quality to partner him in the final third. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike; stand up.
But more may yet be on the horizon.
Liverpool lining up another signing
Luis Diaz is set to finalise his transfer to Bayern Munich imminently, with the German Bundesliga champions having agreed a £65.5m fee with Liverpool.
Should the deal go through (and it’s certainly set to), Liverpool will need a replacement, especially as Darwin Nunez prepares to start a new chapter in his career this summer too.
Well, according to Sky Sports Switzerland, Liverpool have officially launched their bid for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak this week, having agreed personal terms with the Sweden striker.
Fabrizio Romano previously confirmed that Liverpool would look to advance their bid for Isak, who only wants Anfield, after cashing in on Diaz.
Newcastle might end up reluctantly cashing in, but only if their asking price, in the ballpark of £130m, is met.
Why Liverpool want Alexander Isak
Across three seasons in England with Newcastle, the 25-year-old Isak has established himself as one of the best in the business, with analyst Raj Chohan even hailing him as “the best striker in the world” for his efforts across the 2024/25 campaign.
Isak scored 27 goals across all competitions, but he is so much more than just a goalscorer. As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90.
He’s an incredible striker, but more importantly, he’s a phenomenal player. In this way, the £120k-per-week Isak has what it takes to step up as Liverpool’s new talisman, having already been called a “world-class” player by pundit Alan Shearer.
Despite signing a new two-year deal in April, Salah is now 33 and won’t maintain his current level forever.
At times last season, it felt as if Salah single-handedly dragged Liverpool to the Premier League title, incredibly clinching 57 goal contributions across all competitions.
Isak has that star quality that could see him clutch the proverbial torch and push Liverpool forward through the coming era.
Most Goals + Assists in 24/25 (Europe’s Top 5 League)
Player
Apps
Goals
Assists
G/A Total
Mohamed Salah
38
29
18
47
Harry Kane
31
26
10
36
Kylian Mbappe
34
31
3
34
Omar Marmoush
33
22
12
34
Mateo Retegui
36
25
8
33
Data via Transfermarkt
Though Isak might not be the positional heir to Salah’s throne, given that people are already talking about him, there’s every reason for Merseyside fans to start getting excited, for they have a superstar in their sights.
Having spent three years establishing himself in the English top flight, Newcastle’s focal frontman is now ready to take the next step in his career and join Slot’s squad.
And while fans will be treated to a partnership between Isak and Salah – should the striker indeed sign this summer – for the next two seasons, Slot might end up finding that he’s landed his new version of the Egyptian King in this deadly number nine.
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